New Scotty base unit for gear tracks

[J.A. Veil]

Some of the new kayak models come standard with gear tracks. Other kayakers have added gear tracks for additional mounting flexibility. My new Manta Ray 14 came standard with two gear tracks.

All of my rod holders and other mounts are Scotty brand. I wanted to use a Scotty base that fit into a gear track for two extra rod holders. I checked their website a few weeks ago and saw that they had a new part (model 438) that provides a standard Scotty female end receptacle that also included a fitting to slide into a gear track.


Unfortunately, when I checked last month, the website noted that the part was "Coming Soon". I checked back this afternoon and see that the part is now available through many vendors. For example, see http://www.scottypaddlesports.com/ka...adTrackAdapter


I plan to order two of them and will post a product review after I get them.

[Memory Maker]

John

First ..... your link doesn't work ..... just sayin ........ second ....... that looks like a great idea for light use. I'm not sure it would hold up if someone had a big fish strike and their drag was tight ........ the other mount using 2 mighty mounts (6117 I think) would probably be stronger. Just sayin ....... but hey that looks neat espicall if you need the space.

[J.A. Veil]

Rick -

Thanks for noticing the broken link -- I fixed it. Regarding using the new model 438 units for heavy trolling rods or for targeting large fish, I suspect you are right. I will get a better feel for the strength level once I get them installed. I already have two Scotty fixed-base units behind my seat which would be used when I am trolling for larger fish. The two Scotty rod holders mounted on the gear tracks with the 438 adapter will be used for holding rods while I am underway and for the light and ultralight tackle trolling I do throughout the warm months. I have been known to troll 4 light or ultralight rods at the same time using small spinnerbaits to catch all the perch I want.

[chimo]

I like the look of the unit and will be interested to read your review. Thinking about adding a couple tracks to my hobie and would need extenders to position my rod holders where I want them. May be able to get away with just an extension like the #254 or #259 if height is all you need. http://www.scottypaddlesports.com/ka...extenders.html

[J.A. Veil]

The new pieces arrived yesterday. Here is a description of how they work and my initial impressions. I will report back after an on-water trial.

The units are cylindrical. The track mounting tab (silver rectangular metal piece) slides into the track. The track position is adjustable front-to-back by twisting the entire cylinder to tighten or loosen the tab friction. An upper sleeve (on the left side in photo 2) rotates a small amount to loosen the grippers inside the female-end receptacle end, which allows attachments to be inserted, removed, or rotated. Rotating the rod holder 90 deg takes 1-2 seconds.



This mounting piece adds only 1/2" of height compared to the standard Scotty base piece.



The same rod holders fit into either type of base units. You can see my proposed layout with two rod holders on the tracks using the new mounting bases and two just behind my seat using traditional base units.




Stay tuned for my impressions during my next on-water outing.

[J.A. Veil]

I made my first water test of the new track mounted rod holders this morning. Adjusting the rod holders front to back in the track was easy. It was even easier pivoting the rod holders.

I did some experimenting in placing the rod holders at different spots along the tracks. In all positions except the farthest forward spot, they partially impede the full reach of my paddling strokes. (I wish that Native had extended the track farther forward by a few inches.) I placed them in that front position and trolled for 15 minutes to see what it would feel like with the two rods in front of me. With a bit of adjustment of the vertical and horizontal angles for the rods, I found a position that allowed me to paddle easily. I trolled a third rod from one of the rear rod holders for a few minutes to see how that worked. I am confident that I can troll 3 or 4 rods at the same time when I do a trolling trip.



For the rest of the time when I am jigging or casting, having rod holders there tends to get in the way. I probably will not take the front rod holders with me on trips that are primarily casting (like my winter pickerel trips).

I like the new track-mounted base units (Scotty model no 438) quite a bit -- I rate them 4 or 4.5 out of 5. If you have gear tracks on your kayak and like to use Scotty products, these might be a good accessory for you.

[DOGFISH]

They look nice if one wants a quick one twist type of attachment. Although, for those trolling, the mighty mount from YakAttack might make a more stable mount with two screws/bolts into the track. I like the rods in front when trolling, so as to see the strike, and not relying on clickers. Overall, for a lighter set up, those look great. In any event, tracks are the way to go on a kayak.

There is also a new product, RailBlaza, http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...aza&searchBtn=, which looks nice. The mounting bar offers a two point mounting system. They mount almost anything from rod holders to electronics. These might be a alternative. They look like a solid product.