Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

I have a kayak that i need a little extra room for my feet. I have heard some folks talk about hot water and thats about it. I already paddle with rodeo socks. If i could cut the foot pockets out of a new jackson everthing would be good. Has anyone come up with a way to do this that will work and not fubar the boat?

High temp Heat gun and some wet towls shoved in side the boat. depending on the type of boat it will or will not hold the shape. I have done this to a few boats long ago.

be easy with the heat gun and you should be ok.

cut those hammer toes off or cut two two holes in the bottom so when the waters low you can push off the bottom.....

Here is what worked for me on a low volume Prijon (delirous model, I think),

Purchased a couple of the small footballs. wrapped some thin foam around them for insulation then a couple layers of aluminum foil for heat protection.

Over inflated the footballs. Shoved them down into the bow where I wanted the foot bumps.

Used an industrial grade heat gun and very carefully kept it moving over the area I had marked out for one of the foot bumps.

Watched it really close and all of a sudden the plastic began to move up and I removed the heat.

I ended up with a couple of neat looking foot bumps that worked great for as long as I owned the boat. Sold it after a while and far as I know the new owner is happy with it.

I am told in some cases the foot bumps will revert back to the original position.

I know my deal worked with Prijon plastic, not sure if it works with other brands of plastic.

Kayakn,

I have an 'old school' boat with even more room from the start, but with my long feet, I had to do something. The foam bulk head up front is there to strengthen the kayak, and provide a measure of safety in pins. In light of this, and also not wanting to get too happy cutting on the bulkhead, I chose to cut some small 'moon-shaped' holes in the parts of the bulkhead where my heels were, it really makes the difference in having enough room for my feet without having to reshape the top of the kayak.

Best Regards
Jim Moose

hdh, You know all to well about pushing of the bottom, i have pics and i dont have a clue about your camel toe problem
Okieboater, that sounds like it will work. Thanks alot for the post.
Jim, That was the first thing i done when i got the boat and it was a HUGE help.
The boat is only a few years old and has many river miles left on it. I just dont have the foot room i need. I guess if this doesnt work i'll have to get one of those new Jacksons.

Yup, I know it will work, just be real careful as you heat the plastic.

Be aware if you do this procedure, it will void any warranty claims.

Also, I suggest you ask on other msg boards about the plastic in your boat. Some of the newer plastic may not work.

Like I said, mine worked great on Prijon -------