This is my design for a removable accessory cross bar on my tandem Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL. I fish solo from the center seat with this kayak and casually paddle tandem with my wife (fore and aft seats) without fishing gear. Being able to pull the entire setup out of the boat returns the kayak quickly to its original design.
I started with a pair of Scotty flush mounts, available online, and a pvc cap for each. Either sand the bottom of the mount or the cap so the two pieces fit together.
You will either need access from the hull to attach the cap after the mount is installed or drill the main hole large enough to allow the mounted cap to pass through the surface.
The cap provides a more positive stop for water from entering the hull than the rubber plug on the flush mount. Make darn sure the location won't interfere with paddling before drilling any holes.
This is the riser section and thumb screw from a Scotty fishing pole mount. I bought them as replacement parts directly from Scotty Marine for less than $10 (x2).
The crossbar is simply 1 inch aluminum tubing from my local hardware store. A 6 foot length was 8 bucks and I used less than half, flattened the ends, and drilled for the thumb screws.
Again Scotty products are being utilized: rod holder, tube adapter, and the Scotty fish finder mount adapter.
I added a second rod holder mount - for a rod holder of all things.
Here's a photo with the whole thing removed for casual tandem paddling. I have since changed out other rod holder mount with another flush mount.
And this is the near completed installation. The crossbar locks solidly to the kayak with a twist and comes out just as easy. I added another single flush mount at the front of the kayak for a second location for the fish finder so my wife can 'watch' the fish as we paddle. The only thing I plan to add to the accessory bar is a 'bar buoy' to keep my beverage upright.
You may contact the author at: jhannan@uneedspeed.net
08/01/2004