Stowing gear onboard

[grout]

I have an entry level 10 footer - Pelican 100 -. My intention is to fish and camp -2 -3 day trips. I realize my boat is not perfectly suited for this, but it will have to suffice for a while until I can upgrade.

My question is - can I store gear in the hull? I have watertight bags and was thinking of storing bulky/heavier gear ( tent/pack) lower as opposed to on top, where I am concerned about center of gravity being to high.My boat has a capacity of 375 lbs - I am 200 - so I have a fair amount of lee way.

I plan flat to moderate water - lakes flowing river and stream not including white water.

also - I do not have a spray skirt, but the cockpit appears to be designed for one - are they universal in application, or do I need to purchase one specific to this boat?

Thanks for your patience in some very basic questions. R:)

[kayak karl]

I have an entry level 10 footer - Pelican 100 -. My intention is to fish and camp -2 -3 day trips. I realize my boat is not perfectly suited for this, but it will have to suffice for a while until I can upgrade.

My question is - can I store gear in the hull? I have watertight bags and was thinking of storing bulky/heavier gear ( tent/pack) lower as opposed to on top, where I am concerned about center of gravity being to high.My boat has a capacity of 375 lbs - I am 200 - so I have a fair amount of lee way.

I plan flat to moderate water - lakes flowing river and stream not including white water.

also - I do not have a spray skirt, but the cockpit appears to be designed for one - are they universal in application, or do I need to purchase one specific to this boat?

Thanks for your patience in some very basic questions. R:)

measure the cockpit and get a universal skirt. they come in sm, med, and lg. sales person will help.
put about 40 lbs of somethink in bottom of kayak and see how it handles. beach sand an rocks work:).
my starter kayak was a 12' pelican.

[KCSO]

The Pellican 10-14 skirt is the one you need. The Pellican 10 will be plenty good for day trips and 1 or 2 day jaunts. Store in good water tight bags and try and trim so you are just a little lighter in the front. I would try and stay with about 40-50 pounds of gear in the 10 as more than that will hamper your handling and draft. The skirt will make a lot of difference as you will not need to sponge out the boat and if you are carefull you will keep everything dry all day. If you are going on a longer haul, say 3-4 hours paddling at a streach get a close cell foam seat pad. If the skeeters aren't too bad in your area just take a tarp and rig it over the kayak instead of a tent. Also with the pellican take a spare seat strap as they tend to break at the most inopportune times.

[grout]

Good stuff. I appreciate your input. My adventure begins.:D

But I will certainly be looking for more info

[WonderMonkey]

Glad you are asking these questions, I will need this information soon.

[rcurry]

The Pellican 10-14 skirt is the one you need. The Pellican 10 will be plenty good for day trips and 1 or 2 day jaunts. Store in good water tight bags and try and trim so you are just a little lighter in the front. I would try and stay with about 40-50 pounds of gear in the 10 as more than that will hamper your handling and draft. The skirt will make a lot of difference as you will not need to sponge out the boat and if you are carefull you will keep everything dry all day. If you are going on a longer haul, say 3-4 hours paddling at a streach get a close cell foam seat pad. If the skeeters aren't too bad in your area just take a tarp and rig it over the kayak instead of a tent. Also with the pellican take a spare seat strap as they tend to break at the most inopportune times.

Lots of good information. I'd like to add one thing that I always include on any paddle outing, a spare paddle. I've never broken or lost a paddle but for some reason that possible tragedy has always been in the back of my mind.