Top Kayak Accessories for the Ultimate Tricked-Out Rig

Want to have the ultimate customized kayak rig? Check out our recommendations for the top kayak accessories

December 05, 2021 By Mike Carney

Hobie makes some of the most well thought out and bomb-proof kayak accessories on the market. These are among our universal favorites. Hobie products are not the cheapest, but they are truly tough, long-lasting and complete, with generally all the rigging hardware you need, making them a great long-term value. And many of Hobie’s accessories work well on all brands of kayaks.

All of the accessories covered in the video are available from our friends at Mariner-Sails.com, who not only stand behind every product and service they sell, but they also have great institutional rigging and accessorizing knowledge for you to tap into. And there is still time to order these products as gifts for the Holiday Season. Most all these kayak accessories can be found at Mariner Sails.

To see how the Hobie Kayak Cart no-tilt system works, please watch this YouTube video.

Top 12 Hobie Kayak Accessories

1. EVA Deck Pad Kits

Hobie has teamed up with Marine Mat to bring complete EVA deck pad coverage to some of their most popular fishing kayaks. Hobie's EVA deck pad kits are custom fit to every curve of the kayak and deliver supreme comfort, traction and sound dampening qualities. The double layered, closed cell foam construction features a brushed finish and is mold, mildew and stain resistant. Applies using a strong peel-and-stick adhesive backing. UV stable in harsh climates. Available in complete, interior, limited-edition set and offer various color options.

2. Rubberized Mat Pockets

Hobie Mesh Stowage Pocket is great for holding all sorts of your essentials. These will fit on almost any kayak. Designed to fit specifically on Hobie kayaks molded inside gear storage tray. Also works on Jackson Cuda series. This is a replacement stowage pocket. This pocket comes with 2 screws which is perfect for Hobie kayaks. You can reuse other screws in place on a Hobie. If you are installing on another kayak you will need to buy 4 more stainless steel screws at your local hardwear store.

3. Twist ‘N Seal Hatch Kits

The twist and seal allows for one hand operation and is a hinged lid that keeps the hatch with the kayak at all times, so you never lose the lid. Designed with a cork-screw-like mechanism for closure, a simple twist of the handle opens or closes the hatch. As the screw pulls down the hatch, you get a tight seal on the o-ring. Flip the handle into the recess to lock it closed. This style hatch is now standard equipment on all Hobie Kayaks.

4. H-Rails

The Hobie H-Rail Bolt On kit can be mounted on any kayak or boat… or in your bathroom for that matter. Available in 9-inch and 12-inch lengths, the H-Rail allows you to mount all Hobie H-Rail accessories without drilling holes in your kayak. Just mount them on your H-Rail kit and easily remove when you like. Kit includes each rail and hardware to mount. Custom H-Rails are also available for Mirage Lynx and Outback.

5. Soft Cooler Fish Bags

Perfect for keeping drinks and snacks cold in hot conditions, or for icing down any sized fish you’re catching to eat, there’s a soft cooler bag for you. Vinyl coated polyester outer and UV resistant double stitched threading for durability. Half-inch closed cell foam for all-day insulation. High quality YKK zipper wraps 2/3 of the bag’s perimeter for easy loading and unloading. Dual heavy-duty carrying handles for easy transport. Draw cord bungee on top for lashing down additional equipment. Sturdy bungee loops on each corner for attachment to cleats or pad eyes. Available in small, medium and x-large.

6. Anchor Trolley Kit

Hobie's Anchor Trolley Kit includes everything you need to complete the installation. Hobie has made it easy by designing a kit that doesn't require thru-bolting to mount cheek block pulleys and pad eyes. Effectively position your kayak just how you want it in any condition or depth of water. Adding an anchor trolley to your kayak lets you easily deploy your anchor, drift chute or stake out pole over the side of the cockpit area, then move the attachment position forward or aft to hold your boat in the position desired. Easily sit facing down stream / wind at anchor. Simple pulley system and cleat allows adjustment all along one side of your boat anywhere from bow to stern. Available in a universal kit or custom for Compass/Outback 19.

7. Bilge Pump

Water over the bow while you have a hatch open can leave you with a flooded hull. This light weight pump is security for long trips on the water. Features super-comfortable, easy- grip rubber over-molded handle and a high-visibility neon yellow stock for extra safety.

8. Safety Kit

This kit has many useful items for added safety when boating. Includes first aid and some basic survival materials. Everything is stowed in a Hobie Gear Bucket with Orange safety lid. Ready access is assured by hanging the safety kit on the inside lip of an 8-inch Hobie Twist-n-Seal hatch.

Includes: 33-Piece First Aid Kit, Waterproof Flash Light, Signal Mirror, Space Blanket, Whistle, Utility Tool, Waterproof Matches, Duct Tape, Gauze Bandage, Gauze Pads, Cloth Tape

9. Plug-in Cart

Hobie® believes you should be able to take your wheels with you wherever you go, despite the amount of gear you’re storing on deck. This is why we’ve picked the lightweight, collapsible Fold & Stow Cart as our top recommended cart. This kayak cart weighs in at just over 5 pounds and is designed to make transporting your kayak easy. The removable wheels function well on firm surfaces such as pavement or hard-packed sand and dirt. Additionally, the kayak cart frame quickly breaks down to stow inside the bow of any of our rigid-hull kayaks equipped with a large front cargo hatch (not designed to fit Twist and Seal hatches). Simply wheel your kayak down to the water, break the cart down and stow it away. Eliminate trips back and forth to the vehicle! At the end of the day, the cart reassembles in a matter of seconds and is ready to roll. Other plug-in carts are available like the Heavy Duty, Trax 2-30 and Standard.

10. Mirage Drive Leash & Storage Bag

Protect your MirageDrive from an accidental drop or unexpected swim with the MirageDrive Leash Kit and Carry Bag. The Leash Kit comes will all required hardware and the heavy duty Cordura and mesh bag easily fits the complete MirageDrive with standard fins or the new ST Turbo length. The bag has small pockets inside for the speedo tube, scupper plugs or spare parts as well aas a carry handle and a shoulder carry strap. There is extra space in the bag for things like a life vest or drive well plug. Leash and bag sold separately.

11. Live Well V2

The newly redesigned Hobie Livewell V2 sports a fresh color scheme, modern lines and more built-in features than ever before. This livewell is plug-and-play with most* Hobie kayaks and includes all the same built-in functionality of the Livewell XL. Upgrades over the original livewell include: a high quality sealed marine switch for ON/OFF control, adjustable downspout for easy water level control, and removable tank partitions for keeping live bait healthy and out of hard-to-reach places. Also included is a high output pump that circulates aerated water to keep bait alive. Plus, the battery and charger are included as well. Includes an adjustable downspout for water level control and drainage. Holds up to 8 gallons of water. 3 vertical rod holders included, with pre-marked locations for adding more. Removable tank partition provides a rounded surface for keeping bait healthy. Heavy duty straps secure Livewell V2 to cargo area.

12. H-Crate

Hobie's H-Crate storage system keeps tackle, fishing rods and gear organized in one lightweight and durable receptacle. Assembly and break-down can be done quickly, it is collapsible for travel. Designed to fit on the back of most fishing kayaks, it also works well for increasingly popular SUP fishing. Carry handles pull double duty providing comfortable grips for taking H-Crate from home to car to on-the-water plus they are made of Hobie's patent pending 12-sided H-Rail extrusion which allows quick and tool-free accessory mounting and removal.

The system comes standard with nylon straps for securing to your watercraft of choice and four rod holders including shock-cord rod retainers. Customization can be done in a variety of ways depending on the fishing environment and personal choice. It is easy to add accessories such as safety flags, camera mounts and cup holders. Additional vertical rod holders can also be added to the grid walls.

Bonus Recommended Accessories

13. Kayak Hardware Rigging Kit

Set of fasteners for rigging a kayak for fishing accessories. A custom selection of hardware chosen by the Hobie fishing experts. Includes stainless bolts, nuts, washers, well nuts and more. And it's all packed in a handy Plano box. You can purchase any of the items separately.

14. Inflatable PDF

The light and comfortable Hobie Inflatable Life Jacket is ready when you need it most. It easily inflates manually, which allows you to swim, wade and immerse in the water without activation. Our customers like it for its lightweight, non-obtrusive design. Designed for persons 16 years and older, weighing more than 80 lbs. with a chest size of 30-52 in. This newer version of the Hobie inflatable PFD features two wider side pockets and will ride up less when you are pedaling. Available in 4 colors: blue, green, red and tan.

15. Hatch Liners

The forward hatch liner is a space to store gear or fish just inside the forward hatch lid. Keeps items from sliding forward or back inside the hull and keeps them up off the bilge. Throw some ice and have an instant cooler for drinks and snacks. Throw your bait fish in there! Use it to store wallets, keys, phones...whatever!

The Hobie Vantage Seat Accessory Bag is the perfect addition to your MirageDrive® kayak. Ideal for storing extra tackle, keys and wallet, lunch, a foul weather jacket, birding glasses, safety gear and more. It attaches easily to the back of the Vantage seat with 4 velcro straps. Although it's made from water resistant fabric to protect against splash and spray, this is not a dry bag and will not protect electronics against water damage. A drainage hole in the bottom of the bag keeps water from pooling up. Additional features include a clear visibility window, key tether, and interior zipper pouch.

17. Rigging Stand

Place your kayak at a comfortable height for preparation of gear or while mounting hardware. The kayak can be bolted to the rack through seat scupper holes for a secure and stable platform. Move the rack and boat around easily using a set of plug-in wheels. The rack easily disassembles for flat storage.