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Gear track on gunnells question
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=47435
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Author:  kb2112 [ Fri May 03, 2013 5:01 am ]
Post subject:  Gear track on gunnells question

I like the idea of putting the gear track on the gunnels of my revo, but Im concerned about the strength to hold up my gear. I currently have two RAM rocket launcher rod holders, and my FF mounted on them. How strong is it? I fish fresh and salt, and my salt water rods are much heavier, and will torque the gunnels with the weaving of the waves, fish, etc.
Here is my current set up:

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Thanks

Kb

Author:  Jcanracer [ Fri May 03, 2013 8:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

I have also wondered the same thing.
On my Revo 11, I currently only have a fishfinder mounted on a ram ball on the left gunnel. I want to replace that and get two narrow geartrax for each side (because thats all that will fit).

BTW, in saltwater conditions, bouncing through the waves, do you find that those ram rocketlaunchers shift a lot? I mean do you have to tighten the heck out of them for them to stay up, or are they pretty sturdy and maybe sturdy enough for trolling?

Author:  kb2112 [ Fri May 03, 2013 9:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

I've had no problem with my ram balls. I troll allot with mine. I've caught bluefish, stripers, and snagged the bottom with no problem. The big trick is to not tighten your drag too much. Keep it just tight enough to do its job, but not so tight that the rod holder would get pulled down by a fish, or if you get snagged.

My ram balls are backed with plastic cutting board and fender washers to spread out the stress on the hull.

Author:  Jcanracer [ Fri May 03, 2013 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

kb2112 wrote:
My ram balls are backed with plastic cutting board and fender washers to spread out the stress on the hull.

Ah, this is what I plan to do for the gear tracks too.
Thanks for the input!

Author:  dehager [ Fri May 03, 2013 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

I have just installed YakAttack GearTracs with FullBack backing plates on my Oasis. It was a tight fit installing the backing plates but very solid. The front backing plates needed to have the edges rounded over to fit. I would not purchase the FullBack plates with the optional supplied hardware as the screws are 5/8" long and you will need 1" in length.

Very pleased with the YakAttack products and would recommend them if you want a clean, solid and versatile mounting system.

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Author:  saltfisherman [ Fri May 03, 2013 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

Take the ram balls and sand them a bit. Roughs them up and helps grip.

Author:  Wndrfl [ Fri May 03, 2013 1:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

I have the GT90 geartracs with the backing plate on my gunnels. Yakattack;s backing plate for the GT90 is aluminum and threaded. It makes for a super easy install (no nyloc nuts or washers) and spreads the force over a greater area.
However, if you are in the water, the force that can be placed on the gunnels will be limited as much of the force will be transferred through the kayak and into the water which can be observed via the kayak rocking.

Here is a picture of the backing plate underneath the gunnel. This was my first install and I didn't realize the plate was threaded :oops:

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Here is the topside with the 12" trac. I have since changed it to 16" but in retrospect the 12" was a better fit.
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Author:  Jcanracer [ Fri May 03, 2013 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

Thanks for the pictures guys, they help a lot.

Author:  kb2112 [ Fri May 03, 2013 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

Nice.

Wndrfl,
Is that a revo?

What is the widest backing plate I could go on the revo 13 along the gunnel? Im really liking the cleanness when everything is taken off the yak. As it is, I have RAM balls left on when I take the rodholders and FF off.

Author:  Wndrfl [ Fri May 03, 2013 4:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

@kb2112,

Yes, the pictures are on my Revo 13, 2012 model. The GT90, I am guessing is .9 in. wide. The GT175, I am guessing, is 1.75 in. wide.

The GT90s are made like they were meant for the Revo and Adventure. I don't know how wide you can go with a custom backing plate but I have had no problem with my setup.

I love being able to strip the kayak bare and load it up as much as I want.

Author:  Jcanracer [ Mon May 06, 2013 10:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

I went ahead and purchased some 8" GT90 tracks for my Revo11 thanks to the useful pics and info everyone.

@kb2112 I'll post pics or vids when I am installing. I also saw this thread if you want to try the wider gear tracs: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=46912

Author:  Yakass [ Wed May 08, 2013 7:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

Be wary of using Gear Tracks for rod holder mounting if the rod holder is to be mounted on the left hand side. The reason for this is that the track system relies on a thread to secure mounted items in place. No think about the saying 'righty-tighty, lefty-loosy'. Thats right - any big fish will lever most rod holders loose on those tracks if the rod holder is pointing out to the side.

Obviously, this is not an issue for rod holders mounted on the right, but it can be on the left.

Author:  Wndrfl [ Thu May 09, 2013 4:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

Quote:
Be wary of using Gear Tracks for rod holder mounting if the rod holder is to be mounted on the left hand side. The reason for this is that the track system relies on a thread to secure mounted items in place. No think about the saying 'righty-tighty, lefty-loosy'. Thats right - any big fish will lever most rod holders loose on those tracks if the rod holder is pointing out to the side.


I use the left rail for my drink holder and sail furling block and cleat so I don't know how much of an issue that could be. I imagine that it may be an issue if one were using the Screwball and trolling offshore or fishing for larger game. However, it would not be an issue if one uses the track mount kit called "MMS". This attaches a Scotty mount to two MightyMounts which attach to the GearTrac. I don't have a picture, but here is the link to the webpage: http://yakattack.us/Products/Products.html

Author:  kb2112 [ Thu May 09, 2013 6:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

I would imagine that the screw ball ( :mrgreen: ) takes more that one revolution to tighten on to the track. If the fish manages to "unscrew" the ball by circling the yak before the angler notices, then he needs to go a little easier on the beer...

Author:  Gbay [ Thu May 09, 2013 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gear track on gunnells question

No, it's true. The difference between -tight to the track- and -loose enough to slide out- is less than 1/2 a turn. Port side screwballs for anything that can apply force (bow to stern) will be at risk. My FF is ok on one, but wouldn't trust a rod holder.

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