Hands Free - REALLY - poor mans kayak auto pilot

Well, here's my solution to the "Hands Free - not really kayak. After having experienced the "not really hands free" Hobie Mirage Outback, Hobie Tandem Island, and my new Predator PDL I think this may work.  This should lock the rudder in place so you don't need to continually hold the steering control lever with your left hand - which results in only 1 hand free.

This actually doesn't put much strain on the lever at all and seems to lock it wherever you want.  For trolling straight it should be a big improvement, also could lock in place if you wanted to do a circle?  At least you should be able to have both hands free for a short time without immediatelly turning like what happens now especially with some wind.

Brought to you by "Boogieman" and the "Pismo Gismo Predator PDL/tandem/Minn Kota".  I used a cut down small plastic shimm wedge left over from a window installation at home (Home Depot). Try it yourself at your own risk.

tried out my hands free poor mans autopilot - it works very well - just get the rudder control lever in position and slide the wedge in place.  Can't believe what an improvement this is for handsfree fishing.

Great innovation, Dan.  Looking forward to seeing your new creation in action. 

Thanks Eric - here's a picture of my DIY Minn Kota pod to interchange with the PDL (pedal) pod.  Just turned 70 recently and getting lazy.

Just turned 70 recently and getting lazy.

Dan - I know you, and anyone reading this deserves to know you better.  You're an awesome sportsman, and I love the fact that you and I met through this sport quite a few years ago.  You pioneered some kayak fishing techniques at Shelter Cove (thresher pursuit, CA halibut pursuit), and you've always been a great friend.  The last thing I'd think with you is "LAZY"!

Thanks again for sharing your work.  I'd cruise that ride any day!  Maybe I'll get a chance... 

I'm only 33 and have one of these (Predator XL)! 

It gets less use than my other kayaks, but not gonna lie its' nice to just motor around Shadow Cliffs lazily sometimes.

Thanks for the good words Eric.  I remember out first meeting at Trinidad years ago - before "Gimmie Shelter" existed I think.  Come to think of it you asked permission to take pictures of an old Calypso kayak I had added boogie boards to for the first "Boogieman" rig.  Had lots of fun with that one (photo attached).

You would be one of the few people I would turn my new Predator over to for a run.   

I always look foreward to meeting up with you at the cove as we have done so often.  You my man are the sportsman - and have done more to promote kayaking and good sportsmanship between everyone than anyone I know.

Linda and I are heading to Shaver Lake in a week or so and I plan to give "Pismo Gismo" serious (fresh water) sea trials for a few days.

Hope to see you in the Cove next summer.  Good saling till then my friend.   

Sooooo, do you have your CF numbers on it yet? Any motorized vessel needs to be registered. I got popped for an electric motor on my non registered 8' pram once.