Don't Let This Happen To You - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Gino · 04-20-2010, 12:20 PM

Once your start to get water in.. that angled back hatch just sucks in more and more water... It only sits maybe 2 inches off the middle of the scupper holes. bait tank doesnt really even matter If your a heavier paddler in an X-factor, you get wind chop or boat wake from beind it spashes water up onto that back hatch and as the kayak flexes it sucks water in like a spongue. If you had an older style x-factor it is even worse.

X-factor is a great kayak, But I would never get one with that back angled hatch again. Im 6'1 300lbs so a smaller guy wouldnt have a problem. Im now in an Extreme with a drop in bait tank...and i love it. And will be buying another one in a couple months!

THE DARKHORSE · 04-20-2010, 12:38 PM

Good thing you're a true waterman, most anglers would probably panic. And I would have picked you up yesterday, but those damn Yellowtail were going the other way.

You can barrow my X-Factor anytime, Tom. I'm right by the launch.

ronbo613 · 04-20-2010, 01:33 PM

I've got my bait tank rigged so I can yank the pump and inlet hose off the tank and use it as a bilge pump.
As everyone already knows; you don't fool around in the ocean, always be prepared for a "worst case" scenario, because it will be worse than you think.
Sorry about losing your gear, but you're alive and you can buy more stuff.

lamb · 04-20-2010, 01:53 PM

WOW

I'm very glad to hear it all ended well.

Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. We can never have enough reminders - it's an open ocean, it's a dangerous game. It's amazing how the problems on the water have a way of compounding themselves - once something goes wrong, the chances are - there will be 3 more things that will go bad right after.

WahooUSMA · 04-20-2010, 02:08 PM

Glad your OK!

Iceman · 04-20-2010, 02:09 PM

Tom, sorry to hear of your ordeal, glad you came out of it physically unscathed. If you decide to replace the X Factor let me know. You dropped a bundle the first time around, I'll get you one at cost.

I had a similar experience with an overflowing Kayatank on my Extreme, not made to run without a timer switch. I was able to pump it out with a hand bilge. I too have had mine slide toward the stern out of reach, attach it somehow!

sandydiego · 04-20-2010, 02:15 PM

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I'm happy to know that there are a great bunch of guys out there willing to help when in need. Hang in there. I moved my bilge pump to the pouch behind the seat after realizing the dam thing slides up and down the kayak.

dos ballenas · 04-20-2010, 02:24 PM

any numbers on the new artificial reef

, kidding... glad your alive... Im always amazed at the amount of $ people spend on outfitting their yaks... $ 4 g's can get you a nice little skiff

ful-rac · 04-20-2010, 02:48 PM

Glad you are Ok. Sorry about your yak and gear but it can and will be replaced. Your right, I hope everyone has their safety gear together and easily accessible. Even just a simple .99 cent whistle could save your life. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, it's given me alot to think about.

04-20-2010, 12:38 PM	#2
THE DARKHORSE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seven minutes from the launch! Posts: 987	It's only money... Good thing you're a true waterman, most anglers would probably panic. And I would have picked you up yesterday, but those damn Yellowtail were going the other way. You can barrow my X-Factor anytime, Tom. I'm right by the launch. __________________

04-20-2010, 01:33 PM	#3
ronbo613 Waterman At Large Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On the Water Posts: 199	I've got my bait tank rigged so I can yank the pump and inlet hose off the tank and use it as a bilge pump. As everyone already knows; you don't fool around in the ocean, always be prepared for a "worst case" scenario, because it will be worse than you think. Sorry about losing your gear, but you're alive and you can buy more stuff. __________________ Kayak Fishing Photos and Video

04-20-2010, 01:53 PM	#4
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,568	WOW I'm very glad to hear it all ended well. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. We can never have enough reminders - it's an open ocean, it's a dangerous game. It's amazing how the problems on the water have a way of compounding themselves - once something goes wrong, the chances are - there will be 3 more things that will go bad right after. __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

04-20-2010, 02:08 PM	#5
WahooUSMA Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 753	Glad your OK! __________________ GO ARMY BEAT NAVY! Bad decisions make great stories!

04-20-2010, 02:09 PM	#6
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Tom, sorry to hear of your ordeal, glad you came out of it physically unscathed. If you decide to replace the X Factor let me know. You dropped a bundle the first time around, I'll get you one at cost. I had a similar experience with an overflowing Kayatank on my Extreme, not made to run without a timer switch. I was able to pump it out with a hand bilge. I too have had mine slide toward the stern out of reach, attach it somehow! __________________

04-20-2010, 12:20 PM	#1
Gino Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 520	Once your start to get water in.. that angled back hatch just sucks in more and more water... It only sits maybe 2 inches off the middle of the scupper holes. bait tank doesnt really even matter If your a heavier paddler in an X-factor, you get wind chop or boat wake from beind it spashes water up onto that back hatch and as the kayak flexes it sucks water in like a spongue. If you had an older style x-factor it is even worse. X-factor is a great kayak, But I would never get one with that back angled hatch again. Im 6'1 300lbs so a smaller guy wouldnt have a problem. Im now in an Extreme with a drop in bait tank...and i love it. And will be buying another one in a couple months!

04-20-2010, 02:15 PM	#7
sandydiego Rum Pirate Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Wilds of Mira Mesa Posts: 388	Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I'm happy to know that there are a great bunch of guys out there willing to help when in need. Hang in there. I moved my bilge pump to the pouch behind the seat after realizing the dam thing slides up and down the kayak.

04-20-2010, 02:24 PM	#8
dos ballenas Vampyroteuthis infernalis Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 585	any numbers on the new artificial reef, kidding... glad your alive... Im always amazed at the amount of $ people spend on outfitting their yaks... $ 4 g's can get you a nice little skiff __________________ ____________________________________________

04-20-2010, 02:48 PM	#9
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	Glad you are Ok. Sorry about your yak and gear but it can and will be replaced. Your right, I hope everyone has their safety gear together and easily accessible. Even just a simple .99 cent whistle could save your life. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, it's given me alot to think about.