Comments on: Gary Rankel’s New, Rigged W500 Fishing Kayak, Florida http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/ Kayak Fishing and Paddling: New Standards in Fishing Kayaks. Fishing Kayak Reviews and Kayak Fishing Trip Reports by and for Kayak Anglers Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:28:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Dave http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-2858 Dave Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:47:44 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-2858 Hi nieghbor! I've been looking for a kayak and found the W today on the internet. What an awsome yak! I'll be using it around Honeymoon and Caladesi for sure! Hi nieghbor! I’ve been looking for a kayak and found the W today on the internet. What an awsome yak! I’ll be using it around Honeymoon and Caladesi for sure!

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1878 Gary Rankel Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:51:41 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1878 Thanks Yoav, Jeff for your comments regarding hull protection. The plastic lid idea may be a better option than my steel-reinforced doormat slide. You never know - with all the high-tech, space-age technology, something may hit the market - - until then I guess we'll just have to live with some scratches. Thanks Yoav, Jeff for your comments regarding hull protection. The plastic lid idea may be a better option than my steel-reinforced doormat slide. You never know – with all the high-tech, space-age technology, something may hit the market – - until then I guess we’ll just have to live with some scratches.

]]> By: Jeff McGovern http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1877 Jeff McGovern Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:39:55 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1877 Hey Gary, Glad that strap solution worked for you. I don't know of anything to coat the hull with either unless you consider the bottom paint they use on Triumph boats since they are rotomolded poly too. Some of the folks will bottom paint those since they are in the water for months at a time. But even then you'll be removing it each time you drag over hard rough materials. Yoav's idea is clean and simple. The bottom of my W hulls are pretty roughed up mainly from finding oyster beds using the hear them first method. Not much you can do about that and I don't know of any hull material they won't tear up. Even my old Grumman has scratches from finding a few. Hey Gary, Glad that strap solution worked for you. I don’t know of anything to coat the hull with either unless you consider the bottom paint they use on Triumph boats since they are rotomolded poly too. Some of the folks will bottom paint those since they are in the water for months at a time. But even then you’ll be removing it each time you drag over hard rough materials. Yoav’s idea is clean and simple. The bottom of my W hulls are pretty roughed up mainly from finding oyster beds using the hear them first method. Not much you can do about that and I don’t know of any hull material they won’t tear up. Even my old Grumman has scratches from finding a few.

]]> By: admin http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1876 admin Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:05:15 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1876 Gary, If you want to drag your W kayak over asphalt and concrete perhaps you need to consider a 'consumable' solution that would last a season or two, until it wears out: I think you could try attaching to the bottom of the W hulls the lid of one of those 18 gallon plastic boxes (containers) you can find in any department store. The lid is 24" wide, which should fit the bottom of the W500 hull tips, where the hulls get narrow. It's also lightweight and flexible, and would fit perfectly in one of the hull tips. It will cost you about $8, plus you'll get the box for free :) Yoav Gary,
If you want to drag your W kayak over asphalt and concrete perhaps you need to consider a ‘consumable’ solution that would last a season or two, until it wears out:
I think you could try attaching to the bottom of the W hulls the lid of one of those 18 gallon plastic boxes (containers) you can find in any department store. The lid is 24″ wide, which should fit the bottom of the W500 hull tips, where the hulls get narrow. It’s also lightweight and flexible, and would fit perfectly in one of the hull tips.
It will cost you about $8, plus you’ll get the box for free :)
Yoav

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1874 Gary Rankel Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:08:19 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1874 Thanks, Jeff: Yeh, I have a really small 1985 Toyota. I simply got a longer strap, wrap it around each hull, and then hook each end into the notches I have mounted above the bed - really easy. With that setup, I won't need metal eyelets. I had the 500 out on its maiden voyage this a.m. and it's great - much faster, roomier and more stable. Its higher draft lets me float over oyster bars that I'd hit with my 06 model, which will minimize scratching. The water is like a bathtub and fishing was slow, so I stretched out in the cockpit and took a nap using the monster noodle for a head rest. I couldn't empty the water out of the inside after washing out and turning upside down because of the much wider 500 cockpit lip. Yoav suggested drilling a few 3/8" holes in the lip which has solved that problem. He also suggested considering using these holes to attach my anchor rope, which I'll probably do. I'd like to find a wax or sealer that I could apply to the hulls to minimize scratching when dragging over cement or rocks, but Yoav is not aware of such a product which adheres to the polyethylene. I'll continue asking around, but am not optimistic. Let me know if you come across anything. When will you get your 500? I bet your 300 will be kept for guests once you try it. Thanks, Jeff: Yeh, I have a really small 1985 Toyota. I simply got a longer strap, wrap it around each hull, and then hook each end into the notches I have mounted above the bed – really easy. With that setup, I won’t need metal eyelets.

I had the 500 out on its maiden voyage this a.m. and it’s great – much faster, roomier and more stable. Its higher draft lets me float over oyster bars that I’d hit with my 06 model, which will minimize scratching. The water is like a bathtub and fishing was slow, so I stretched out in the cockpit and took a nap using the monster noodle for a head rest.

I couldn’t empty the water out of the inside after washing out and turning upside down because of the much wider 500 cockpit lip. Yoav suggested drilling a few 3/8″ holes in the lip which has solved that problem. He also suggested considering using these holes to attach my anchor rope, which I’ll probably do.

I’d like to find a wax or sealer that I could apply to the hulls to minimize scratching when dragging over cement or rocks, but Yoav is not aware of such a product which adheres to the polyethylene. I’ll continue asking around, but am not optimistic. Let me know if you come across anything.

When will you get your 500? I bet your 300 will be kept for guests once you try it.

]]> By: Jeff McGovern http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1873 Jeff McGovern Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:19:09 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1873 It looks like you have small truck similar to my Ranger. I use two compression straps hand tight one around each hull then around the bumper notches which means the strap circles the lowered tailgate. In the front I've got two bungee cords hooked to load ropes that are attached to my front inside box tie down points. There should be a video on the site that shows how I do that. I've carried as many as four kayaks in my Ranger that way with the W in the center and then one on each side with one more above. The other option on a similar cooler bag is Sam's Club. They had a really nice one that looked quite similar you could buy for hauling home frozen food. I use one in my W when I plan on keeping fish. For ice we use frozen refilled water bottles. I think the last time I bought one it was around 6 dollars. Metal eyelets are available from any marine store but you really should back them if they are going to handle a load. That way you are not depending on just hull penetration support in such a small area. They can be had in marine bronze or brass since even stainless will rust in saltwater. It looks like you have small truck similar to my Ranger. I use two compression straps hand tight one around each hull then around the bumper notches which means the strap circles the lowered tailgate. In the front I’ve got two bungee cords hooked to load ropes that are attached to my front inside box tie down points. There should be a video on the site that shows how I do that. I’ve carried as many as four kayaks in my Ranger that way with the W in the center and then one on each side with one more above. The other option on a similar cooler bag is Sam’s Club. They had a really nice one that looked quite similar you could buy for hauling home frozen food. I use one in my W when I plan on keeping fish. For ice we use frozen refilled water bottles. I think the last time I bought one it was around 6 dollars. Metal eyelets are available from any marine store but you really should back them if they are going to handle a load. That way you are not depending on just hull penetration support in such a small area. They can be had in marine bronze or brass since even stainless will rust in saltwater.

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1872 Gary Rankel Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:42:17 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1872 Hi Rox......The cooler bag is 18"X24" and folds compactly to slide totally out of site within the hull. Yoav actually found it on the web for me and I ordered it. Not cheap - $47.55 inc shipping, but it's the only soft cooler I've found that's longer than 21". It's called the Large Insulated Tote Bag, and can be ordered at: www.keepyourcooler.com It has a removable plastic liner (velcro-attached) which makes cleaning a snap. Info on the techni-ice can be found at www.techniiceusa.com This stuff beats any other ice or gel product I've used, and it's flexibility allows for it to be shaped however desired. I've only used hand-tightening straps to haul my Wkayak and have done so without problem for 3 years. As Yoav says, however, stuff happens, so I'll try to figure something else out. Don't think I'll find a simpler and easier technique, however. I wonder if all-metal eyelets are available. Thanks for your suggestions, Rox. Hi Rox……The cooler bag is 18″X24″ and folds compactly to slide totally out of site within the hull. Yoav actually found it on the web for me and I ordered it. Not cheap – $47.55 inc shipping, but it’s the only soft cooler I’ve found that’s longer than 21″. It’s called the Large Insulated Tote Bag, and can be ordered at: http://www.keepyourcooler.com It has a removable plastic liner (velcro-attached) which makes cleaning a snap.

Info on the techni-ice can be found at http://www.techniiceusa.com This stuff beats any other ice or gel product I’ve used, and it’s flexibility allows for it to be shaped however desired.

I’ve only used hand-tightening straps to haul my Wkayak and have done so without problem for 3 years. As Yoav says, however, stuff happens, so I’ll try to figure something else out. Don’t think I’ll find a simpler and easier technique, however. I wonder if all-metal eyelets are available.

Thanks for your suggestions, Rox.

]]> By: Rox http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1871 Rox Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:30:46 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1871 Great job on the rigging, I love that cooler bag packed with flexible ice packets . :) What's the make and size of it?? As far as strapping with ratchet straps, don't use them by attaching to the eyelets. I use a hand tightening strap. I'll get a picture up, of the straps and how I load my W's. I put the strap, between the hulls and attach it to the truck bed only. And if I'm not using the truck with a cap, I run a strap across the top off the W's in the back, and again strp it to the truck bed. Good luck breaking in your W500. Can't wait for the next post. Tight Lines all Rox Great job on the rigging, I love that cooler bag packed with flexible ice packets . :)
What’s the make and size of it??

As far as strapping with ratchet straps, don’t use them by attaching to the eyelets.

I use a hand tightening strap.
I’ll get a picture up, of the straps and how I load my W’s.

I put the strap, between the hulls and attach it to the truck bed only.
And if I’m not using the truck with a cap, I run a strap across the top off
the W’s in the back, and again strp it to the truck bed.

Good luck breaking in your W500.
Can’t wait for the next post.

Tight Lines all
Rox

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1869 Gary Rankel Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:55:17 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1869 Hi again, Noel......No glueing is necessary, even if glue worked. I simply made lengthwise slits in each noodle and popped them over the top. They fit snugly yet can easily be slid back and forth, removed, or replaced. Hi again, Noel……No glueing is necessary, even if glue worked. I simply made lengthwise slits in each noodle and popped them over the top. They fit snugly yet can easily be slid back and forth, removed, or replaced.

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1868 Gary Rankel Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:50:49 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1868 Thanks, Noel......I got the same warning from Yoav, regarding transporting the kayaks in my pickup also using the eyelets. I'll explore options. Thanks, Noel……I got the same warning from Yoav, regarding transporting the kayaks in my pickup also using the eyelets. I’ll explore options.

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1867 Gary Rankel Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:48:00 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1867 Yeh, Jeff........the stick pins work great except on oyster bars. The clamp also works nicely on mangroves. I take the anchor along, but seldom use it anymore. I ended up going on a snorkeling trip off Crystal River with Friends of Chassawitzka and almost was able to hitch a ride on a large turtle until he got smart and took. Will probably take the 500 on its maiden voyage Monday. Hope you remembered to check the cooler today. Yeh, Jeff……..the stick pins work great except on oyster bars. The clamp also works nicely on mangroves. I take the anchor along, but seldom use it anymore. I ended up going on a snorkeling trip off Crystal River with Friends of Chassawitzka and almost was able to hitch a ride on a large turtle until he got smart and took. Will probably take the 500 on its maiden voyage Monday. Hope you remembered to check the cooler today.

]]> By: admin http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1865 admin Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:07:57 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1865 My understanding is that you can't glue anything to polyethylene and hope it stays there forever because PE has a very low surface tension. You can use some adhesives for waterproofing small holes (I.E. rivet or bolt holes), but that's about it. See this article: http://wavewalk.com/blog/2008/04/22/3m-4693-scotch-grip-tm-h-plastic-adhesive-good-for-use-in-polyethylene-kayaks/ Yoav My understanding is that you can’t glue anything to polyethylene and hope it stays there forever because PE has a very low surface tension.
You can use some adhesives for waterproofing small holes (I.E. rivet or bolt holes), but that’s about it.
See this article: http://wavewalk.com/blog/2008/04/22/3m-4693-scotch-grip-tm-h-plastic-adhesive-good-for-use-in-polyethylene-kayaks/
Yoav

]]> By: Noel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1863 Noel Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:02:11 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1863 Hey Gary, what did you use to attach the foam noodles, are they just glued on? If so, what kind of glue is best on HDPE that the WW is made of? Maybe Yoav can shed some light as well.. thanks. - Noel Hey Gary, what did you use to attach the foam noodles, are they just glued on? If so, what kind of glue is best on HDPE that the WW is made of? Maybe Yoav can shed some light as well.. thanks.
- Noel

]]> By: admin http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1862 admin Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:34:06 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1862 I agree with Noel. Those Nylon eyelets are strong, but they can break if enough power is applied on them. Yoav I agree with Noel. Those Nylon eyelets are strong, but they can break if enough power is applied on them.
Yoav

]]> By: Noel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1860 Noel Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:05:00 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1860 Gary, nice job on the anchor and drag mat! Just a quick note of caution on attaching the ratchet straps to the eyelets, which are made of some kind of plastic, so may not hold up while driving..please be careful! Best regards, Noel Gary, nice job on the anchor and drag mat! Just a quick note of caution on attaching the ratchet straps to the eyelets, which are made of some kind of plastic, so may not hold up while driving..please be careful!

Best regards,

Noel

]]> By: Jeff McGovern http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1859 Jeff McGovern Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:46:42 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1859 Good luck this weekend Gary. The weather is suppose to cooperate in the morning. I'll be wade fishing tomorrow with some of the guys from Jax Kayak. The rigging job you've done so far looks very nice. Since rigging my stick pin for the W I've not had to use the anchor at all. Those soft coolers work great until you forget you have a flounder in one and leave it in the truck box. Darn Florida sun heats things up way too quick. Good luck this weekend Gary. The weather is suppose to cooperate in the morning. I’ll be wade fishing tomorrow with some of the guys from Jax Kayak. The rigging job you’ve done so far looks very nice. Since rigging my stick pin for the W I’ve not had to use the anchor at all. Those soft coolers work great until you forget you have a flounder in one and leave it in the truck box. Darn Florida sun heats things up way too quick.

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1858 Gary Rankel Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:42:56 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1858 Hi Avaz_Bob.......Both KMart and WalMart sell these noodles, but sometimes don't have them in stock. They're made my Planetfoam which doesn't sell them directly over the Inet. Similar noodles made by other companies may also be available - check out pool supply stores or large sporting goods stores. Hi Avaz_Bob…….Both KMart and WalMart sell these noodles, but sometimes don’t have them in stock. They’re made my Planetfoam which doesn’t sell them directly over the Inet. Similar noodles made by other companies may also be available – check out pool supply stores or large sporting goods stores.

]]> By: Avaz_Bob http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1857 Avaz_Bob Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:10:47 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1857 Great rigging job! Where do you get these wide noodles, and how are they called? Great rigging job! Where do you get these wide noodles, and how are they called?

]]> By: Gary Rankel http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1856 Gary Rankel Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:57:33 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1856 Will do, Jeff. Hope to slime it up this weekend now that our T-storms seem to be subsiding. Thanks for responding to my many emails, and let me know how you like the 500 versus your current W. Will do, Jeff. Hope to slime it up this weekend now that our T-storms seem to be subsiding. Thanks for responding to my many emails, and let me know how you like the 500 versus your current W.

]]> By: Jeff McGovern http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/09/gary-rankels-new-w500-fishing-kayak-florida/#comment-1854 Jeff McGovern Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:46:17 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=319#comment-1854 Hey Gary, Good to see the old boat has a new buddy now. Those W500 models are suppose to be super performers. Be sure let us know as soon as you get the new one properly slimed. Hey Gary, Good to see the old boat has a new buddy now. Those W500 models are suppose to be super performers. Be sure let us know as soon as you get the new one properly slimed.

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