DIY: Overhaul A Kayak for Getting Kids on the Water Fishing, Part 4: Replace the Shock Cord Kayak Rigging to Bring the Elasticity Back

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This is Part IV of a series on overhauling a Native Ultimate 14.5 for fishing with kids. In Part I, I covered cleaning up the oyster rash and rust, Part II focused on replacing the factory flush mount rod holders with heavy duty rocket launchers to troll and Part III focused on replacing a Scotty 241 base with a low profile YakAttack Mighty Mount Switch.

Part IV is going to focus on restoring the elasticity to all the kayak rigging to ensure everything that should be snug is snug and everything that should bounce back e.g. the seat positions does so as expected.

Materials Needed

• 1/8″ Shock Cord

Step 1: Remove the Shock Cord from the Seat Back Rest on the Hull

Remove the worn out shock cord from the seat back and remove the plastic hook that rests in the loop.

Step 2: Replace the Shock Cord

Thread the plastic hook onto a length of shock cord, thread back through the holes in the hull and tie an overhand knot.

Step 3: Remove the Shock Cord from the Kayak Rear

After removing the foam, remove the worn out shock cord.

Step 4: Replace the Shock Cord

Replace the shock cord by threading it back through the hull and tie another over head knot where the tension is tight enough to hold the contents within the hull.

Step 5: Wash the Salt and Grime Out

Wash down the seats to remove all the caked on salt.

Step 5: Remove the Shock Cord from the Seat Back

Remove the worn out shock cord that tensions the seat back.

Step 6: Replace Seat Back Shock Cord

Thread another piece of shock cord in the seat back and tie an overhead knot with enough tension to allow the seat back to “pop up” when lifted. Repeat for the other seat.

With the upgraded shock cord, everything should work as expected to tension your gear on your kayak.

Stay Tuned: Part V – Adding Track for A FishFinder and Crateless Rod Holders

In Part V, I’ll show you how install a track system for holding your fish finder, battery box and rod holders.