Comfort, fit and control –
improving the SOT kayak paddling experience!
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This is another one of those simple “why didn’t I do this earlier?” custom kayak mods.
This time for my versatile and fun paddling RTM Disco SOT kayak, aka the “MOJITO”!
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My RTM Disco SOT kayak aka the ‘MOJITO’ in good company as seen from the top of the Alligator Reef Lighthouse in the Florida Keys.
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!
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The Disco is kind of a hidden gem, at least in the US market. Made in France, it has never really been widely distributed in North America. Rotomod (RTM) is the biggest kayak manufacturer in Europe but their boats are not that common here. The Disco caters to lighter paddlers under 180lbs and is probably the nicest paddling plastic SOT kayak!
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The Disco has several foot indents like other SOT kayaks, but the placement is often less than ideal.
Your feet are the key to proper paddling posture!
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Being 6’2″, I use the last foot indent, but the wide spacing forces me to contort my legs to fit!
Kayaking to Dry Rocks Reef – a Pilgrimage to find the “Christ of the Abyss” off Key Largo!
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The MOJITO is 14 feet long by 26 inches wide, shaped like a short sea kayak and with lots of rocker. This results in a very sporty and dynamic feeling boat. With the addition of thigh straps, she can be edged and rolled like a sea kayak. The SOT self draining design is great for a tropical climate like South Florida.
It’s the kind of kayak that works with you and does not get in your way!
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In the surf zone, with my legs under thigh braces – my feet are left wanting ..
Disco fever kayaking in Dania Beach – Surf’s UP!
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Like any kayak, the Disco isn’t perfect though. The cockpit, while self-draining allows water to fill up through the scuppers when at rest. This can be annoying in flat water, but makes little difference in the ocean. Once moving, all the water is sucked out until you stop again. Drain plugs can be used in flat water to mitigate this. One thing is for sure however – she is a very wet ride, as compared to other SOT kayaks!
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Casual first attempt to re-use a foam seat booster from my K1 trainer kayak was not a success.
Sombrero Reef Lighthouse – visiting the tallest of the reef lights via kayak!
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The Disco features molded foot indents for casual paddlers. There is no possibility to add sliding foot pegs with this design. Consequently, leg fit can only be adjusted to some extent by altering the snap in seat position. The cockpit is also sized very large, although it drains well and quickly. Regardless, it’s not the most ergonomic foot placement – especially if you’re used to paddling a surfski or kayak with a solid foot plate!
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An old deck cutout section from a Hobie that I had laying around proved that those behemoths are good for something! 😉
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To remedy this situation and to allow me to use leg drive while paddling I decided to install this custom foot plate. I cut it out of a junk section of a Hobie kayak that happened to be close to the right shape needed! I would have preferred to not drill into my MOJITO at all, but there is no way to permanently glue anything to polyethylene. Four small holes with rubber sealed washers did the trick in this case, and was a small price to pay!
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The polyethylene plastic is soft and easy to cut and the junk Hobie provided me the perfect foot plate section!
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Installation into my Disco only required drilling four holes and is a nice snug fit.
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Custom foot plate installed in the RTM Disco kayak. I left a large gap for drainage.
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With the foot plate installed, I can now paddle the MOJITO like a surfski most of the time. I typically use a wing paddle with the Disco and can now utilize proper leg drive for fitness, comfort and control. Alternately, when in really rough water I can slip my knees under the thigh straps and have total control like a sea kayak for high bracing and rolling. Best of all, my feet no longer have to be twisted sideways.
This is the single best mod to the Disco ever!!
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Now my feet have options! 🙂
I no longer have to contort or twist to have a solid foot anchor point.
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The empty space makes an ideal place for my Crocs, anchor or extra water.
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Finished installation with a bungee retainer and tethered drain plugs!
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Foam padding provides extra comfort and grip on the foot plate!
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Obviously this kind of mod is sized for a personalized fit. However, on the Disco the space in front of my custom foot plate would never be used except by someone well over 7 feel tall. It now makes a great place to stow shoes, water or an anchor. This style of foot plate could be adapted to other SOT kayaks that have a single tub design.
The benefits of a solid foot plate make this a simple and worthwhile mod!
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The MOJITO is now complete! 🙂
I can paddle her surfski style with my feet and legs together, or slip my knees under the thigh straps when bracing or rolling is needed! 🙂
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Looking forward to many more years of fun paddling adventures with comfort and control! 🙂
Kayaking to Alligator Light Reef (lighthouse) .. of Fishes, Wreckers, Pirates and Keys History!
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When the going gets tough, the tough go Disco.
See you on the water!
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The RTM Disco is an ideal boat for the avid South Florida paddler.
Sombrero Reef Lighthouse – visiting the tallest of the reef lights via kayak!
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Bless UP!
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© 2020 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / plasticworlds.com. All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.
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The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!
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With that said..
Blessings friends!
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Kayakfari
kayakfari ( kayak .. far .. i ) 