Modifying the Bison Galaxy
Aug 2, 2013 12:20:01 GMT -1
Post by ZEBRA on Aug 2, 2013 12:20:01 GMT -1
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
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