Installation of Harmony Kayak Sponsons

Harmony kayak sponsons are made to provide extra stability to a kayak. Both primary and secondary stability is gained upon inflating the sponsons. Primary stability is the stability when the kayak is at rest. Secondary stability is when the kayak is in motion. Harmony sponsons can be used with any sea kayak. They are inflated and compressed via air bladders. Installing the sponsons is done either with permanent attachments or via a strap system that does not require drilling into the kayak's hull.

Things You'll Need

  • Power screwdriver or drill
  • Silicone caulk
  • Epoxy
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

  1. Permanent Installation

    • 1

      Clean the kayak hull surface. Measure out the sponson length of 40 inches next to the cockpit on both sides of the kayak. On each side, make two sets of marks for the strap cleats at 10 inches in from the ends. You will mark points for a set of cleats on both sides, 20 inches apart and 10 inches from the ends.

    • 2

      Drill the screw holes for the cleats. Apply epoxy to the back of the cleats and align the cleat holes on the kayak to the cleats. Screw the cleats into position. Add silicone caulk to the screws on the inside and outside of the kayak to regain a watertight seal.

    • 3

      Thread the quick-clips into the cleat via the nylon webbing sleeves. Clip the sponsons to the quick-clips so they hang next to the cockpit. Make sure the air valves are facing up and are close to the cockpit.

    • 4

      Inflate the sponsons via the air valves when you're ready to use them for extra stability.

    Non-Permanent Attachments

    • 5

      Run the two-inch nylon webbing through the kayak deck bungees and drape it next to the cockpit. Attach the quick-clips on the sponsons to the ends of the nylon webbing straps.

    • 6

      Roll the sponsons up and store them under the bungees until you are ready to deploy and inflate them.

    • 7

      Pull them out, inflate them via the air valves, then drape the inflated sponsons (while still clipped to the nylon webbing) over the opposite side of the webbing attachments, so the webbing goes tight as the sponsons hit the water.