AdvancedElements.com

toofazt · Joined: 05 Jul 2012 Posts: 4 Location: Brookings, OR

Hi, I just bought two AE1012 kayaks and noticed once they're pumped up the top of the kayak right in front and behind the seat droops down. I can imagine water pooling there and it just looks bad. I remember seeing a kayak that had a plastic piece that you could insert in an arch to help raise the top but I can't find it now... Anyone have this problem and find a solution? Or am I just not setting it up right?

*Edit: Found it! First part of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrixvG-5jP4

Can't wait to get out on the river this weekend!

Timbo · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:57 pm Post subject:

Check these posts , it should give you a few ideas.
You could make a support frame from light PVC tubing .
I use the stainless steel frame sold here in Holland , my post is about halfway down the page.

http://www.advancedelements.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1197&highlight=[/url]

toofazt · Joined: 05 Jul 2012 Posts: 4 Location: Brookings, OR

Thanks for the info. So it looks like there's nothing really on the market in the US that would work? Guess I'll see what I can come up with on my own.

toofazt · Joined: 05 Jul 2012 Posts: 4 Location: Brookings, OR

I made a frame out of some plastic I have from another product I manufacture. It looks like it will work great, now to try it out!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BOW

STERN

Timbo · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:35 am Post subject:

Should work ok , the metal frames just sort of wedge between the
deck lifters and grey main tube cover , i would be a bit concerned about
chafing through the floor though as there is a lot of movement whilst paddling .

NaturalPath · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:31 pm Post subject:

I considered doing something like this myself, since my only complaint about this kayak is the fact that I have to keep my toes pointed because the front deck is not high enough to keep them straight up. However, I would be a bit concerned about the wear issues after using a system like this over and over. Those sharp edges pressing against the inner hull might eventually wear a hole through the hull.
I did figure out a way to lift the back deck that suited me a bit better. I purchased a hard sided/soft cover cooler/lunch bag that fits about 12 cans in the lower section and another smaller storage area in the upper section. It fits real nice under the deck, and lifts it up almost even with the rear part of the kayak. In this cooler I will store most of the heavier items I might take along on a camping trip. Also, it does double duty by supporting any items I decide to place on top of the rear deck, so that's a bonus too.