Sunday, February 24, 2013

Install Scotty Flush Mounts on a Kayak

I have been working on the rigging of my new Trident 13 for several months now. I am finished and am going to start a series of post on what I did and how I did it. I plan on finishing with a monster overview post, showing all of my customization. This is the fourth post in the series.

1st post: Installing a Fish Finder
2nd post: Upgrading a Plano Dry Box
3rd post: How To Install SuperNova Fishing Lights On Your Kayak


You have three basic choices when deciding what type of rod holder mounts to add to your kayak. You can go with Scotty Mounts, Ram Mounts, or use sliding rails (like the ones from YackAttack) with adapters for Scotty or Ram products. Each one has its own sets of pro's and con's and most people will choose a mixture of the three. You really can't choose wrong. All of them will serve you well.

I decided to go with Scotty products because my Trident 13 already had 7 Scotty compatible mounts built in. Plus, Scotty products are less expensive than their competitors (although far from inexpensive) and I believe they are stronger.

There are a couple different types of Scotty mounts. Most likely you will want to go with raised mounts or flush mounts. Flush mounts are a little more expensive and slightly harder to install, but I think they are well worth the extra effort and expense.

I added three extra flush mounts to my Trident 13. Two behind the seat on either side of the tank well (there are flat spots specifically for this on the Trident 13) and one up front to the right, just behind the sonar shield.

Scotty Mounts everywhere!

Installing the flush mounts is a breeze. You just have to be willing to cut a big hole in your 'yak!


First mark where you want it to go.


Then, using a 1 3/8" bit, drill the large hole. I used a forstner bit because that is what I had in my shop. A hole saw would work just as well.


Test fit the mount and drill the holes for the rivets. 


Before you glue or rivet anything be sure you dry fit! Once that first rivet is popped, it is a major pain to fix any problems. 


Generously cover the area with marine silicon. These mounts can leak big time if you do not seal them well.


Rivet the mount into place. I used rivets because I do not have easy access to the inside of the hull here. Up front I use stainless steel nuts and bolts. I think the bolts hold better.


And you're done!


These Scotty mounts give me a plethora of options. I can use them for rod holders, camera mounts, outriggers, or safety flags. 


It should be noted that it is becoming very popular to add 4" YakAttack GearTrack rails in this spot on the Trident 13. There is nothing wrong with this option as you can purchase either Scotty, Ram, or YakAttack accessories to fit the GearTrack. I did not go this rout because a 4" section of GearTrack costs $18, pus the $12 to $17 for the Ram or Scotty adapter. A simple Scotty flush mount costs $9. I just don't think the small amount of extra adaptability provided by the GearTrack is worth the price. 

There are other spots on the kayak where GearTracks are a no-brainer.....more on that later.

The best place to purchase all of these mounts is HOOK 1.  If you use coupon code UNLUCKYHUNTER you will get everything 10% off, making it the best price for these mounts anywhere!




DreamHost Promotional Code