Understanding Kayak Rigging – Mounting Base Options

Mounting bases are an essential part of rigging and personalizing your fishing kayak for your needs. A mounting base is typically and after market install for adding mounts for rod holders, fish finders, and other personalized accessory’s.  In this article ThePlasticHull.net covers basic and typical mounting hardware and bases along with track systems.

Fasteners:

There are 4 main types of fasteners typically used for rigging plastic kayaks.  They are as follows.

1. Thru Bolt: (Best Mounting Solution. This includes metal backing plates used in track system mounting.)
2. Rivets: (Second to the best method)
3. Well Nut & Bolt (Typically used with no inside access)
4. Self tapping screw (Has its uses)
5.  Factory molded threaded inserts (Becoming more common. Standard on Jackson fishing Kayaks)

Accessory Bases:

These fastening methods are used to install a mounting base. Depending on the accessory there are choices on base options. For a long time mounting a spline base or a flush mount spline base was the best method of installing rod holders and safety flags. With the evolution of kayak fishing and innovative accessory companies like Ram Mount,s Scotty, and Yak Attack new mounting options have been invented. To cover a few of the main mount base options.

1. Scotty base
2. RAM Ball Base
3. Rail Blaza Deck Mount Base

Gear Tracks:

The most widely used deck mounting solutions in recent time are track mount bases. Track mounting works just like track lighting. Simply by turning the accessory it can be located and secured in any location on the track desired.  I believe Wilderness Systems were the first to incorporate track mount systems into their fishing line of kayaks. Luther Cyphers of Yak Attack developed first the mighty mount which accepted a T style bolt that also is compatible with a track system.  Later he developed the gear track. The gear track really made rigging possibility’s endless. Also created the ability to slide accessory’s to different positions on the fly.  For paddlers the ability to move rod holders out of your paddle sweep on the fly.

In recent time many other fishing kayak manufacturers are incorporating the Yak Attack Gear track or similar track system into their fishing line of kayaks. Along with the tracks came “T Bolt Accessory’s” . The Screw ball was one of the first solutions for mounting accessory’s to the tracks. The ability to have a RAM Mount accessory on a sliding track made options endless. From mounting Rod Holders to Fish finders and camera mounts.

Scotty and RAM Mount spline bases can be adapted to work with track systems by utilizing the Yak Attack MightyMount Post Mount kit. Check it out here!

For 2015 Yak Attack has done it again with a new innovative track system that enables mounting accessory’s from any point on the track. No more sliding from one end to another. Mount between already mounted accessory’s! This is going to make it easy!

For more information on GearTrack Mounting Hardware go to YakAttack.us!

Disclaimer:

Installing hardware may cause damage and/or void manufacturer warranties.  ThePlasticHull.net its authors or any other source of information on this website is in no way responsible for your actions nor any type issues or damage that may occur.  The information provided on this website is a free reference guide only. The authors of all information, sponsors and the owners of the website that host this information are not liable for any problems or issues that arise from the use of this information. Users of this information hereby acknowledge that all use of this information is done by their own free will, at their own sole risk, understanding that destruction of property, injury, or death could occur.

A touring paddle for kayak fishing?  Why not? The low angle of the Aqua-Bound Spindrift enhances your time fishing saving you from fatigue on those long days of paddling. The low angle paddling style is most common while touring kayaking with a low sweeping stroke that is semi-circular. This paddle stroke will allow for longer time paddling during your fishing trips with overall less fatigue.

Whats the difference between a low and a high angle paddle? Well one is longer with a narrow blade and the other is a short fatty. As mentioned above he low angle stroke is more of a low sweeping stroke meaning to maintain a consistent speed. The stroke is less responsive than the high angle but is effective in saving energy on long fishing trips.

The high angle paddle is shorter in length with a wider blade.  The high angle paddle stroke begins and ends with vertical entry and exit from the water hence the high angle of 45 degrees. This style of paddling is meant to generate the maximum thrust due to the straight line path therefor quickly gaining greatest amount of speed. Paddling this style will cause more fatigue due to the high rate of strokes.

Aqua-Bound Spindrift Carbon:

The Spindrift Carbon is one of many top of the line style paddles offered by Aqua-Bound. It has become of my favorite paddles of all time due to its versatility and comfort. The Carbon fiber paddle is incredibly light due to its carbon fiber resin and foam core compression molded blades coming in at an overall weight of 24 oz. The telescoping (Plus) ferrule is an excellent option for paddlers with adjustable high low seating or multiple kayaks. It does add a few ounces but with the added option to set the paddle length +/- 15 cm is incredibly handy. The current Spindrift Carbon Paddle I have tested length is 235 cm collapsed and adjusts to a maximum of 250 cm. Due to the feature of the telescoping ferrule the paddle has a infinite feather angle. You may set the feather angle to keep you more comfortable while paddling. To adjust simply twist to the left to loosen and right to tighten.

My Experience:

Using this paddle is great for areas of medium current speed tidal zones. Although it may take you a few extra strokes to get going once your going the ease of paddling is great! My recommendation in high wind and strong tidal zones the use of a high angle paddle so you have the added catch and speed for areas you may want to move fast. The paddle is well woth the investment and will last years of paddling and fishing!

The paddle has held up well for its first season. Trying not to push off of rocks and gravel there is not many marks in the finish. Although a little dirty the paddle looks new and is in great shape. Never store your paddle assembled remember when done paddling especially in salt water to break it down into 2 pieces and rinse it off. This will ensure your paddle never fuses together.

Stock Paddle Stats:

Ovalized Shaft:

The option for the telescoping ferrule is available.

More Info at Aqua-Bound.com follow the link below!

http://aquabound.com/kayak-paddles/performance/spindrift-carbon

I have seen this question posted here and there and I have the answer for you! The best way to Mount the Torqeedo 403 Throttle Controller is using a RAM Mount. Then go to your local Hardware store and match the threads to a Stainless Steel screw and mount it to the diamond base RAM ball.  Now you have plenty of mounting options!

RAM Mounts you’ll need

RAP-B-201U Composite Double Socket Arm that will receive a 1″ ball

RAM-B-238U RAM 2.43″ x 1.31″ Diamond Ball Base with 1″ Ball

Screws needed for ball to controller mounting Metric M4-0.7 x 20mm stainless steel screws

Mounting to Kayak

RAP-B-375U Tbolt Screwball for Track Systems

RAP-B-379U-252050-KAY1  RAM 1″ Tough-Ball™ with 1/4″-20 X .50″ Male Threaded Post for Kayaks

OR

RAP-B-354U-TRA1 Track Ball^™ with T-Bolt Attachment

RAM® Track Ball™ Base with T-Bolt Attachment – B Size

Enjoy!

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