How to Build Your Own Kayak Outriggers

For the fisherman, attempting to catch your dinner while sitting in a kayak can be wobbly and precarious. Outriggers can stabilize your hull against the back and forth motion created while reeling in a large mouth bass or trout. Build these outriggers using supplies from your local hardware store and do not let the next big one get away.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 fishing rod tube holders with 2 1/2-inch ball bases, 1 3/4-inch inside diameter
  • 4 lobster buoys, 5 inches by 11 inches
  • 2 PVC tubes, 1 1/4 inches by 4 feet
  • 4 PVC tubes, 1/2 inch by 15 inches
  • 2 PVC tubes, 1 inch by 3 inches
  • 2 PVC elbows, 1 1/4-inch to 1-inch reducing connector, all slip
  • 2 PVC tees, 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch by 1-inch reducing connector, all slip
  • 4 PVC caps, 1/2 inch, slip
  • PVC glue
  • 2 trailer hitch pins, 3/8 inch by 3 inches
  • Power drill and various bits
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Fit the 4-foot PVC tube into the 1 1/4-inch elbow opening. Connect the 1-inch tee opening to the 1-inch elbow opening using the 3-inch segment of 1-inch PVC tubing. Insert a 15-inch length of 1/2-inch tubing into the horizontal tee connector openings.

    • 2

      Slide a lobster buoy over both of the 15-inch tubes and close the tubes with 1/2-inch PVC caps. This will keep the buoys from sliding off.

    • 3

      Build a second outrigger float using the same procedure. Glue the joints and connections together once the outriggers are assembled and fitted.

    Assembly

    • 4

      Mount the tube holders on either side of the kayak, behind the sitting area. Make sure the holders are mounted an equal distance from the stern.

    • 5

      Insert an outrigger into each tube holder. With the outriggers fitted in the tube holders, drill a 3/8-inch hole through each holder. Fasten a trailer hitch pin through each hole to lock the outriggers to the holders.

    • 6

      Test your kayak's response to the outriggers in shallow water before committing to deeper water.