Which rod holder do folks like?

I have an outback which has 4 vertical rod holders. I am thinking of adding a couple of scotty 230's because this style looks like it would be useful when sturgeon fishing, salmon trolling, keeping extra rods close to hull while casting, etc.

Is this one that is commonly used by folks who want an adjustable mount? When mounting do you use some type of backing to reduce stress on the hull?

I use ram mounts because I can adjust them to any angle.  The only issue I have with them is that they move when I am trolling a lot of lead. 

I use Scotty's 280 & 230 holders with No. 459 Adjustable Rod Holder Extender.

 

When mounting do you use some type of backing to reduce stress on the hull?

I have been using a 1 inch wide by 1/8 inch thick aluminum bar and making my own backings for padeyes, etc.  I cut the bar to the desired length then round the corners and edges so there are no sharp angles.  I drill corresponding holes, hold it inside where I need the backing and attach whatever hardware I need attached. 

I didn't choose the aluminum because I thought it was a superior material to anything else, but because I already had some left-over from making a rudder mount for my wooden SOT kayak.  Aluminum is somewhat expensive, but during my last trip to Harbor Freight I discovered a very cheap source of it sold in the form of aluminum yard sticks for $1.99.  If you plan your project right and start using the material from the 36" end, the leftover (0" to whatever") can be a handy rust- proof fish measuring stick.   The dimensions are 1"X 36" X 1/16" thick.  The aluminum is very easy to cut and sand.

Oh, and I use both Scotty and Ram systems.  Sometimes combining the two with an adapter ball. Both have their pluses and minuses.

Before you drill take a look at the Yak Attack Mighty mount and their new rail mount system.  I have been holding off on adding an permanent ram mount until I can take a look at the rail system. 

Those yak attack might mounts look really nice. I looked at their website and they didn't have any rails that I could find. Are there standard rails you can buy, and if so, where do you get them? I am hoping the answer is Next Adventure!

You have to watch the video to find out about the rail mounting system.  Other than that their website doesn't say much about them.  We are the process of setting Yak attack up as a vendor and will hopefully have their products in house in a few weeks. 

I've been using a cheap plastic cutting board as backing.

FYI if you can't find thin cheap cutting boards to use as backing, Zee turned us on to this site some time ago;.

http://www.interstateplastics.com/plastic-sheets.php

I have bought plastic sheet goods from these folks. They have a good variety of stock and are local if you live in Portland or close to there. They also have a scrap bin with cheep stock that makes for in expensive small parts. That is if they still have the scrap bin its been a while since I have been in their shop.
www.tapplastics.com - 2842 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Portland - (503) 230-0770
www.tapplastics.com - 15230 Southwest Sequoia Pkwy # 150, Tigard - (503) 620-4960

There are Tap Plastics in many metro areas.  Seattle has at least one.