So, got a load of stuff to put in my Kayak....Now what?

[manlystanley]

Wilderness systems sent me, by mistake the wrong Kayak. Instead of a 'Angler version', they just sent me a regular ride 135. So, to make amends, they sent me: all the angler stuff to install & extra stuff. But, I really don't know where to put it all at??

Here's the list: Salty Baitcaster rod holder: http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Baitcas.../dp/B001M4HT66

Harmony Dashboard: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-802306...mony+dashboard

2 Harmony FlushMount Rodholders: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Kayak-...ount+Rodholder

slidetrax universal mounting plate with baitcaster rod holder: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Univer...owViewpoints=1


Silent traction system: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Silent...raction+system

***********************

I'm going out to SPSP to try rock fishing Monday, and I needed some rod holders. I was thinking of, for now installing the 'Harmony FlushMount Rodholders'. So, several questions:

-- How do I install the FlushMount Rodholders? I'd think I'd put them behind the seat, but they are at a 30 degree angle. Is it best to angle them out the port and starboard? Or angle them towards the back? I was thinking it was best to angle them port and starboard to help avoid tangles? What do you guys think?

-- Where would you guys install the rest of this stuff??


Thanks!!

Best Regards,
Stan

[Goody]

If you need a hand. PM me and I can see what I can do to help. I think you are near me.

[Shield]

It's nice having a clean slate and being able to put the gear where you want it. If you can, go out before you intall the gear so you can see where it might be best for "you".

[manlystanley]

If you need a hand. PM me and I can see what I can do to help. I think you are near me.

Will do!!

[manlystanley]

It's nice having a clean slate and being able to put the gear where you want it. If you can, go out before you intall the gear so you can see where it might be best for "you".

Thanks! I've been out twice, but not for an extended fishing trip. Maybe I should try it on Monday and Tuesday to figure our what I like.

Best Regards,
Stan

[rwh]

If you look closely on the gunnels on each side of the kayak, just between the seat and the tank well, you will see there is a small star engraved in the kayak. That is the center drilling point for the hole for your flush mounts. You will also notice they put a line (looks like a scratch) from the star that shows the intended angle of the flush mount. I didn't think the angler edition came with the dashboard, but cool they sent it to you. A lot of people put a rod holder on each end and a fish finder in the center of that. It mounts in the slidetrax rails so you can adjust it to where you need it The universal mounting plate is for the Baitcaster rod holder and is meant to be used in the slidetrax rails. If they didn't send the hardware for the slidetrax accessories, use 1/4-20 screws and these nuts to mount to the slidetrax: http://kayakfishinggear.com/slidetra...tessetof2.aspx or the brass nuts and these: http://kayakfishinggear.com/trackscr...em-setof4.aspx

[manlystanley]

If you look closely on the gunnels on each side of the kayak, just between the seat and the tank well, you will see there is a small star engraved in the kayak. That is the center drilling point for the hole for your flush mounts. You will also notice they put a line (looks like a scratch) from the star that shows the intended angle of the flush mount. I didn't think the angler edition came with the dashboard, but cool they sent it to you. A lot of people put a rod holder on each end and a fish finder in the center of that. It mounts in the slidetrax rails so you can adjust it to where you need it The universal mounting plate is for the Baitcaster rod holder and is meant to be used in the slidetrax rails.

I looked on the yak, cannot find any star? What is year is your RIDE?? My is a 2013. Also, if it's betqween the tank well and the seat, that would be about mid-ship. Isn't that too far forward??

They sent me: the wrong color and the non-angler version. They gave me a choice: they will pay to have it shipped back and re-ship the right one. Or, they will give me a soup-ed up stuff to put on the yak. I got such a good deal on the yak, I did npot want them to have to eat all the sipping costs. SO, that's how I got the extra rod holder and the dash-board.

I love the idea of putting two rods on the dash board (port and starboard), then the fish-finder in the middle. I'll need to figure out how to take the two rod hoders I got to be used like this.

Best Regards,
Stan

[rwh]

Sorry, I meant behind the seat and the rear tank well. Mine is a 2013 and it has a very small star stamped into the plastic right in the center of where the flush mount should be, like in the center of this one:


But, as recommended a couple posts up, you should take it out fishing with just a rod holder or two mounted on the slidetrax or dashboard first and see if you really want them before you drill holes.

I decided that I am going to use the Scotty round flush deck mount #344 (http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...html?source=11) instead, that way I can use a rocket launcher, rod holder or ram ball adapter on them. I have had them over a month and they are the last thing I really plan to install on my kayak, but I have yet to drill the holes for them . I want to take it out a few times without them first, but I am pretty sure I will use them. Just gotta get the guts to drill the holes.

For the rod holders, just use 1/4-20 stainless screws, washers and nylon lock nuts to secure them to the universal mounting plate for the slidtrax or to the dashboard, something like this:



If you Google "Ride 135 rigging", you will get a lot more ideas. Tons of pictures to see what others did with theirs.

[J.A. Veil]

Remember the old carpenter's line "measure twice, cut once". Whenever I decide to mount a device that requires holes, I measure more like ten times before drilling. I try to see if the proposed position for any rod holders will: a) be easy to reach from my sitting position without excessive whole body turning, and b) not interfere with my preferred paddling stroke. See if you can find a buddy or family member to hold the rod holder in place while you sit in the seat and simulate a paddle stroke. Once you find the desired place, mark the spot and drill. I recommend that you use stainless steel nuts and bolts, or if you use rivets, try to find a non-rusting metal. If you have gear tracks on your boat, you can get mounting plates to use a Scotty rod holder there too.

I have flush mount rod holders on my Malibu Mini-X but have only Scotty rod holders on my Native Manta Ray. I have lost two rods overboard out the flush mount holders and don't trust them much anymore. Give some thought to whether you want to have your rod holders always at the same angle to the hull (flush mount) or if you prefer to have more flexibility in changing the angle. If so, sell the flush mounts and buy two more Scotty sets.

There is no right or wrong answer -- the goal is to make the boat as user friendly as possible. Think about the options, get other opinions, and do some internet research before drilling.

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[dsiekman]

I've got the "home made" version of a dashboard and it is very similar to the setup described above. FF in the center, a rod holder on each side, and a tackle basket/junk holder attached to the front. When I troll I like the rods ahead of me so I can keep an eye on them. You will get to the point where you know a line has fouled on a leaf or grass by watching the rod tip. That being said, I did have to adjust my stroke a little to avoid hitting anything.

I have two flush mounts just behind me, but I find them a bit tough to access if I have a fish on. For the most part I will only use these while traveling to or from a fishing spot. I also keep a crate with a triple holder on it strapped behind me.

Just my $.02. What's important is what's comfortable for you.

[manlystanley]

Great advice guys. I'm thinking of just mounting two holders on the slides up front. Then when I figure out what I like I'll drill holes.....

Best Regards,
Stan

[Pinch]

Use some yak attack rails so if you end up not liking it you can always change things up.

[kuljc]

Great advice guys. I'm thinking of just mounting two holders on the slides up front. Then when I figure out what I like I'll drill holes.....

Best Regards,
Stan

this will be a great way to start. depending on what kind of fishing you'll be doing, it might even keep it this way. I don't know how many slide tracks they gave you, but you can make some for a LOT cheaper. I recently made 3 for about $20-25. they ain't the prettiest, but they seem solid. I can post a tutorial if you need it, actually I should probably do that anyways.