7 replies to this topic

[jbon83]

Got a Mata Ray 14 a month or so ago and been out a few times in it. I have been working on my rig out and making adjustments as I go. Im currently using a crate but noticed how back is molded to accept a 5 gallon bucket. Is anyone using a bucket instead of a crate and hows it working?

[bheff]

I really never thought of a bucket for a kayak, but makes perfect sense. I use a 5 gallon bucket to shore fish. Even made a little foamed padded seat with a hole cut out so I drop brim in it without getting up! Ill look into it for my daughters Tarpon 100, if you try it, post some pics.

[mangonboat]

Now there's an idea with legs! 1) Comes with a built in ,one-handed handle 2)You can buy a tool caddy from Home Depot, Northern Tools, etc. that will have pockets designed for hammers, pliers, etc but will securely hold a rod butt, a flag or a net handle. Because the caddy fits around the circumference of the bucket rim it tends to balance out for one-handed carry of all your gear. Saves making a second trip back to the car and takes up a lot less room than a kayak caddy/cart. 3) You can mount several pad eyes around the mid-section of the bucket , sealed with silicone gunk, to secure the bucket to bungees, rod leashes, etc. without losing water-carrying capability 4) You can use a bucket as a drag anchor in a pinch..can't do that with a milk crate! . I could fancy and actually BUY a bucket from Home Depot and it would match my Mango MR11 ( a color now known as "Road Cone Orange").

[rick67]

I tried the bucket. It was to high to see what i was reaching for. Unless you use a 3 gallon bucket. I need the wheels cause I beach launch most the time and having them in scuppers, pushes the bucket out of that recess. There is a after market top that's a screw on design that I've seen guys using. You should really try it first and flip the Kayak and see how you can deal with up-righting it bungee'd to the yak. The crate doesn't have a problem if I turtle in the surf.

[jbon83]

I didn't think about the height of the bucket being an issue. I guess I just need to try it out and see if it works for me. I'll post some pictures test it it out.

[mangonboat]

I confirmed that the semi-circular raised rim in the tank well fits perfectly around the rim of a 5 gallon bucket. The stock bungees are pretty tame so something with greater grab would be necessary to hold a 5 gal bucket securely in place if you load it up with gear. I've got a 3.5 bucket that is the same diameter as a standard 5 gallon, so I am going to experiment with both, but the height of the 5 gallon didn't seem to be a problem. I am shopping for a fishing-specific bucket caddy, i.e., dedicated rod holders, tackle box pockets, that goes around the bucket , so few needs to poke around inside the bucket , itself/

[jbon83]

OK so I'm off of the bucket idea and I've moved on to an idea using an ice chest. Will post pictures when I get it built.

[boykinsbuddy]

I found a big bright orange equipment box that has a waterproof seal around the lid in the boating section of a large fishing store. It is almost the size of a crate, has an easy latch lid and a tackle tray inside. I mounted a set of rod holders on one side. I can keep about everything I need inside...as long as it is latched, I don't have to worry much about water getting in.