Kayak Mods?

[Pat Magee]

New to the site so I hope I am posting in the correct spot.....

I just bought a used Malibu Mini-x from a member on here and I have already got a few trips under my belt but now I want to make some modifications to make the boat work a little better for me.

I figured I would mention my plans to see if anyone has tried any of these and how it worked out.

*lighting- i was thinking about adding some LED strips that are waterproof around parts of the boat so I could take it out on some night trips on small lakes. I have a small marine battery that could power them and not take up much space. I have a hundred feet of LED lights so I think I will try this one first.

*seat- for those of you that have sat in a malibu the seat is a piece of crap! It blocks the dry storage and offers no back support. I saw some at an outfitter that work but does anyone have any suggestions on an aftermarket seat?

*roof racks- i just have the cross bars currently but i was wondering how well the cradles work? Mine howls if I am going over 60mph so I am wondering is the rack would help. I am assuming the noise is the win blowing over the scupper holes but i need to find a way to stop it.

Thanks for any help! If you did any mods that helped make you more productive on the water, what are they?

[Wayne SW/MO]

Well there are laws about night lighting on lakes, at least where motor powered boats are allowed.

As for the howl, if it is indeed the scuppers the cradles probably won't help. I would cover the scuppers with duct tape and see if it is indeed them. If not one of the fairings available to divert air up and over the boat might work.

[Pat Magee]

the lights would purely be for a private lake and an occasional float down a small river. As far as the scuppers being the reason it howls I will definitely try the duct tape. I can easily rip them off and reapply them as needed.

[MOsmallies]

Here's the write up I did on my Coosa mods. You might be able to do some variations of this to the Malibu...

[Smalliebigs]

wow I feel bad!!!!! that seat was about as good as you can buy for a sit on top......I would hate see how you feel about anything else you will find out there.

As far as fishing at night goes where a head lamp of your choice it will allow you worry free light at your discretion.

Adjusting the yak forward or backward on your rack, if it is an option based on your lay out and space restrictions should fix the noise problem.

Paul is the master of mods to yaks......he would have some great ideas.....I like leaving mine as stock as possible....other than Seadek

[Flatbottom Boy]

Try twisting your straps when you secure the yak to your vehicle before you go spending a bunch on money. I was ready to run my Tahoe off the road on my way back from purchasing my yak in Springfield the howling was so bad. I believe someone on here told me to put one twist on each side of the yak in my straps. That solved my problem, just a thought you might wanna try first.

[Pat Magee]

Now I feel like a jerk! I may take sometime and make some adjustments to it. Did it ever bother you that the seat bottom extends over the dry storage hatch? Since that is the only area close to me when I am sitting in it I would love to have better access to it. I also have terrible back pain so I may just be overreacting to the whole seat problem!

I may try and do some fine tuning with the seat straps and see if that will help out. I completely agree with you about Paul's yak.....it is simply beautiful. I like how he proudly displays it on his sawhorses at his house too! Like a work of art.

Thanks for the help fellas. I will try a combination of both to get rid of the noise. It did seem to calm down a little bit when it was pushed back a little but still a little annoying.

[jdmidwest]

Walmart sells little self adhesive strip led's that are water proof and various colors. They demo them with a battery pack in the package. Bright and low current draw, no need for a marine battery. You cut them to size and are about a 1/2" wide. You can buy down focused or side focused. I have been looking at putting a few in my bass boat. Look in the automotive dept.

[moguy1973]

Now I feel like a jerk! I may take sometime and make some adjustments to it. Did it ever bother you that the seat bottom extends over the dry storage hatch? Since that is the only area close to me when I am sitting in it I would love to have better access to it. I also have terrible back pain so I may just be overreacting to the whole seat problem!

I watched a video on youtube about the mini X and the guy doing the review complained about the same thing. Seems like the hatch either needs to be shorter or moved forward or the seat needs to be about 2 inches shorter in front.

[Smalliebigs]

LOL!!! don't be crazy Pat.....You have to try to find something that is comfortable for you, I hope I didn't come off like an butt??? Do a ton of research on the seat there are lot of different ones out there. You were an exceptionally cool dude when I met you and when I meet someone your age like Paul that has your enthusiasm for fishing that you do well it tickles me pink. I guess I never really used the dry hatch so it wasn't an issue for me but, I can see where it might be.

I need to get you and Paul especially out on a float and go crush some nice Smallies. I have a solo canoe you might like that I could unload on you for very cheap if you are into that??? very light and easy as hell to portage......lets go float before the summer season is over.....I have been saving a few floats for Paul who is my adopted son....not really but, you know what I mean.....with arrival of George he needs to hit some quality fishing real bad....I just hope the floats I have been staying away from are not getting drilled????

I also know of a few great private ponds off of HWY 79 out of St.Charles that we can take the Mini to so you can haul in some 5lb + Largemouth and really christen that thing ....let me know....contact Paul or pm here.

Now I feel like a jerk! I may take sometime and make some adjustments to it. Did it ever bother you that the seat bottom extends over the dry storage hatch? Since that is the only area close to me when I am sitting in it I would love to have better access to it. I also have terrible back pain so I may just be overreacting to the whole seat problem!

I may try and do some fine tuning with the seat straps and see if that will help out. I completely agree with you about Paul's yak.....it is simply beautiful. I like how he proudly displays it on his sawhorses at his house too! Like a work of art.

Thanks for the help fellas. I will try a combination of both to get rid of the noise. It did seem to calm down a little bit when it was pushed back a little but still a little annoying.