ELECTRONICS BY GLENN HAYES
Electronics for Kayaks
Where to start when customizing your watercraft.
PHOTOS BY GLENN HAYES
R
igging and customizing your kayak can make your time on the water more comfortable while also transforming your vessel into a very capable watercraft and fishing platform. Electronics can be a part of the customization process. Equipment can be minimalist or can rival those found on high-end fishing boats. These days, you can even find kayaks sporting electronics that dwarf the initial cost of the watercraft. Just looking at the array of kayaks out on the water, it’s easy to see they are as individual as the paddlers on them. Start with basics The most common electronics that an average paddler should consider include a handheld VHF radio, a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a GPS. With a VHF radio, you can talk with other boaters or kayakers and call for help if needed. When considering a handheld VHF, look for a model that has a high transmission wattage. Six watts is the most permitted by the FCC from a handheld transceiver, and there are many models available with this output. Consider a radio that will float if dropped in the water. It’s also a good idea to take a look at battery capacity. Keep in mind that battery life will be dependent on the amount of reception/ transmission, operation of backlighting and scan functions. Some handhelds now also have built-in GPS that allow for one-button automatic distress calling. PLBs, along with satellite communication tools, are valuable emergency devices that allow you to call for help when in a life-threatening situation. ACR Electronic’s ResQLink PLBs operate without a subscription anywhere in the world and can summon help with the push of a button via satellite. Satellite communicators, such as the SPOT Gen 3, can summon help similarly with a subscription. The SPOT Gen 3 also allows loved ones to track your progress, among other useful features. Satellite messengers, such as Garmin’s InReach series and the SPOT X, have all of the previously mentioned features and allow two-way texting via satellite. With these devices, it’s possible to communicate even when out of cellular or VHF range.
Tools for anglers Many kayakers are installing fishfinders, chartplotters or combination multifunction displays aboard. There’s also a plethora of aftermarket accessories to help with installation. Many new fishing-specific kayaks offer transducer mounting options. The transducer is the part of the fishfinder/sounder that transmits the sound signal through the water to create on-screen images. Some kayaks have pads that the transducer can be mounted to, while others have special wells molded into the hull. If your kayak doesn’t have any of these, or if you don’t want to mount the transducer at those locations, there are aftermarket bracket options available. They can hang the transducer over the side or mount it through a scupper hole. There are even self-contained wireless transducers that can be cast or towed behind the kayak. Lowrance offers a “Kayak Kit” for its fishfinder/chartplotter combos that includes a battery box, display mount, transducer arm, mounting track and even the necessary battery. Simply slide the unit onto the provided mounted track and off you go. Power it up If you’re considering more sophisticated electronics, then you’ll also need a power source. If you’re supplying your own battery, go as small and light as you can. Remember, however, that the larger the display, the more juice it’s going to need. Larger displays are generally power hungry and require more amp hours than smaller displays. A quick look online will give you plenty of options and opinions as to what is best for your application. When wiring your kayak, make sure your wiring, batteries and connections are protected from the water. Again, there are many good options from a range of manufacturers and also a lot of DIY options that have been tried and tested. Google and YouTube are excellent sources for ideas and product information. Rigging your new kayak can be lots of fun, and getting it equipped with the electronics you desire — whether they are simple or extravagant options — is a rewarding process. ★
There are many options on the market that can transform your kayak into a safe fishing machine, including ICOM’s IC-M37 VHF, Lowrance’s HOOK-5 fishfinder/chartplotter or Garmin’s inReach satellite messenger.
GLENN HAYES is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world. He can be reached at HAYESSTUDIOS.COM .
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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AUGUST 2020
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