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Ice Chest / Flounder Light for Speck / Scrambler
You can make any appropriately sized ice chest fit in a Scrambler (or other with a milk crate area) with a little modification.
To make the Igloo 32 fit, I added a "skid" made from treated 2X4's. Stainless steel screws (#8 X 1-3/4") were used to fasten the runners to the base. These will only penetrate the exterior layer of the cooler. Be sure to countersink the screws into the wood so that they do not wear on the kayak hull.
Rod holders were fastened to the sides with 1-1/2" PVC and EMT clamps. Fasteners were #8 X 1/2" stainless steel. A stringer hitch was also added to the side.
An aluminum electrical floodlight flange makes a good provision for attaching pipe threaded accessories. I reinforced this one by drilling 8 mounting holes.
In this case it supports a removable 3/4" NPT mounted C-Light. The light is fastened to a length of PVC pipe with a section of rubber hose and hose clamps.
I use straps to fasten the ice chest - bungee cords would work as well. The ice chest is great for supporting an all day outing, and can hold supplies for 2 or more people. I have used it for about 6 months now, and expect it to last at least 2 years before I have to replace it.
Now, for seasonal flounder gigging....
I threw together this contraption....it is removable and attached to the ice chest with EMT pipe clamps (like shown on the rod holders). The pipe clamps are the next larger pipe size so that it allows rotation (tilt towards the sand bottom). On the Scrambler model, the mounting pipe fits perfectly into the molded contours or "cradles". Height adjustment is regulated with a typical hose clamp (screwdriver adjustable) that rests on an oversize "Tee". The oversize tee allows the light to be swiveled up to 360 degrees. The handle is accessable from the seat position or while wading. After the first outing, I found that the ideal location while towing the kayak is either mounted to the bow or stern...I am still making this up as I go.
What you will need...
A headlight from and old car. If you don't have an old car or two laying around, an auto parts store sells the headlights for about $8. Be sure to get the "smaller" round light, as found on cars like, in this case, a 64 Pontiac.
The headlight fits perfectly in a Fernco #1006-44 sewer coupling (4" Conc. to 4" Plastic). This costs about $7 at hardware stores.
A 4X2 bushing fits into the backside, followed by a 2" elbow. I chose to reduce it to 1-1/4" the rest of the way so it would freely swivel in the the 1-1/2" "tee" (mentioned previously). Use 14 gauge to wire it. The center lead is for the negative connection, and the two outside terminals are positive. One is for the high beam and the other is for the low beam. I have it wired for both, but high beam is better (if you have a good battery). Use large alligator clips to connect to the battery. The 12V battery fits well into the ice chest along with a spare headlight. Don't forget to bring along a screwdriver, wire cutters, and electrical tape just in case.
The light worked well on it's maiden voyage...
...As shown by this nice 22" flounder my sons and I gigged last weekend. (Nov. 2007)
-"Alamo" (revised 12/16/2008) I've since added a larger ice chest and attached the light to the ice chest skid. It's worked well for 2 seasons now.
