Anybody here got info on how to build a set of outriggers that a klutz might be able to follow. I’ve looked around a bit and may have to just purchase as set to install. I’m tired of sitting home in the winter or paying to jig fish at a crappie barge. I thought about buying a dry suit, but I probably still couldn’t get back in the boat if I dumped, so that doesn’t appear to be the solution. Maybe fixing my kayak so it is nearly impossible to dump will get me on the water more often.
Several of the kayaking folks I know here in Texas are out yakking all year, but I’m just not that "good ", nor am I totally nuts…yet. One of them suggested some $700 outriggers, but…that is a lot of $$$$.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
In the pre-Google days I would say pvc pipe and extra large pool floats (those round soft foam things.) or some styrofoam building insulation. If you can play with Legos you can build with pvc, just do not glue until you get it like you want it. There are some instruction if you Google however, although they do not appear to be that good.
I paid $200 for a similar set for my canoe. They are absolutely rock steady. You won’t capsize it with those on it. These are essentially PVC pipe, pivot mount and large lobster/crab trap buoys/floats. Make certain what ever you do it is retractable to make paddling and docking easier.
A bit pricey but you can stand on the gunwales of my canoe now and not capsize it! If you do fall in while standing up they make it much easier to get back in because you won’t capsize the craft doing it.
You might want to look at these outriggers. I have dealt with this company in the past and had no problems. You might enjoy looking over their Web Site at what all they do carry.