Hey guys, I just got my first yak,a Heritage Fisherman Pro 14 for free from my uncle. Seems to be a nice yak, but one downfall of the back I see is no spot for a crate/cooler in the back so wondering if anyone has come up with something or idea. I think I am going to put a outrigger on it, of course a scotty rod holder in the front, just need to figure out about the crate and fish storage, let me know what you guys think of this model as well...all is appreciated guys...thanks! oh...not my actual yak photos but the exact same.

You cant beat a free yak!i have seen some bags that stap on the back for storage.

YEAH!!!
you got a cool uncle dude!
strap it to the top and be done!
what safety stuff you have?

I've had one of these before. I mounted some pad eyes on the back and ran some additional bungee and placed a milkcrate over the back hatch. Worked like a champ. This is not the widest of kayaks so keep your nose in the center and move slowly and deliberately if you are reaching for stuff in your crate. It's a very fast kayak and handles the waves well. Have a blast and if you have any questions let me know.

Lot's of posibilities with that kayak. PVC pipe works wonders and you could build a rack for the rear deck and anchor it into those rod holders along with the bungee cords.
Like Zombie said, you have a cool uncle! Congrats!

Thanks guys, yeah my uncle is pretty awesome, so far I got the yak, 2 paddles he gave me, want to get a FF mounted possibly, and what safety equip do you guys recommend as far as vest etc, going on a shopping spree at the end of the month for everything I need, so making a list. Do you think outrigger like the one on Yak-gear are worth it? gonna try it out in the flats for a while to get comfy with the yak.

Don't do like the guy in the photo and not wear you're PFD.
You need one with a high back paddling vest to allow for the floatation to be above the seat backrest. They are more comfortable than a regular vest type.
If I were going to put outriggers on my kayak those would be the one's I'd choose. Of course if you are handy with PVC you could make your own, and lots of ideas on YouTube.

Your uncle did you a favor by starting you out on what's considered a skinny sit on top by today's standards. That particular model was classified as a "tourning kayak" along the lines of the Ocean Kayaks Scupper Pro Classic and the Perception Prism/Illusion. None of the above were highley regarded as "fishing kayaks" (except by their owners) because of their lack of a tank well. Don't let that discourage you because at the time and to this day, the above listed kayaks are considered by many as some of the best performance sit on top paddling kayaks on the water. What they lack in above deck storage they make up for in paddling performance. Learn to paddle it, learn to minimize your gear, and paddle circles around the fat yaks. See Ya!


My "touring" kayak (perception Illusion) with cut out rear hatch with drop in bucket, with tent, camping gear, and 7 gallons of water stored below deck on 5 day trip in the Everglades.

Thanks Iccon4, my uncle told me it was very fast, he would leave his friends way behind, by the time he got to the spot, it took them another 15-20 minutes to get there. I wont be taking lots of gear, just 2-3 rods, 1 tackle bag, net, and saftey stuff needed. might get a fish bag to mount up front to store my catch. Youtubing right now to get more ides, thanks again!

Another question, do I need to get this yak registered?? I heard only if you have a motor, but also heard now even without a motor?

Here are the regs. Short answer is no, unless you put a motor on it you'll be fine.

http://www.paynespaddlefish.com/2012/08/items-you-need-no-really-its-law.html

Does not exist? -
http://www.paynespaddlefish.com/2012/08/items-you-need-no-really-its-law.html
_________________________

strange. I can get to it fine using the link. Here is the copy and paste of it:


In the state of Texas, you don't have to register your kayak in most cases. If it has a motor, trolling or otherwise yes, but in most cases no. Here is how it reads:


The following vessels when on Texas public water are required to have current registration, including when docked, moored, or stored.

All motorized boats, regardless of length;
All sailboats 14 feet in length or longer or any sailboat with an auxiliary engine(s); and
USCG Documented vessels (New � see section below).
Exempted vessels � Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length) when paddled, poled, or oared and sailboats under 14 feet in length when windblown. Adding an outboard or trolling motor to one of these types requires titling and registration.
An exempt boat may have previously been titled as a motorboat. You can check whether a title has been issued for free � Query Ownership
That is great news! Slow down there buddy. Just because you don't have to register your boat (as long as you meet the above criteria) doesn't mean you can stroll down to Austin Canoe and Kayak and pick a boat and a paddle and be on the Colorado River before sunset. There are some other things to look at within the laws.

Just to get on the water you need to read this:

All vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD for each person on board. A Type V PFD is acceptable only if used in accordance with the specific instructions on the label of the device.


If you are going to paddle at night:

Remember that you must carry one bright white light that can be exhibited in time to prevent a collision. It is recommended that you carry a lantern, flashlight, or other attached white light that will be visible from 360 degrees. Regulations state that canoes, kayaks, and all other manually driven vessels shall exhibit sidelights and a sternlight, and shall exhibit at least one bright light, lantern, or flashlight from sunset to sunrise when not at dock.


A general warning to have your safety items:

Operating Vessels without Required Equipment is Prohibited - No person may operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel that is not provided with the required safety equipment. An operator may not permit a person under the age of 13 to be on board the vessel while the vessel is underway if the person is not wearing a USCG approved wearable PFD. Marine enforcement officers regularly perform vessel safety checks to ensure the safety of boat owners and passengers.

One more thing you will need by law:

Any vessel less than 12 meters in length (39.4 ft.) is required to carry a whistle or horn, or some other means to make an efficient sound to signal intentions and position in periods of reduced visibility.


As you are thinking about total purchase price, a weekend trip down the Guad or just a play day at the lake, make sure you have a PFD (life jacket), whistle, and if paddling at night, a 360 light.

Stay safe, not only will it save you money but it might save your life!

Nice yak by the way lconn4

Those were very popular fishing yaks. I loved mine. They are only rated at 275 pounds total carrying capacity and while I owned it I got to the point that I exceeded that weight myself so I upgraded. I just strapped a crate over the back hatch.