u/Material-Advice-335

Just got my first fishing kayak and I am still sort of piecing together accessories here and there. But I wanted to hear opinions on a few things I've been thinking about for kayaks in general...

1. Does everyone worry about scraping the bottom the kayak? I've seen a few options (I forget their name) but they're essentially like stick on decals to protect the front and back bottom of your kayak. Would u say these are necessary? I've already noticed scrapes on mine from just maneuvering the yak to get it up on my roof rack after 2 days. Is it BAD for the kayak for those areas to be scratched up? Or is it just a cosmetic issue? I've seen videos online of people just dragging their expensive kayaks across pavement for extended distances and I'm like "wtf?". I have a cart already. So I wouldn't do that but it doesn't seem it's all that important about the bottom either aside from looks. I guess the more jagged it gets technically it wouldn't glide in the water as well but would that's even better discernible?

2. Roof rack pads - I purchased 2 pads to cover my roof rack ideally to also protect the bottom of my yak but apparently it gives more cushion when tying down helping to not crush the kay when tying. BUT when tying down, I noticed that I feel like I have to keep tightening and tightening (because of the give) and it's never 100% truly set in place. Do u recommend pads or go without? Is it normal for a tied down kayak on a rack to be able to shift a little anyway?

3. Cam straps or ratchet straps? I've heard each are best to use.

4. I suck at tying knots for when tying my kayak to me rack (front and back of car). I'm looking to get some of the paracord style ratchet cam straps instead. Anyone use these? Worth it?

Thanks

Has anyone ever put a kayak on a roof rack on i5? I'm trying to get my new fishing kayak up (sportsman 106 mk) without scratching the shit out of my car and I'm having a hell of a time. This thing is heavy and awkward. What I'm seeing is the spoiler on back window, basically extends the roof too far for me to easily roll it on top (I'm using a suction window roller on the back as well). I've got a bath rug and a moving mat as well. But damn is this thing not playing nice. I've seen a trick to do it from the side but my bars don't really extend far over the car. So there isn't really any room to rest it on the side either. Any help?

Got my new old town sportsman 106 mk kayak the other day. Trying to get it out in the bay this weekend after registering it w the DMV today. I was reading about post salt water care but it never really specified.

I'm supposed to put dielectric grease on the electrical plugs. BUT do I just leave it there for the next time I use it? Or do I wipe it off before I replug everything in again?

I drive a 2025 ioniq 5. I know in general you aren't supposed to charge to 100% very often to help prolong the battery life. I've been told once a month is usually good rule of thumb.

I drive 50 miles each way to work everyday. I get to charge for free while parked at work. I typically only charge to 80% or less depending on how much time I have onsite that day.

Sometimes, lately like 2-3x per month on Fridays, I will charge up to 100% because I am able to. This usually gets me thru my weekend driving as well as my first trip to work the next week. If it doesn't, I just top off at home and then recharge to 80%ish at work next day.

Here's my question...

Does this 100% charging still hurt my battery if I am essentially draining it down to 30-50% each time once the weekend is over? Or is this considered a good practice of charging?

Thnx

This is might be a stupid question but what do people wear when they fish on their kayaks? I purchased my first yak a few weeks ago and still waiting for it to show up but was thinking about what to wear, especially in summer months, while out on the water. Me personally, I burn super easy. So I'll for sure be wearing long sleeves prolly w a hood but pants I think are going to be necessary as well. But i don't wanna wear jeans or cargo pants. So I'm looking for something light I guess. Can anyone recommend any options?

Recently purchased an old town sportsman 106 mk but still waiting for it to arrive. In the mean time I'm trying buy as much as I can ahead of time so I'm ready to rock once it gets here. I've been looking at fishing boards and I know some fit nicely into certain kayaks. Anyone know of any that fit into the sportsman 106? Was looking at the 32" fishing online board. Also the rapala measuring tape was kind cool too tho.