ronrbaker wrote:
I have my new Outback and installed the Gear Tracs. I went with the suggestion of KayakDanNJ and installed the 8 inch tracs. I did make an observation that may be valid. Prior to installation, I butted the two 8 inch tracs along the gunwale for an impression of how the 12 inch trac might fit. The 12 inch trac would have to run parallel to the gunwale. The impression I got was the rudder up/down control lines could fray rubbing against the trac nuts. Therefore, I mounted the tracs similar to the mounted trac photos provided by KayakDanNJ. I used 7/8 inch washers at the ends of the tracs because I did not like the tiny washers provided by Gear Trac.
While on the topic of Gear Tracs, I attended the kayak demo on June 1st in Salisbury, Maryland. The Hobie Rep had installed a wide 8 inch Gear Trac on his demo Outback. There was definitely overhang so the narrow tracs were best for me. As a side note, it seems odd the Hobie Parts Catalog only lists the wide tracs.
I did run into another issue after mounting the tracs. The thru hull transducer plug is situated in such a manner as 20 inches of transducer wiring is necessary to plug into a fish finder mounted on my gear trac. Therefore, I think I'll open a new topic on this issue.
Interesting on the transducer. Where is your transducer mounted?