I just traded a Scanoe for an older WS Tarpon 16. It's a solid boat but a lttle weathered from sitting outside (color has faded from bright yellow to very pale yellow).
1. I removed the hatch covers and it has some nasty smells. What's the best way to clean this thing up? Car wash? Polishing compound? Wax? Lysol inside the hatch area?
2. I have to get a kayak paddle....any suggestion on what to look for and how much I should plan on spending?
3. I need to buy a good PDF that won't interfer with fishing/paddling. I'd like to get one that would allow me to wear waders in the winter. Suggestions?
4. Finally what else should I look at improving/adding/modifying to make this boat safe, fun and effective on the water?
Thanks in advance for your help!
SteveO

Cleaning...
Take all the hatch covers off and wash and scrub the inside and out with a car wash brush or something similar with mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and get inside and out dry. Let it sit out in the back yard for a few hours after dry and it will be good.

Use 303 protectant on the outside. This should condition it and restore a little color.

Paddle...

No sense in spending a buttload of money on a paddle. Get a carlisle magic from academy for 70.00. Tough and good quality. Sure you can spend upwards of 300 on a carbon paddle, but who cares.

PFD...

Also at academy is a brown PFD made for fishing that is about 64.00. It is well worth the price for comfort, and functional.

I really wouldn't mess with it other than that. The fewer holes you drill in a yak the better.

Since you are in SA, I will use Austin Canoe and Kayak.
They are located at I35, exit 200 (turn around) on the west side (southbound).
If you are far south and don't want to drive they ship for free on orders over $75.

For cleaning: Sink the Stink
It works wanders on the inside of a boat and will work on the rest of your gear, (i.e.) ice chest, pfd
http://www.austinkayak.com/catalog_search.php?keyword=stink

For appearance: 303 Protectant (like tyak said) it works great on restoring a finish and protecting it.
http://www.austinkayak.com/catalog_search.php?keyword=protect

Paddle: Depending on what you want to spend, there are two huge "bang for your buck" paddles
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/888/AT-Paddles-Straight-Shaft-T4E.html
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/4/Bending-Branches-Slice-Carbon-Paddle.html
They are the bang for the buck because they are the best at the price range (obviously) but there are huge jumps in price up the scale from these two paddles. I wouldn't go any cheaper than the $100, it is well worth the money and far far better than the $60-70 range!

PFD: There are many many choices, your best bet would be to go try some on and see what you like because you will get a thousand opinions on what works for each person, acouple to look at though...
Fisherman (a lot of places to stow your gear): http://www.austinkayak.com/products/814/Stohlquist-Fisherman-High-Back-PFD.html
Wedge: (only one pocket but extremely comfortable and very low profile)
Here are some more choices:
http://www.austinkayak.com/catalog_brands.php?brand=20

For fishing: Add a Scotty Baitcast Rodholder up front (fits both baitcast and spinning gear)
http://www.austinkayak.com/catalog_search.php?keyword=baitcast
The flush mount looks better when you are not fishing, but the deck mount gives you an extra 1.5" of clearance for your handle

Depending on where you fish, an anchor is always helpful so you can thoroughly fish each spot without fighting current or wind
There are three to choose from depending on what kind of bottom structure you are fishing.
Lakes and Rivers: http://www.austinkayak.com/products/75/Folding-Anchor-3lbs.html
Small Ponds and calm water: http://www.austinkayak.com/products/73/Folding-Anchor-15-lbs.html
Ocean: http://www.austinkayak.com/products/76/Bruce-Style-Claw-Anchor.html

Bring your boat with you, and they will install the rod holder for you in about 5 minutes.

check out http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/portal.php they all kinds of good advice and would love to answer all you kayak question good luck to you

TKF is great. I browse it as much if not more than here, because I am into kayak fishing...
But, there is a kayak fishing section on this website too, maybe there would be a little more action in the kayak section here if we stopped sending everyone with a kayak question to TKF, and just gave them an answer to their question.
Just a thought...

Like I said, go to academy, the same anchors are about 7.00 and there is no basis for spending at least 100.00 on a paddle.

No sense in driving to Austin to spend more money when you could go down the street to Academy and get it cheaper.

1 1/2 pound is $4.88 and 3 pound is $8.88. They have nice paddles starting at $19.99.

I went and purchased a paddle from Academy yesterday. Although I wish my budget was unlimited the fact of the matter is I have to watch what I spend. Austin is a long drive from where I live so I think Academy will be my supplier. I did find a weird looking anchor I had left over from the scanoe I traded. Now I need a good PDF and maybe a Scoty rod hold (both spinning and fly rod capable). Never seen the Scotty's rod holder at Academy yet?
SteveO

They have both the fly rod and baitcast rod holders on the kayak accessory aisle.

Thanks for the info- Went to Academy and I got a Sterns PDF, a Scotty flyrod holder and a paddle leash today- $80. I think I'm about ready to try it out. Teaching this weekend so maybe Monday?
SteveO

I'm about to purchase a kayak as well. Are you off during the week? I am usually off tues/wed and usually fish by myself. If you'd like to hook up and float/fish the guadalupe some time let me know. I have access to a ranch on the river where we could leave a vehicle.

Hendo- I usually only have Tuesdays off. I'd like to get together and try out the Guadalupe sometime for sure.
SteveO

I would have recommended a Bending Branches paddle. Get the best you can afford with paddles and seats.

Would have also recommended a Stohlquist PFD. Spend whatever it costs to buy one you'll wear.

Would have told you to skip the anchor. Bought all my stuff from the previous owner of Austin Canoe and Kayak. He wouldn't sell me an anchor even though he had them. He told me to get a 5-hole brick. That was 4 years ago. Pretty much all I've ever used, though I did upgrade to 2 bricks once.

Besides Austin, Austin Canoe and Kayak is also in San Marcos. When you need something fixed, Academy can't help you. AC&K can.