jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Apr 25, 2022 7:40:24 GMT -5
Since creeks and rivers offer some of the best collecting sites in the east I thought I would better prepare for transportation at such places. I ordered an engine powered kayak that can run upstream in mild rapids but am forced to build a trailer to carry the 240 pound 12 foot long kayak. It is an inboard propulsion system using a jet pump with no exposed prop and able to do down to 6 inch deep water. The pump can handle most silts except highly abrasive volcanic silts. Range is 60 miles and top speed 23 mph. Just under 10 hp and legal for most lands set aside for parks. A retirement gift to myself. Many places to explore and collect at on bucket list. So this is my trailer project. It started with an old jon boat trailer. Old trailer before This modification may strike you as odd. The best rock/artifact hunting is done when the rivers are at low water. Often time the water level drops below the end of the concrete boat ramp leaving a steep ledge at the end of the ramp. Attempting to pull the trailer up over the ledge typically damages the trailer axle. These steel 'ramps' should solve that problem. Next step was to weld supports for walk board and extend rear 2 feet to get better center balance. Add tote handle, move jack to other side of walk board, weld tie downs along length and replace tires. May add shocks if bouncing becomes an issue on gravel access roads. May also add an equipment box opposite walk board. And a good ole redneck camo paint job ! The kayak will be army green. Decking added. May have to add some extra supports to conform to the hull.
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Post by RickB on Apr 25, 2022 11:54:32 GMT -5
Just gotta' love that redneck engineering.
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LazerFlash
Cave Dweller
The more they over-think the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the toilet.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 548
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Post by LazerFlash on Apr 25, 2022 14:04:16 GMT -5
I ordered an engine powered kayak that can run upstream in mild rapids but am forced to build a trailer to carry the 240 pound 12 foot long kayak. It is an inboard propulsion system using a jet pump with no exposed prop and able to do down to 6 inch deep water. The pump can handle most silts except highly abrasive volcanic silts. Range is 60 miles and top speed 23 mph. Just under 10 hp and legal for most lands set aside for parks. Wow! Neat trailer redo, jamesp ! That said, I'm actually kinda more interested in the jet-powered kayak you ordered... My sister and her hubby have a neat place out on Lake Anna (in VA) and they have an assortment of water craft - some human-powered and some gas-powered. I was visiting last weekend and while watching the younger adults washing and waxing the boat and jet skis, I got to thinking about the smaller craft. They have a couple of kayaks, including a nice Hobie kayak that can be powered by the traditional paddle as well as a neat foot pedal system that powers a pair of flippers underneath. I prefer that one, (due to shoulder and collarbone issues), but occasionally find myself a bit farther out than I would like. I thought that it would be nice to have something kayak-sized with a non-human powered motor in it.
So, what did you get? I know that you cannot really recommend it just yet, but it would be interesting to see the direction you went in for this acquisition.
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CLErocks
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2021
Posts: 342
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Post by CLErocks on Apr 25, 2022 14:07:52 GMT -5
I'm super interested in your powered kayak too! Also your Ridgebacks are gorgeous!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Apr 25, 2022 14:40:16 GMT -5
Just gotta' love that redneck engineering. I had bought a beat up old jon boat for $200 to make a coral boat out of like 15 years ago. The trailer came with it and had been sitting in the woods all that time.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Apr 25, 2022 14:46:25 GMT -5
I'm super interested in your powered kayak too! Also your Ridgebacks are gorgeous! Thanks CLErocks. All 3 of them are presently laying on the couch asleep where I want to be. LazerFlash, cle, the kayak is a Mokai brand. It might be their 4th generation model with the Kohler engine. Not cheap but less than a fancy jet ski. Check them out on Youtube. Looks like they go anywhere except where aquatic plants might be. Mountain creeks with mild rapids don't seem to get in it's way. If reliable all else has to be an incredible experience. Excited about the purchase.
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