YakGear Kayak Accessorie's Kayak & Canoe Outrigger Stabilizer Kit, GEN 2, One Size

Product Information

Kayak outrigger prices differ depending on the quality of materials used and the accessories included in the kit. You don’t always have to opt for the most expensive outrigger system, but some of the best stabilizer systems in terms of reliability and durability require you to spend a little more money than the average stabilizer does. Additional Accessories Let’s say you’re planning a multi-day kayak camping trip, or you’re gearing up for a long ocean trek. You need to bring a certain amount of gear for the trip, but if you fill up the kayak too much (with too much weight), your capsize risk is exponentially higher. Not with an outrigger, though! The stabilizers actually add buoyancy along with stability, so you’ll be able to carry more gear (on the kayak or even mounted to the outrigger arm/frame) for that long trip. Pros of Kayak Outriggers

Kayak stabilizers (also sometimes known as outriggers) hook to the gunwales (sides) of your kayak and extend out and away. At the ends, they usually include some type of float or buoy that adds stability to your kayak. To begin with, the installation is quite easy courtesy of the installation hardware that you have at your disposal. Also, consider the placement of your kayak stabilizer system. You should install it closer to the stern and leave enough clearance so that it doesn’t interfere with your fishing line or paddling strokes. Additional Accessories You’ll Need

EDITORS CHOICE

Using a pair of outriggers creates a more stable fishing platform and increases your control over the kayak. To build this design, you will need to begin by cutting two 12-inch lengths off of your PVC pipe. These will become the vertical supports that sit down into your rod holders, so you can go ahead and add a 90-degree connector to each length using PVC glue. Now you can allow those T-shaped stabilizers to dry while you prepare for the next step. If you already have the rod holders installed on your kayak, you will be able to skip right to attaching the stabilizers to them. PVC comes in many varieties, both hard and soft, and Inspired by Nature takes advantage of this versatility. Its 30-inch arms are made from strong, stiff PVC and extend into yellow PVC floats. That’s not a typo–both components are made from polyvinyl chloride. And like the Borcraft system, there’s no concern about punctures or leaks with these, but you will need to think about transport and storage.

Inflatable outriggers and stabilizers are made using a bladder inside a more rigid exterior material. They are designed to be blown up before you hit the water. The advantage is that they are transportable and easy to store when deflated. They are also easy to inflate and deflate. The disadvantage, however, is that the exterior shell, although designed to be durable, can be punctured. Rigid Outriggers Looking for the best outrigger for kayaks we cannot miss reviewing the Brocraft Kayak Outriggers. They are one of the best-rated stabilizers you can buy. The Brocraft Stabilizer System promises stability to every kayaker. And, it is really sturdy due to the high-quality materials used. As proof of that, the producer offers two years limited warranty. In most cases, you should be able to do just fine without them. I mean, if kayaks were so unstable without outriggers, floats would’ve been a standard part of paddling equipment – but they’re not. Kayak stabilizers are used by all sorts of kayakers. You will often see them on slimmer racing kayaks that are designed for speed because their thinner design makes them less stable. Lastly, a DIY solution will also be the only option for some kayakers on this front. This is especially the case for people that make their own wooden kayaks because it will be more difficult to find manufactured outriggers to fit a custom-made kayak. DIY Kayak Stabilizers You Can Build At Home 1. The Wood + Water Bottle DesignI am pretty sure you can imagine the nightmare of trying to save your gear, kayak, paddles, and yourself after tipping over. Don’t even think about it! You can save yourself from such scenarios by investing in the best kayak outriggers and stabilizers. They will go a long way to maintain your yak’s balance.

Mounting – You’ll need a drill, and you’ll need to be comfortable putting holes in your kayak. If you have zero experience with basic DIY projects, this may be a bit daunting. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and remember, pilot-drilling a hole is the best way to ensure accuracy with a larger bit. The first outrigger for kayaks on our list is the Scotty #302 Kayak Stabilizer System. It is one of the most popular and well-rated kits for sale on the market due to its quality and efficiency. The 30-inch kayak pontoons are made of sturdy puncture and tear-resistant PVC-coated outer shell materials with a durable inner bladder. And, they are held by two adjustable 28-inch anodized aluminum arms. P.S.: You could also just build your own DIY kayak cooler while you are at it to make sure everything fits according to your preference! Final Thoughts Another great feature, which this kit has is the pre-installed threading on the floats. It gives you the option to mount a camera in case you install an additional StarPort Mounting. Angling – Maybe you’ve bought a recreational kayak and now realize you’d like to start fishing on some of your outings. Many species of fish are best caught by casting directly to them. If you see your prey before you cast, you can coax them directly into a strike. And if you want to try fly fishing, it’s much easier to cast standing than sitting. But if you try getting on your feet in most rec ‘yaks, you’re in for a nasty surprise. One easy fix is a pair of outriggers. They’ll have you standing in your rec boat in no time!However, if you plan on using your kayak outrigger mostly on saltwater, make sure to buy one made with saltwater-resistant materials (like marine-grade aluminum and PVC). Durability You could, however, attempt a hybrid design by using PVC pipe with rebar threaded inside of it to reduce the degree to which the PVC flexes. This will obviously weigh you down a bit more but will do so less than using angle iron for the perpendicular sections.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses – and ultimately, it’s up to you. Easy Installation & Compatibility The last item on our list is by Airhead and is specially designed for beginners as well as plus size paddlers. The mounting hardware on its part is rust-resistant, while the PVC floats are likely to last for a lifetime. ProsOne of the biggest benefits of using kayak outriggers is how easy they are to store. Since they fold down into themselves easily, they take up less space in your garage or storage area than other types of boats do. Kayaks with outriggers should be hard-pressed to capsize or turn the boat over, which is precisely what the Brocraft stabilizer system prevents. This kayak stabilizer kit comes with molded PVC floaties attached using 32" polished aluminum arms. They are sufficient and work well with a straightforward design with the added bonus of working as rod holders! These rod holders will allow you to fish hands-free and further enjoying your 'yaking experience!