I did the same thing with pvc. I guess Im not the only one to figure this out. I cut a line down a large diameter piece of pvc and left it in the oven for until it was pliable and then rant it out to my kayak and held it against the keel until it cooled solid and match the shape of my keel, using oven mits of course. It was hot! I then coated the inside of the thing with some epoxy and attached it to the kayak.

Ive been fishing that spot from a kayak for 10 years. I just bought a boat....

I don't know if you mean the salians river or the river mouth but both wont work. The Salinas river to closed to fishing this time of year, and you wont be able to launch from the river mouth. Also I tried to fish from the beach and that area last 3 days in a row and the wind has been howling 20+ mph before noon.  Today should be the same

What airline did you use?

Capitola boat and bait posted that one of the kids that works for them jigged some up outside the moorings. I'm sure they are spotty good luck.

I just like that you know ratchet straps aren't coming undone, but yes you don't want to over crank them for sure. Avoiding misshaping the hull is also why I use the extra pieces to go under the scupper plugs.

Cushion Foam: 4 inch thick, 24 inches wide, 72 inches long pieces available at home depot for 25$ a piece. I cut mine down to 60 inches long and cut the left over piece into two 6 inch pieces. I put the 60 inch long piece on top of my car and put the kayak on top of it and then lift up each end and put the 6 inch pieces in between the kayak the the 60 inch piece directly under scupper holes. These are the strongest points of the kayak, applying the most pressure there prevents the hull from bowing in. I string ratcheting tie downs through cabin and around the the kayak to hold it down. Everything costs 35-40$ tops and works on any vehicle. The foam does not move around on top of the car whatsoever, it is actually difficult to move the foam once the weight of the kayak is on it. Tied down with the straps it is secure enough that I can shake my car by shaking the kayak.

Other Thoughts; cutting the 60 inch piece into two thirty inch pieces might make it more convenient  to store, sowing a giant pillowcase for it could be helpful for keeping it clean and make it more durable, however fabric would likely have less friction on the roof of the car and between the kayak, the foam really makes everything stick in place securely. But with many fabric options available it could be fun to try different things, all felt, all neoprene, perhaps a one side felt and one side neoprene combination? It would certainly make it all look cleaner and more finished.



 

Thanks so much every one, based on the information you gave me I've decided to take three two-piece full length rods. I am getting a flambeau bazuka, and at it's minimum size it is 63 inches so TSA cant crush my rod tips by shortening it's lengths and I will pack it with a foam mattress topper from target that costs about 12$ to keep everything from rattling around. Thanks again to all those who helped me make the right decisions. I'm pretty confident that if my gear makes it there without theft or being lost it will make it intact.