Pimp my ride...kayak version

[rcurry]

I have added a third recreational kayak to my collection. It is a bare a$$ naked boat, an Old Town “Vapor”. I told my husband they were almost ;)giving them away. I enjoyed another forum member's build that was posted on here so much that I decided to give it a try myself. I ordered my fittings, bungee, a few rivets and strapping from ACK (great Company to deal with) and picked up all the stainless steel nuts and bolts locally. There are a few other things that I pick up as I ran up on them such as netting and a cup holder.
The first hole I drilled in the new boat was the hardest. Now I figure…what the hell, it’s just plastic. I am actually having fun with my own kayak version of “pimp my ride”. When the boat is completed I’ll post pictures of it before and after. The sun is going to shine tomorrow and the temps are looking good so I’m putting off finishing it so I can get some paddle time in.

[tayb0w]

This sounds like a fun thread to keep an eye on...keep us up to date on your progress!

[rcurry]

http://www.rei.com/zoom/ii/00ec2a09-a904-4722-a0b9-42e0e2934849.jpg/440

This is what I started with; Old Town Vapor 10'

It came with an adjustable seat, adjustable foot pegs, and carrying handles. That's all...now the fun begins!!! :D:D:D

[rcurry]

My garage is sort of crowded at the moment. Even more so than the usual mess it holds within the walls. My three kayaks are inside as well as two of my friends newly purchased boats. They just bought their first kayaks (YAY!) and the store had that third one sitting there looking all lonely so I figured what the hell... ‘n decided to give it a new home. Anyway all three of us Girls purchased 10’ Old Town Vapors and are getting ready to play “Pimp My Ride” kayak style.
Stay tuned to see what a few pitchers’ of Margaritas, Bud Light, Crown Royal and some Kentucky Ladies’ imaginations come up with.

[rcurry]

I added netting, bungee & a cup holder.http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i414/rcurry61/Old%20Town%20Vapor%20Pimping/cardstuffnewboat011.jpg

[rcurry]

Bungee added to the rear to allow me to take along the all important cooler. J hooks and buttons were used so the bungee could be arranged to accommodate different cargo. I also added a drain plug. http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i414/rcurry61/Old%20Town%20Vapor%20Pimping/cardstuffnewboat002.jpg

[rcurry]

One of my favorite things I added to the boat are the two long narrow storage bags located out of the way under the inside curve of both sides. The bags have snap buckles and can be easily removed for cleaning. They are actually insulated coolers made to attach to folding outdoor chairs and have double zipper closures.http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i414/rcurry61/Old%20Town%20Vapor%20Pimping/cardstuffnewboat010.jpg
I installed them and used the extra strap to form loops for extra tie on points.
http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i414/rcurry61/Old%20Town%20Vapor%20Pimping/cardstuffnewboat013.jpg

[rcurry]

A little tip I’d like to give to anyone adding bungee & netting on the topside…if you use stainless steel bolts slightly longer you can also install a tie on point on the opposite (inside) of the boat. This is very useful for keeping your dry bags, dry boxes tethered in place and out of the way while paddling. In the event of flipping the contents are still with your boat.
I have fixtures on the inside of the boat for this purpose and I simply used the same bolts that were used when installed the pad eyes directly behind my seat.
I’ll try and add those pics at some point.

[Shoeless]

Where did you find the bag (cooler) you used? I've looked all over and can't find anything even close.

[rcurry]

I found them quite by accident and luck at an outlet/junk store the next town over from me. They were actually manufactured to use as coolers on those folding chairs everyone takes to outdoor concerts, sporting events & camping. The bags are insulated and can be used as a cooler but I always take a larger cooler for refreshments so I just use them for storage. They were priced cheap so I figured what the heck! Only two bucks each so I couldn’t go wrong. It is by far the best find I’ve added to the boat. I have one on each side for items I want close at hand.

I like to think outside the box and often repurpose items for different uses. The netting on the front of my boat is another bargain that I couldn’t pass up. I actually picked up three more nets to attach to my two other boats and to have a replacement when needed. For a single buck per net…I could have skipped ordering the bungee. I stumbled on the netting after I placed my order though. The netting had hooks on it that I removed. I believe the netting was actually designed to use to secure an extra helmet on a motorcycle.

You might find an item (soft sided coolers, backpack) you could modify to make something like this. If you can’t sew perhaps you can find a local seamstress that would help out. If you do come up with something post up pics. I love seeing what people come up with when they think outside the box.

[rcurry]

I also built a kayak cart out of parts from a...wait for it...WALKER, :cool:LOL. When I have the patience to post pictures of it, I'll get it on here so there is something new to point and laugh at.

All my playing in the garage doesn’t pay squat but it does keep me out of trouble.:D

[Ozarkwoods]

Great Job nothing like customizing your yak. Hope you are fairing well over there in KY.

[rcurry]

I'm doing great and will be doing much better after this weekend. Our Daughter is getting married to a wonderful man this weekend so as Mother of the Bride I’ve been overly busy. Shew, after attempting to figure out what all has to be done for a :rolleyes:“simple” outdoor wedding and BBQ; I sure don’t regret that my Hubby & I just slipped down to the Justice O’ Peace 27 years ago. I’m a big fan of eloping at this point, lol.

After the big wing ding I’ll be glad to get back to paddling.

I actually have ordered a Hennessy Hammock :Dthat should be here any day and plan on doing some kayak camping this summer.