Modifying the Bison Galaxy

[ZEBRA]

Modifying the Bison Galaxy
Having paddled the Bison quite a lot in recent weeks I decided it was time to make a few simple modifications



First bit of advice is when you are going to make modifications always make sure you have all the correct tools and fittings at hand before you start make yourself a flat work surface and lay all the bits and tools out that you will need



First bit is to install 2 flush mount rod holders Using the rubber gasket as a template mark the area to be cut making sure the edges of the gasket are on a flat area of the kayak mark the inner circle with a permanent marker



Using a dremel cut out bit carefully trace the line of the cut out going a little deeper with each circle until the hole cut out is complete



At this point re-measure the hole by dry fitting the gasket and rod holder



If all fits perfectly drill out the fixing points on the kayak and rod holder and put in your fixings I have decided not to use silicone on this fix a think the rubber gasket should be suffice to keep the job watertight



I have elected to use self tapping screws on this rod holder the reason is the Bison kayak is 5mm thick plastic so there is plenty of plastic to get a good grip with the self tapers if the kayak you are fitting out has thinner plastic use the appropriate fixing like tri fold rivets ect



The next thing to be fitted was a 6 inch front hatch .
Take your time in getting it lined up correctly once you have it where you want it mark the cut out with a permanent marker and just like with the flush mount rod holder cut out the hole



It’s a big hole so once you have cut it out use a little sand paper and clean up the edges



On this hatch I chose to use stainless steel nuts and bolts the was so I could get a really tight fit and slightly bend the hatch frame so it lays flat to the curve of the kayak once secured this hatch has a really handy inner bag so it was popped in to place



Next was a compass which I feel is the firs piece of safety kit that should be on every kayak before its used I like the superior compass this is a small 2 inch compass with a flat top and is very robust it simply attaches with a waterproof sticky pad this one cost £3.50 delivered if anybody wants one pm me



To finish the job I added a multi angle rod holder one thing to remember is keep all the bits of plastic you cut out they are a perfect colour match should you ever need to do a repair of fill a hole

[izzetafox]

Looking good Zeb.

[philpot]

My yougest daughter liked the look of this kayak Terry as she feels exposed on a SOT so I am watching this closely but not telling Katie.
As there is some curvature on the bow, how did go with clamping the hatch to get a water tight fit, was there much pressure needed.

Phil

[ZEBRA]

no it was great phil just a little bit of curve on the frame but using the nuts and bolts it just slightly bent the frame its turned out watertight and really pleasing job in the end there are a few other mods in the pipeline for it but i will show them as i do them its a superb kayak and really paddles well

[paulowen123]

In the next two weeks or so i will be doing this to my ocean kayak frenzy. And i will be honest im bricking it drilling holes in to my pride and joy :S lol what drill would you recommend Zeb? and i would love to buy one of them compass too many thanks

[ZEBRA]

hi paul for the cut outs i like to use a dremel type cutting head on a flexy shaft but whatever you use just take your time use sharp tools and you will be fine measure it twice and then just cut it once do some photos for us all as you do the job

no problem with the compass just pm me your full name and address and then go to the main website and make a 3.50 donation and i will get it right to you

[paulowen123]

Thank you Zeb will defenently be puting up some photos m8 . been reading up alot on here and this group is like gold dust to me . Love it will pm you tomorow to sort that compass out thanks again