Kayak Upgrades - Hobie Compass

[Andrews]

Hey all,

Sharing a couple of DIY upgrades I've done to my new 22 Hobie Compass.
Have yet to properly test the kayak fishing, rather have been out five times so far getting experience with handling, winds, etc.

Plenty of practice loading / off-loading the kayak solo with the rhino rack side loader and a smaller car.

UPGRADES
- Track mounted 316 stainless 8mm eyelets attached via 316 stainless bolts, one each side.
- Stainless bungee attached via aluminum carabiners from eyelet to pliers, sit in BerleyPro Side Bro.
- Rod leash, aluminum carabiners attached via nylon bungee to anchor eyelet. Bigger carabiner fits around the neck of the reel.
- Paddle leash, retractable bungee cord to nylon bungee and aluminum carabiner.
- Physical chair anchor as a backup should the chair fall out.
- Mounted 316 stainless saddle on esky either side, bungee to carabiners to keep tight. May add a cable tie to the bungee the esky does slip backwards with movement.
- Not shown, mirage drive anchor to eyelet.

Anyone have any other quality of life, or other recommendations?

[Hatetangles]

Looks good Andrews,

I got a few upgrades when i got my compass a few weeks ago, and got the shop to do it for me, which was upgrading the storage hatch to
berkley rectangular hatch, and i also upgraded the steering handle to the berkley raised handle, and i am so glad i did that , i'm sure the standard Hobie one does the job, but i can tell you the Berkley handle feels solid, and you got something to hang onto when your peddling around, i highly recommend it...i havent done the anchor trolley just yet, or sounder , still would like to have some more experience first..
Ive been out twice now in my compass, 2nd time yesterday at flinders, unfortunately no squids .....
I like the idea of having a cooler like you have, but at the same time, i'm trying to find the right balance of what to bring and what is absolutely necessary, as on my 2nd trip, i still haven't found a good way to get the wheels in after coming back to shore, seems i have to do 2 trips to the car, then bring the kayak back on the 3rd trip....i got absolutely drenched when i cam back in yesterday, it was like i was riding a wave in, i beached , and then another little wave broke on the back of me and i was soaked, and while i was wet i thought Fk it, might as well try put the wheels in while im in the water but no joy because the wheels float LOL...anyhow thats how im getting experience haha

[Sebb]

Well done Andrews. Looks good.

[Lightningx]

Nice Andrews! Looking good mate

[mazman]

Don't think you are at any risk of it with your current setup but one thing to consider is that if you do roll the kayak there is a risk you can get tangled in your lanyards and get stuck under the kayak

[Andrews]

Cheers Hatetangles,
That's a great insight into the upgraded BerleyPro raised handle. I had a similar thought process towards the sounder, and the handle, I'd rather get comfortable and experienced within the kayak before those additional extras.

You're absolutely right about actively thinking about how much extra weight you're carrying. The esky appealed to me as it's easy enough to dump the catch into it, it's insulated and super easy to clean.
I feel the same with the wheels, there doesn't really seem to be an easy solution there! Maybe the multiple trips is the go?

Cheers Sebb!

Thanks Lightningx!

You've made a great point there Mazman about the risks of potentially getting caught in your own gear in the case of accidentally flipping the kayak.
I definitely considered it before adding the paddle and rod leashes, they are ultimately a potential hazard in an emergency situation. Balancing the advantages v disadvantages, I think I've minimized the potential risk with the releasable carabiners, and keeping the lengths to a minimum where possible. I also don't trust myself not to accidentally knock a rod into the water haha.

[Tim399]

A fairly cheap mod that I use very often is a PVC removable rod rack the fits in the moulded rod holders behind the seat. This has 6 holders, typically I’ll use it to store rods as well as my net and 360 light. Even if only taking a couple of rods it is handy having the net in a holder behind that it can’t fall out of and the light out of the way. With high walls and side rails on my kayak, my best re-entry point is from the back of the kayak. For this reason I built the rod rack in a way that keeps the area behind the seat clear for re-entry. Although the re-entry part doesn’t apply to your setup with the esky in the rear well, this could work well to prevent the esky sliding backwards as the two sets of rod holders are joined by a length of PVC, with one elbow not glued so they can be separated for transport. Having all the rods stored upright in these holders behind the seat (or in the in-hull rod holders on the PA) makes returning to launch easier, without having to manoeuvre around the rods in the pistol holders when getting in or out of the kayak in small waves on the shore.

[Andrews]

Great advice there Tim, and liking the setup with the raised rod holders.
I've recently added a little cable tie which helps stop the esky sliding backwards and also aim to stick some Hobie Sidekick ama's behind the seat when the next come into stock (Hobie Asia Pacific reckons by early 2024).

[Tim399]

Great advice there Tim, and liking the setup with the raised rod holders.
I've recently added a little cable tie which helps stop the esky sliding backwards and also aim to stick some Hobie Sidekick ama's behind the seat when the next come into stock (Hobie Asia Pacific reckons by early 2024).

Will be interested to hear your thoughts on the ama’s after a couple of trips, I’ve never used them

[FishnMiss]

Great advice there Tim, and liking the setup with the raised rod holders.
I've recently added a little cable tie which helps stop the esky sliding backwards and also aim to stick some Hobie Sidekick ama's behind the seat when the next come into stock (Hobie Asia Pacific reckons by early 2024).

You can buy the AMA's from other non Hobie suppliers if you're desperate but they can be quite helpful in choppy conditions.
These Hobie dealers may have stock:
https://www.sunstatehobie.com.au/shop/sidekick-ama-kit/
https://binksmarine.com.au/products/sidekick-ama-kit
https://www.bossoutdoor.com.au/products ... it-lt-gray
Non Hobie (Can't vouch for the quality):
https://paddlesportsmegastore.com.au/pr ... igger-kit/
https://www.jetoceansport.com.au/collec ... f-jet80006

Regarding the Rod Holder made from PVC, unfortunately the Compass doesn't have the carry bar on the back of the yak like the PA's, I usually just drop mine upside down in that slot the whole time, way out of catching things and gives me more space behind the seat.
So you could make up a good PVC Rod/Rack Holder utilising the rear two moulded inserts and then create a bracket at the back with High Pressure PVC tubing for your wheels to sit in (just a thought and keeps the wheels out your way, you can Lanyard them if you're worried they get chucked out in swell etc).
These guys make a few swing away options for wheels from USA:
https://www.boonedoxusa.com/product-pag ... bie-pa-kit ( not just the PA).

Rudder Upgrade:

One other thing II would highly recommend is upgrading the rudder.
When you're in choppy conditions, following seas, the bigger rudder will keep your rudder in the water so you don't get rolled/turned side on so easy.
either the Berley Pro one: https://www.berleypro.com/product/the-brudder/ or you can order from USA: https://www.snipeairindustries.com/prod ... per-rudder