Flush Mount Rod Holder on the Outside Hull

Well I've about had it with trying to find a solid rod holder that can handle trolling 8-10 oz and keep the handle out of my way for pedaling my hobie. I tried a track system and used a scotty arm extender but I almost lost a rod as it still managed to torque its way out of the gear trac. I also tried some large ram mounts just behind the seat and they can't keep the rod tip up. I was thinking of installing and a flush mount rod holder as far above the waterline as possible on the outside starboard side with the tube running down between the seat and the cupholder on my Revo. I know there is some risk with cutting a big hole on the outside hull but I'm confident I can seal it pretty good but I wanted to look for ideas before I go cutting big holes in my boat.

My concern would be that the outside of your Revo is too roundy for a flush mount. I installed a piece of the GT175 Gear Trac on the outside of my Revo but it's curvy and fits the contour of the boat.

I know ya want to keep weight down but I got a welder and a dual cut saw. I can help ya custom cut and fit something that can spread the load and mount to whatever is currently on the your boat if you supply the metal.

I also had problems with Scotty Gearhead mounts twisting in my Geartracks from the tension of my line while trolling, so I made a mount for a Scotty deck mount which won't twist under tension.







For details, see my posting about "How to make your own devices which mount on gear tracks" at http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=13167.0 .

I had a similar issues when trolling for salmon.  My solution is bulky, but has worked for me.  I have a scotty push button lock base mounted to mighty mounts, or something close to that name.  The mighty mounts are mounted to a gear track, I personally used the wider unit for my trolling mount.   I have the scotty extended arm with the slip washers, and quick detach for the rod holder.  This mess of parts is bulky and not refined looking, but it hasn't failed while trolling yet.  On my kayak the holder is on the  right, and the rod tip is off to the left side when trolling.  The rod is high enough it doesn't interfere with pedaling. 

The reasons I made my own base for the Scotty deck mount rather than using Mighty Mounts are as follows:

1.  So I could position the deck mount as far back as possible on my left gear track, (a) so my left toe doesn't hit my rod when I'm pedaling, (b) so I don't need to raise up my rod holder on an extender, and (c) so I can easily crank up my fishing line at the same time that I crank up my downrigger weight.  Mighty Mounts take up more space on the gear track, and would have required that the deck mount be oriented in the same direction as the gear track, both of which would have resulted in my rod holder being located further forward than I prefer. 

2. So I could position the deck mount so my rod is at right angles to the centerline of my kayak, rather than at right angles to the gear track.  If I used Mighty Mounts, the deck mount would have to be oriented in the same direction as the gear track.

I'm thinking about replacing the standard deck mount with a locking deck mount like the one which you use, so I don't need to worry about the rod holder coming out of the deck mount.

I agree with Fugitive's suggestion.  Since you mentioned you have the tracks just get some Mighty Mounts and be done with it.  I've trolled with well over 12 oz. with this setup and it is totally solid.  The addition of the slip discs makes it really easy to adjust.

i use these scotty gearhead track mounts p/n 438 with 8" extenders to  "fish on" rod holders.

Dampainter, in my experience trolling heavy lead for salmon, those will torque out of the mounting track.

sorry, i should read more, if i were trolling that heavy a lead i would go with ur setup too.

I agree with Fugitive's suggestion.  Since you mentioned you have the tracks just get some Mighty Mounts and be done with it.

Sure, the easy route is to buy Mighty Mounts and other off-the-shelf equipment, but don't forget the entertainment value of a little do-it-yourself project!

Dampainter-no worries.  I had a similar experience as the OP when my gear head let go from the track mount while trolling in the columbia.  It cost me a leverdrag reel and lami rod.  I learned 2 things that day:  1-I needed a better rod holder for trolling, 2- why they sell lanyards

Thanks guys. It looks like I'll be investing in some mighty mounts before the fall salmon arrive!!!

If it doesn't work upland sand piper PM me or Jojopotatoe. Like he said sometimes the best solution is a custom job. I would be tempted to try making an aluminum version of the Scotty base and insert. Which is the sacrificial piece that gave way in the first place?