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Which float bags to buy?


gorn

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Hi Guys

Im wondering what float bags you guys are using in your own kayaks?

Ive been waiting ages for Skinboats.com to get new stock of their Greenland bags, but am still waiting.

Id rather install them before skinning the kayak, so I can check the fit properly, and make any anchor points I may want.

 

Ive been looking at the NRS Hydrolock bag, which is float and storage, but am not really sure it will sui the shape of "Shad".

Will this bag work for me?  (bear in mind I will have 8" hatches above the bags)

http://www.rutabaga.com/nrs-hydrolock-kayak-stow-float#

 

Im also considering the NRS Seat pad  http://www.rutabaga.com/nrs-seat-pad

Opinions?

Whats the best seat for skin on frame?

 

Thanks

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When it comes to seats, spend a little more and get one from Joe at Redfish kayaks. He can cut one of the pre-sculpted blanks to fit your boat. If he doesn't have the template for Shad I can email it to him. I use his seats in all mine and I love them. I tried 2 or 3 before settling on his.

 

I have not tried the NRS seat, but it is like most I have seen, it is just a pad that doesn't do much for you.

 

The float bag you linked to seems a little short but I would need to do some measuring to be sure. You want it to fill as much space as possible and that seems short to me. 

 

Installing a float bag is not that big a deal. I roll up  the bag sideways, slide it in place using a scrap of wood to help get it in place, then  inflate.  As you inflate the bag will unroll and open and fill the space. Since you are installing hatches it is even easier on your boat.

 

I have never seen the need to tie them down, with a proper size bag, one that is a bit larger than that boat, it expand to fit the inside of the boat and be locked in place. Once inflated it can't move much and it sure can't come out of the boat.

 

Why not make your own float bags? You're making your own boat. You can buy heat sealing nylon from places like Rocky Woods and just make your own. There is good info on making your own on Tom Yost's site from clear vinyl and they are dirt cheap.  I made them that way for a while but they didn't hold up. I kept getting small leaks and they wouldn't stay inflated so I scrapped them.

 

I am about to order some heat seal nylon and make a couple of sets for my boats. I have never used it before but they would go together the same way, I will just iron instead of glue it together. I will photograph and write up a how too on this.

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Hi Jeff

I'm running out of steam on building things, so a bought one is the best option for now.

I will see about that seat, and let you know if he needs the plans.

The main reason I want these ones, is they have separate gear storage in the bags, as well as chambers for flotation.

 

Thanks for the info as always :)

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I would strongly recommend using a separate dry bag(s). Then you can take them out of the boat and get to whatever you have in there MUCH easier. Shad doesn't have a lot of space to start with. With a seat and backband you access is really blocked, you have to remove the seat for anything of any size to go in our out. A front bag is going to be way up inside the boat. Trust me, the last thing you want it to have to stand on your head, reach inside a boat and open and close a bag, front or back!

 

A dry bag with lunch or other smallish items can site between your knees safely and not interfere with an exit. Even with hatches if your bags are inflated enough your not going to be able to reach inside and access the storage compartments on the ends. It is one of those great sounding ideas but it's really not practical. 

 

Of course YMMV!

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Hi Jeff

I got some measurments from skinboat.prg for their greenland bags, and IMO their too long.

I have ordered a pair of these http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=28922&pdeptid=1760 , got them on sale for $65 ea.

Which are longer than the 1st ones I mentioned, and still allow a small amount of room in the rear for a dry bag, not much room in front.

 

Im going to go with the Redfish seat as you suggested, will order in the next week or so.

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