Seamonster’s Kayak Build

Got into kayak fishing this past year with a pelican catch 120 I got on sale at the local Tractor Supply. First picture is that kayak and a decent largemouth from last spring. Fell in love with kayak fishing and pretty soon I had to upgrade. Came across a deal on Facebook and snagged an Ascend 128t for 500 bucks that has the yak power system. Next pictures are the ascend. It was a used kayak and needed a few things but I have big plans for it and should be fishing a lot this spring. Figured I’d make a thread for stuff if anyone wants to follow along or has any tips!

 

I've had it for a few months now and have been out in it several times. Now that its winter I'm starting on a few projects I have for it. First, I am currently making a battery/control box for the yak power system since I will have a new Garmin graph on the way for it as well as a few lights. Also I did not want to pay 125 bucks for the actual yak power brand battery box, and I think I can make a better one. I tested the yak power system when I first got it to make sure everything works. I used an apache (off brand pelican) waterproof box from Harbor Freight. I have a 12 volt sealed battery I plan to use for it. I may end up buying a second to run things like lights and a graph longer so I bought the 2800 size box to fit it all in. I think the box came out pretty good. I just cut out the foam for the controller and battery and cut a bigger hole for the leads to come out of the front of the box where the breather hole was. I found a rubber grommet to go in the hole with the wires but I may shoot a little silicone just to be sure it is sealed. I think I’ll have to get an extension for the control box wire because the factory one won’t reach to the rear storage compartment where I plan to have the battery box. Here’s a few pictures as I went along.

 

Wow great idea, might have to steal it

 

Spent some time on MLK day working on a few more things. I threw my yeti 45 up on the rear deck and turns out it fits perfectly. Only problem is it needed to be tied down. I went to Lowes and bought some stainless tie down lops and used some old straps I had to make tie downs that go through the slots in the sides of the cooler so it can still be opened while tied to the kayak. Turned out great I think instead of buying the 90 dollar tie down kit from yeti. The loops I got also worked really well with the factory recesses in the deck for tie down points.






I have another issue I’d like some input on if anybody has any ideas. When I first got the kayak the seat straps were torn down and ended up breaking. I temporarily fixed it with some rope and few bowline knots but I’d like a more permanent solution. I’m not sure which direction to go about fixing it. I cant find any parts for the seat and haven’t seen any straps that look like they could work. I thought about buying a new seat but I’m not sure. If you guys have any ideas throw em my way!

 

I think I solved the seat issue. I found an old ratchet strap that was about the same size as the original strap. I then drilled out the old rivets from the seat and re-revitted the new strap on. The only issue is that it isnt adjustable. I may end up finding an adjustment buckle down the road and redo
this if I need it. Think it turned out pretty good and a lot better than the rope. I also just ordered a few more things to complete the power system and should have the new graph on the way soon. I also used the orange strap to redo the cooler tie downs to match.

 

I just found your thread - I like it. I should start one for my boats.

My Jackson seats have a similar strap system to what you added, with an adjustment thing (I forget what they are called.) You can make one easily by getting a couple of 24" straps (with buckles), cut them in half, rivet each cut end to the seat frame. Join the buckle, and adjust away!