setting up a kayak to hold SCUBA tanks

[TheU1991]

what's up guys, recently bought a coleman menace kayak. there really isn't any spot to put a tank on it after i get all my gear on it, and i was wondering if anyone has rigged up kayaks to hold tanks on them. is there any decent method of doing this? how about towing something that would hold a tank or two on it?

thanks for any help or ideas.

[Alashaman]

From the looks of it, I would stick the tank in the back, and keep that weight as low as possible. I wear most of my gear, and put things like my mask into a game bag and attach it to the kayak in case it flips.

Looks like you have a hatch in the middle as well, you should be able to make good use out of it.

But tank as low as possible in the back would be the spot.

[TheU1991]

thanks for the quick reply. i still haven't taken it out yet because i'm away at school, but i was originally planning to stick fins and gear in that back compartment. i may have to move that stuff around if it's best for the tank to go back there. again, thanks for the quick comment!

[Alashaman]

Just remember, Heavier stuff sits lower, otherwise you will compromise your stability. I would assemble your BC with tank and reg and everything, then put it tank down into the yak, put your fins and game bag with other misc gear on top and strap it all down, wear everything else :)

[Goody1986]

Alright can I add a question to the discussion? Are there methods of putting 2 tanks on the yak? I have an OK prowler big game. The one in the back works - but I need a good spot for the second - any suggestions??

[Alashaman]

Looks at that Kayak... and depending on the size of the tank... I would think the only place would be between your legs on that cup holder / tray. Might make in uncomfortable to paddle... but I don't see another location.

[Couplescaddy]

Or you could try to come up with some sort of a build like a banks board that would allow you to tow your tanks on a separate board behind you. not sure how bad that would reduce efficiency when paddling, but might be a pretty sweet deal to have an additional tie down spot for the 30lb WSB you're going to shoot while out there! Maybe modify a super thick bodyboard type deal.

[Goody1986]

Thanks guys, these are good ideas. Now I have to make some sort of decision

[Albondiga]

Are you diving aluminum 80s? I found 80s are a bit longer than my tank well, and 100s would be just way too fat to double up. Two 72s may fit next to each other. Put the tanks down and strap your stuff on top. When you anchor up, tie one off and toss it over. Rig the other and dive it. Tie it off when empty, rinse and repeat.

You could also look into getting a steel 120 tank. The equivalence of 2 tanks, in one tank. You boat will weigh a friggin ton though.

Then let me know how that works out, since I was just pondering the same dilemma and have not tried it yet.

I thought about the banks board idea, but you would have to swim that out with the tank and anchor it. Then go back in and paddle through the surf. Then...well that is where I decided it was too much work. Pulling the board through the surf behind a kayak would be dangerous at best. I like the idea of the secondary platform for fish and stuff though.

[Goody1986]

I have a 63 and and 80. I was going to put the 80 in the back ready to go and strap the 63 in the front for the second dive. But yes the plan was to tie it off and toss it once I got to where I wanted to dive. I don't need to worry about surf, there is none where I put in. I will report back once I have tried this out.

[ocddeerhunter]

get an old windsurfer board off craigslist to tow behind .I got 2 and use them with a paddle for some spots where i don't bring the yak .you can tie off to the foot straps and center board .

[Goody1986]

I had forgotten about this thread~!

Alashaman was dead on with the tank placement. The kayak may be a barge out on the water, but handled the weight perfectly. My cousin brought his little kayak and could not handle the weight so I actually had 2 tanks w/ BC's and weights AND spearing gear/accessories AND another tank AND myself. Was very impressed. In a perfect world I'd like a scupper pro and/or paddleboard for spearing only trips and keep my OK Prowler for combo spear/scuba trips.