Black Bass 13’0 Fishing Kayak

Do I need to add stabilizers?

The kayak is very stable due to its flat based bottom hull, but should you wish to stand and fish, and you are a taller, bigger paddler then by adding the stabilizers you will enhance that stability.

Can I remove the rudder system?

Yes, you can but why would you need or want to? The rudder greatly assists with direct tracking (straight line) paddling, and this will save you from having to constantly counter steer to keep the kayak straight. The rudder can also be elevated should you reach shallow or rock conditions by pulling the rudder adjusting paracord on the side of the kayak and clipping it into the side cleat.

Can I stand and fish on the Black Bass?

Yes, you can, the kayak is designed around stability and buoyancy and in order to get this right we used a V-shaped keel nose and tail which flows into a flat bottom hull design with deep channels or grooves that assist with the stability. The grooves let the water flow through the bottom of the hull and the flat deck shape keeps the kayak still in the water allowing for easy standing.

How do I secure the seat from falling out?

The kayak has pre-molded seat positions which secure the seat from movement however this will not save the seat should you roll over. Behind the seat, you will see two bungee cords, and these will need to be connected to the two black J-clips behind the seat. Ensure that the two bungees go over the bottom frame bar of the chair and then connect to the J-Clips and this will secure the seating.

Can you leave the kayak in the sun?

The Black Bass is made from Polyethylene and has UV lining infused in the manufacturing process, so the kayak is manufactured to maintain its shape in hot conditions, however leaving the kayak exposed to the elements. for long periods of time may cause the kayak harm so wherever possible stow your kayak in a shady area.

Can I mount an Electric Motor on the Black Bass?

Yes, you can. In the tank well area (Storage)at the back of the kayak, you will see that there are pre-molded grooves in the shape of the kayak, and these have three brass inserts installed in either groove. This area can either be used to mount a stabilizer or a side motor mount and both attach easily making use of the mounting plate that secures over the mounting bar and connects the side bar with butterfly screws to the deck.

Why are there Scupper Plugs on the kayak?

The Scuppers work exactly like bath plugs and allow for the drainage of water from the deck area. When traveling in choppy water or waves it is always best to remove the scupper plugs as water can easily find its way onto the deck of the kayak from rain, waves or drip from paddles. The plugs are there so that your surface can be drained and cleaned easily.

Are the hatches waterproof?

The word waterproof or watertight implies that no water whatsoever will be able to get into a hatch. As water is very resilient and tends to always find a way our hatches are splash proof and this means that water will splash off and flow over, but some water may get inside the hatch. When putting your valuables in a hatch it is always best to stow your valuables in a waterproof container or Ziplock bag for extra protection.

What water conditions best suit the Black Bass?

The Black Bass's design and shape make it perfect for all types of water conditions It has a narrowed nose and tail that broaden towards the center of the kayak, and this allows for the kayak to cut through the water easily while still maintaining balance even if the conditions get a little bumpy.

What is the weight limit of the kayak?

The Black Bass has a mass carrying capacity of 250kgs so the weight limit is not an issue. However, when looking at weight capacities you need to keep in mind what you are going to use the craft for, So, for example, a fisherman will carry additional gear plus possibly a few fish in the hatch, and this will add to the carrying weight. The Black Bass can handle a paddler that is 150kgs and under easily.

Is the Black Bass fast enough for catching game fish?

The Black Bass is built for speed and has a cruising speed of between 5km and 5.5kms/h at a relaxed paddle and this is fast enough to troll for game fish or get to that favorite fishing hole. The length and width of the kayak also assist with gliding through water more easily and this greatly assists the paddling motion.

Can I install a Fish Finder on the Black Bass?

Yes, you can but you will be limited by what size transducer you can install as there is no dedicated transducer port as per the other kayak models. You would need to mount your transducer in one of the scupper ports under the kayak as they rest directly in the channels under the kayak, and this ultimately gives you more space. Once you have mounted the transducer safely and securely then run your cables up through the scupper port and onto the deck. Once on the deck, you can decide where to place your battery and your LCD screen. The best possible mounting is on the central hatch as that way you can store your battery pack in the center hatch.

Do I need to add stabilizers?

The kayak is very stable due to its flat based bottom hull, but should you wish to stand and fish, and you are a taller, bigger paddler then by adding the stabilizers you will enhance that stability.

Can I remove the rudder system?

Yes, you can but why would you need or want to? The rudder greatly assists with direct tracking (straight line) paddling, and this will save you from having to constantly counter steer to keep the kayak straight. The rudder can also be elevated should you reach shallow or rock conditions by pulling the rudder adjusting paracord on the side of the kayak and clipping it into the side cleat.

Can you mount a Fin or Prop Drive to the Kayak?

Unfortunately, not as the deck design doesn’t allow for a drive box to be installed as there is a central hatch in place and not a toolbox.

Can I stand and fish on the Black Bass?

Yes, you can, the kayak is designed around stability and buoyancy and in order to get this right we used a V-shaped keel nose and tail which flows into a flat bottom hull design with deep channels or grooves that assist with the stability. The grooves let the water flow through the bottom of the hull and the flat deck shape keeps the kayak still in the water allowing for easy standing.

How do I secure the seat from falling out?

The kayak has pre-molded seat positions which secure the seat from movement however this will not save the seat should you roll over. Behind the seat, you will see two bungee cords, and these will need to be connected to the two black J-clips behind the seat. Ensure that the two bungees go over the bottom frame bar of the chair and then connect to the J-Clips and this will secure the seating.

Can you leave the kayak in the sun?

The Black Bass is made from Polyethylene and has UV lining infused in the manufacturing process, so the kayak is manufactured to maintain its shape in hot conditions, however leaving the kayak exposed to the elements. for long periods of time may cause the kayak harm so wherever possible stow your kayak in a shady area.

Can I mount an Electric Motor on the Black Bass?

Yes, you can. In the tank well area (Storage)at the back of the kayak, you will see that there are pre-molded grooves in the shape of the kayak, and these have three brass inserts installed in either groove. This area can either be used to mount a stabilizer or a side motor mount and both attach easily making use of the mounting plate that secures over the mounting bar and connects the side bar with butterfly screws to the deck.

Why are there Scupper Plugs on the kayak?

The Scuppers work exactly like bath plugs and allow for the drainage of water from the deck area. When traveling in choppy water or waves it is always best to remove the scupper plugs as water can easily find its way onto the deck of the kayak from rain, waves or drip from paddles. The plugs are there so that your surface can be drained and cleaned easily.

Are the hatches waterproof?

The word waterproof or watertight implies that no water whatsoever will be able to get into a hatch. As water is very resilient and tends to always find a way our hatches are splash proof and this means that water will splash off and flow over, but some water may get inside the hatch. When putting your valuables in a hatch it is always best to stow your valuables in a waterproof container or Ziplock bag for extra protection.

What water conditions best suit the Black Bass?

The Black Bass’s design and shape make it perfect for all types of water conditions It has a narrowed nose and tail that broaden towards the center of the kayak, and this allows for the kayak to cut through the water easily while still maintaining balance even if the conditions get a little bumpy.

What is the weight limit of the kayak?

The Black Bass has a mass carrying capacity of 250kgs so the weight limit is not an issue. However, when looking at weight capacities you need to keep in mind what you are going to use the craft for, So, for example, a fisherman will carry additional gear plus possibly a few fish in the hatch, and this will add to the carrying weight. The Black Bass can handle a paddler that is 150kgs and under easily.

Yes, you can but you will be limited by what size transducer you can install as there is no dedicated transducer port as per the other kayak models. You would need to mount your transducer in one of the scupper ports under the kayak as they rest directly in the channels under the kayak, and this ultimately gives you more space. Once you have mounted the transducer safely and securely then run your cables up through the scupper port and onto the deck. Once on the deck, you can decide where to place your battery and your LCD screen. The best possible mounting is on the central hatch as that way you can store your battery pack in the center hatch.

The Black Bass is built for speed and has a cruising speed of between 5km and 5.5kms/h at a relaxed paddle and this is fast enough to troll for game fish or get to that favorite fishing hole. The length and width of the kayak also assist with gliding through water more easily and this greatly assists the paddling motion.

Can I install a Fish Finder on the Black Bass?

Yes, you can but you will be limited by what size transducer you can install as there is no dedicated transducer port as per the other kayak models. You would need to mount your transducer in one of the scupper ports under the kayak as they rest directly in the channels under the kayak, and this ultimately gives you more space. Once you have mounted the transducer safely and securely then run your cables up through the scupper port and onto the deck. Once on the deck, you can decide where to place your battery and your LCD screen. The best possible mounting is on the central hatch as that way you can store your battery pack in the center hatch.