I have been busy since my last post adding some bits and pieces. First up was the fish finder / sounder. I toyed with many variations of sounder but finally settled for the Lowrance Elite 4X DSI which I have to say I am delighted with. I read plenty about it and was very impressed by its down scan imaging. I started by first installing the main unit by cutting holes in the top storage compartment through to the hull for my cabling. I used a hole saw on my cordless drill which made a nice neat hole large enough to get the cables through. I set my cables where i wanted them to go and then used rubber grommets and marine sealant to set them in position while sealing the hole completely. The unit is powered by a 3000mah lipo battery which is in a sealed hard case within a sealed ice cream tub within the front sealed compartment giving me at least 3 or 4 fishing trips before charging again. I intend to add a little power outlet for charging my phone or something useful at a later stage.. This turned out sweet as a nut and I was well pleased with the finished job.
Next I mounted the base mount of the sounder unit just in front of the bottle holder on the top storage compartment. I used some M5 well nuts to secure it along with plenty of sealant and again I was well chuffed with the results.
The next part of the install was the transducer where I had the choice of going through the hull or mounting underneath the hull. I had read plenty of comments on various forums about how this particular sounder would not shoot thru the hull and some saying it did so. I really wanted it inside out of the way so I figured that I could install it this way and if it really didn't work I could change it later. I can now say for sure that it does easily shoot through the hull and I have tested it where I can see my fishing line and tackle at the bottom of the sea at any depth. The clarity of the Lowrance is to say the least, outstanding and its great to be able to see the bottom detail for wrecks and shelves.
I have added some other bits and pieces, most of which are all hand made or adapted to fit the purpose. I ordered a sliding mount from Austin Kayaks, it arrived very quick and I used a cut from a cutting board to make the mounting area a little larger for my GPS to sit beside the rod holder on an U bolt. It can slide towards me when i need it and when paddling its pushed up front out of the way. Very functional..
The other bits added so far have been an anchor trolley, a marine compass, some home made fishing rod leashes, an led light stick for night fishing and a few other lashing points for various bits and pieces. On top of that I now have some waterproof trousers with sealed ankles and a nice cag which completes my watertight clothing where I can adjust the clothing to suit the weather very comfortably.
Another little bargain purchase was this little 3000 size reel from Yoshikawa. Fantastic little all metal unit with 11 bearings. Has been out and abused a few times now and still performs well. Really cant complain for £14...lol..
My next post will hopefully be a fishing update as my last good trip out was November 2013 where I was still getting mackeral. Really getting to know my local ground now and the Yak is still impressing me. Its perfect for my needs so far and I really enjoy being out with it...
Thats all for now !!!
