Kayak Canopy

Has anyone ever built A custom canopy for there yak? I am planning to do so. I will start by bending some 3/4 or 1" EMT ( electrical tubing ) To fit the flush mount rod holders. Once bent to satisfactory add some mesh on top by zip tying down. Im just thinking of the summer days ahead of us and dont wont to get my A@# kicked by the rays. Anyone with any ideas would help me on my journey. I will post my progress as I go. Thanks in advance... Andy

I've seen one before but can't remember where, I think it mighta been bloodydecks but it was definitely a socal yak.  Stainless tubing, looked like a miniature radar arch with a forward extending canopy. It was pretty impressive.

Alot to consider, raised center of gravity, self rescue, wind resistance....could be a cool addition though. 

There's a guy (Dominick Greco) down in Florida that has a bimini top on his "signature kayak".  He also has pontoons, a trolling motor, and a casting platform.  I'm not really sure it's still a kayak.  
He sells the whole rig for about $4000 including the OK Big Game.

http://www.kayak-charters.com/html/signature_kayak.html


There's a lot more photos on his website.

Anyway, it might be worth looking at to get some ideas.

Brian

Just checked out Mr. Greco's website and talk about taking the simplicity out of it.  Might as well purchase a used skiff for that price - it might even be cheaper.

Michael

the sail effect might become an issue.  I watched a bunch of kayaks on a tour of elkhorn slough using umbrellas as a sail, and it moved them pretty well.  So enough of a canopy to be shade might be a hell of a sail.  How bout a big hat?

Just checked out Mr. Greco's website and talk about taking the simplicity out of it.  Might as well purchase a used skiff for that price - it might even be cheaper.

Michael

I'm guessing that in this case he just wants to keep his Ocean Kayak Pro-Staff sponsorship but really prefers fishing out of a skiff.

Brian

All the feedback has been cool. Im thinking something A little more simple and easily removable.And would only use it like at San Antonio or lake Naci in those back coves just chilling. Andy

A number of years ago a friend of mine used conduit to attach pontoons to his kayak through scupper holes and the conduit scraped a hole in his boat and swamped it half a mile off bean hollow.  Be careful what you add to your kayak.  Sharpish things or things that can generate leverage against the boat can cause failures.

Not trying to rain on your parade but a nice hat would probably be the smart move. Any "top" would turn into a sail. The only time I think It'd work for you is if you were anchored up on a lake.

Z

Just checked out Mr. Greco's website and talk about taking the simplicity out of it.  Might as well purchase a used skiff for that price - it might even be cheaper.

Michael

Totally agree on that! I wonder how much time it takes to rig the entire set up....unless of course he uses a trailer and never needs to set-up and break down.

And like what promethean spark mentioned:

Be careful what you add to your kayak.  Sharpish things or things that can generate leverage against the boat can cause failures.

Also, remember that the winds can cause havoc on a set-up just like that

Please think twice when modifying your kayak - for safety's sake 

HUmmmmm....   Hobie actually makes one.  You can even get this "Dodger" thingie...  At 200 Bucks, I don't really think so...

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/accessories.html#carts

Most of these also look like they would get in the way of casting.

  There's a guy who sells both Bimini tops and sails for kayaks on eBay. I haven't looked in that section in the last few weeks, but his stuff used to show up pretty regularly.

I have a KILLER bimini top that fits all 4 of my kayaks. It's called a hat.
Did you notice how much of the seat was in the shade in the pic of the big Game??  Zero.
Seems kind of pointless to me.
Be better off getting some of the long pants they use for bonefishing. SPF can be pretty high, they dry fast, and will cool you down better when wet.

Well by unanimous decision it doesnt look like A good idea. , Owell Thanks for all the input guys maybe Ill just go out and get A sombrero ... Andy