storing gear in cockpit

Advice
#1

I saw a kayak that had storage under the deck inside the cockpit to store gear. Anybody have ideas on this and how would this affect a wet exit??

#2

Knee Tube?
I’ve also seen pull out drawers for storing things like lures for fishing.

#3

Wet exit should still be OK. The
storage is where the 3" front wall would be in a WW kayak, and walls usually don’t affect wet exit unless you are a real moose like me.

#4

Wet re-entry and roll
Stuff in something like a knee tube is usually more of an issue for that than an exit.

#5

That’s what they make day hatches for.

#6

I store my paddle float in a knee tube
and right next to it, my pump is attached to the deck underside with a mag-light clip. They’ve never been in the way in either a wet exit or a re-entry and roll, and I have a pretty low volume boat.

#7

Women often easier
Yeah, the Tahsis is a fairly low-decked boat if I recall right. Been a while. The Elaho DS is roomy on me but maybe you are taller.

I can wet re-enter my Explorer LV with the extra-small cockpit, the fairly aggressive NDK thigh braces and bulkhead blocks wearing a drysuit and insulating layer (or two). But overall I have a lot more flexibility than most guys, and it’s just plain easier to tuck up when you are shorter. A lot of guys and the over-50 crowd have some limitations on that manuver.

#8

another good option…
is to install bungie cords under the deck. I use a plastic welding rod tube to store items in. It slides under the bungies and stays put.

#9

LV Explorer
Yup - it is tighter Celia. I had an Explorer LV when I was 195lbs anc could fit in fine. HOwever, add two layers plus a drysuit and it got too confining for me. Now, at 182 lbs I think I could still get into it with all layers. (6’2")



What a nice boat - and my tuilik (small opening) still fit on the small sized keyhole cockpit.



Scott

#10

depends
on the gear, the bag, the boat, the person. There have been lots of production kayaks in the past with inherently dangerous seat back attachments but they sold anyway.



I installed a 2"x5"x10" mesh pocket under the foredeck of a plastic Chatham 16. It’s great. A lot better than tethering stuff all over the deck, or not tethering it and watching it dissapear.