Almost ready
 

I have installed the transducer and lights, and got a auto/manual pfd, whistle, flare gun with flares, paddle (for reverse:biglaugh:),anchor (I still need to rig a trolley system though), livewell is almost finished (converting a cooler), paddle, tethers, carts.
I was considering adding the Hummingbird gps antenna Hummingbird offers for the Matrix 17 (capable of linking with other devices like the smart cast or gps, maybe more) but I think I'll either get a chart plotter and link the 2 units or maybe a handheld that I can link to the fish finder or wait and get a all in one.

I still need to get a gps or at least a compass, vhf ( I have my older handheld but the battery only last about 2 hours), livewell pump, hardware for anchor trolley.
Attachment 47759All wood treated with Minwax wood hardner to waterproof, I also empty the water out after use.

Attachment 47760
Attachment 47761 Front light mounted after removing the Hobie emblem(I saved the emblem to cover the hole) and the rear light is mounted to the rudder inspection cover.

I think I will rig up a tether for the cart so I can remove it once in the water using a boat hook so I don't have to be in the water to get the cart after launch. I also had one turbo fin almost come completely off:confused: so I installed one of the new turbo fins and will carry the other new fin for emergencies.

What have I forgotten?(especially tools to keep onboard)

Looking good Ed!!!!

Looks awesome. Careful with those auto-pfds. I've taken some good splashes in my yak that I'd bet could set one off.

I made sure it could be converted to either manual or automatic, the sales person thought I had three heads when I told him I wanted the choice. Gave me the whole song and dance about liability to the manufacturer, I read the manual and found he was wrong (perhap the A/M in the name was a clue, it's an A/M24). Check before you purchase, mine had the manual cap in a pocket within the vest specifically for the caps. I also purchased the rearming kit so when I'm rock hoping I can change it to automatic and rearm it if used. PFD was on sale bass pro for $99, I liked the external sunglasses pocket and found the neoprene used in the back neck area more comfortable than other vest, I only wish it had a little more reflective fabric (only the white stripes are reflective).
Attachment 47787

Attachment 47788

Looks good, Ecduzitgood

I do need to comment on one thing. You do not need or should have a green/red bow light on a kayak. The only light you need to be leagal is a white light that is visible for 360* even a hand held flashlight is good enough.

Does this mean I should not have the bow light, I thought I was doing the right thing being more visible at night:wall:. Should I remove the light?

I think the concern is that at night, other boaters will think you are a power boat and underway and able to make quick avoidance measures based on your degree of approach. A 360* white light only is typically reserved for boats at anchor and therefore powerboats will avoid you with greater caution.

Now that's a pretty cool vest for a really nice price. Good call.

this is exactly what I have heard from power boaters, I would take the thing off and just go with the white light on the stern. Looks like a sweet set up you got there, you have pretty much covered everything....