Check it out a DIY GearTrac mounted Bait Cutting Board!

As saltwater anglers tend to use a lot of cut bait this was the best conclusion I came to. Prior to the cutting board I would cut bait on the deck of my kayak. Which was ruining the aesthetics of the deck.

While at Walmart browsing though the kitchen aisle I stumbled across a polymer cheese cutting board priced at $3.00. As kayak anglers we are constantly thinking of things to rig out our kayaks.

At first keeping the board in my milk crate but once it was full of bait I wanted a place that would could keep the bait on the board and covered with a rag. Then YakAttack started offering T-Bolt kits of loose bolts and nylon thumb nuts. The Jackson Big Rig has factory installed Geartracs on both sides which make it the best place to mount the board. Cutting bunker chunks cleaning and stripping out squid on this board is perfect. Its out of the way from my paddle stroke and my steering.

Tip: You can also use a screwball as an attachment point with an additional ram mount for a camera or rod holder!

RAM Camera Mounts:

RAM Camera Mounts for kayaks are some of the best mounts on the market for mounting to a kayak. Like most other mounts RAM has adopted the YakAttack Gear Track System for some of their mounts and being that the RAM ball was developed. RAM mounts are made in the USA and carry a lifetime warranty.

Ram Flex Arm:

One of the best stationary camera mounts I have used. The unique aluminum rod is easily malleable to bend the shaft in different directions. The rod is rigid enough to hold position. IT does take a bit of force to bend the rod into the desired position. Along with the RAM ball top which you can add YakAttatack or Ram extensions. The Ram flex arm is easily mountable with a flush mount or a track mount system.

RAP-B-200-1-TRA1-18U With Gear track base

RAP-B-200-1-386-18U With flush mount base

RAP-B-200-1-114P-18U With post spline mount quick release (mouthing base not included)

RAM Composite Flat Surface Mount with Custom GoPro® Hero Adapter:

Much like the YakAttack Panfish Portrait, besides the swivel ability this mount is handy for low profile mounting to a track or flush mount. The mount is inexpensive compared to others that have the same function. This mount can also be created if you already have the GoPro RAM ball adapter and a 1″ base mounted or screw ball for track mounting.

RAP-B-138-GOP1 $24.59

This mount can also be paired with accessories like the RAM Tough-Claw™ for mounting to railings or the RAM Tough-Clamp™ for clipping to anything else. The Tough clamp is great for quick camera angles.

Ram Medium Tough Claw RAP-B-404U $35.80 (these vary in size from small to large)

Ram Tough Clamp RAP-B-397-2U $21.02 (these vary in size from small to large)

RAM Telescoping Pole Mount:

This is one of my favorite cam mounts from RAM. One end of the mount clamps to a broom stick or telescoping painters pole. Personally I attached one to a telescoping boat hook with over 7′ in distance! The other using a RAM link and the 1″ RAM ball for GoPro or a 1/4-20 threaded ram ball connects to your favorite action camera.

RAP-B-218-1-GOP1U $24.94

Upgrading a 2014 Big Rig to 2015 status is pretty simple! A few modifications have been introduced on the new 2015 Big Rig. These upgrades can be purchased from your local Jackson Kayak dealer or from the Jackson Kayak online store.

The new additions include:

1. All new Seadek style adhesive Deck Pad.
2. Upgraded leaning post Grip Shrink pads.
3. The brand new Elite 2.0 seat with Thermarest back support.
4. The brand new CAM style seat latching system which can be applied to the 2014 model.
5. Upgraded all deck rigging bungee to yellow.

Installing the deck pad:

Prior to installing the deck pad clean the deck thoroughly. Let dry completely then wipe down with rubbing alcohol and again let dry completely. The install should be done when it is warm out above 50 degrees but under 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using a sharpie marker align the deck pad and mark the corners where it aligns with all scupper holes. Peel back the paper that covered the adhesive align with your markings and press down firmly. The adhesive is very sticky so you really only have 1 shot.

Upgrading the leaning post pads:

You’ll need a heat gun for this operation and a razor blade for cutting the Grip Shrink. The standard grip size on the 2015 Big Rig are (2x) 4″ for the sides and (1) 9″ for the top center. Cut accordingly.  Remove the leaning post from the kayak. Remove one support brace. Slide on one 4″ piece first. position it where you would like it to be on the side with the support brace that you did not remove. Heat and shrink it in place. Repeat the same step with the 8″ piece centering it on the top portion of the bar. Once complete replace the support brace and using Loktite on the bolt that it swivels on. Reattach it to the kayak and your 2015 leaning post is complete!

Updating to the new Elite 2.0 Seat:

I am hoping replacing the seat eliminates the creaking I used to experience with the original seat. The new Elite 2.0 seat fits the 2014 Big Rig but requires the Cam seat latch system.

Cam Conversion Kit:

The cam conversion it is a easy install. It includes the star hex bit for removing the screws that secure the security bar. Simply remove one screw and loosen the other enough to slide on the loop of the cam strap. Make sure the cam lever is facing the bow. Tighten and the install is complete!