GearTrac 90 .... Finally!

Just saw that the new narrow GearTrack 90 from YakAttack was added to the website. I've been waiting to add these to my Revo all summer. These are going to be perfect! Better late than never!

Thanks for posting this, AK. I have been waiting for the same thing. In the mean time I mounted everything on a haka bench seat I built for my adventure island. This is good news!
T2

Awesome!
I actually sent them an email about the availability and Luther emailed me back in June that it would be available in June...

What do people think the best length for the Revo gunwales would be?  I'm trying to decide between 8" or 12"

I'm going with 12" on my Revo gunwales mounted forward of the mesh pockets.  They are low profile so even if I never use the entire length, they won't be in the way.  On the left side I'll use a 1-1/2" screwball (SB15) for my FF mount and on the right side I'll use a Mighty Mount for my Scotty rod holder (MMSB).

While I have been very happy with the performance of my aluminum crossbar, I'd love to pull the FF and rod holder about 6" closer to the seat.  So the crossbar goes.

Since the new tracks only have screws down the center channel, is anyone worried that they'll pull out easier? I wouldn't trust a rod holder in these without a backer.

Also in this thread Luther stated:
"It will also have more than one fastening option. The first option - the one that will be available when we launch it - will be screws on the inside of the slot down the center of the track. Later on we will introduce other options."
http://yakattackforums.com/forums/showthread.php?156-GearTrac-Jr&highlight=gt90

I ask myself, should I wait?

Hmmm, just a thought.

According to Luther, they have an aluminum backing for the GT90. The 8" aluminum backing is something like $12. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I'll do a full review after I receive, install, and use them.

I wonder if this would be a more simplified version of what you guys are doing/wanting for mounting options?  A) You can cut it to any length you want.  B) You can place the screw holes anywhere you choose.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=61986&cat=3,43576,61994&ap=1

Also for the Ram ball 1" you can use the camera ball that already has a 1/4"-20 tpi stud on it to attach to the Lee Valley track.  Only costs $7.95!
http://www.gpscity.ca/ram-mount-camera-thread-b-ball-ram-b-237u.html

Thanks for the lee valley tip. I phoned several places in town for tbolts and couldn't find any. I was looking to fit them for a kayak saddle on my truck rack. Good to see another yak fisher in Victoria!
T2

I have got some if you need some urgently.  Lee Valley in Colwood should have a good assortment!

Has anyone installed these newer tracks yet?
If so, thoughts?

I've been slacking on this. My intent was to install them, go fish, then post a report. My son got sick that weekend, so the review went to the back burner.

Here's the GT90 + mounting hw + aluminum backing:


Here's a mounted ScrewBall:


Underneath the gunwale; no room for the aluminum backing:


Narrow gunwale:


MightyMount + Scotty base:








Scotty rod holder:


The dimensions are on YakAttack's site.

I tried installing it on the front gunwale of a Hobie Oasis. The aluminum backing did not fit underneath, so I just used the supplied washers. I did minimal strength test by mounting mighty mount + Scotty base + Scotty rod holder + fishing rod. With everything mounted, I pulled on the line to simulate the drag of trolling, then a hard yank for a fish bite. Visually, I see no problems using this setup for trolling.

I'll take additional pictures and post more info after this weekend. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks Pixster, what do you think about it? (gut feelings)
What about the hard 90 deg edges verses the ramp on the full size GT175? Could you see that hanging up getting in or out of the yak? (ignore the fact that it'll be loaded down with crap - LOL)
Would it be stout enough for a downrigger? (not that I'd be using one, but know many others on here do)

Demon - did you ever hear back from them regarding the future renditions / mounting patterns?

I know others have used the full size on their revos minus a screw or two, and I would probably be fine with that too. I don't think I'll decide which way to go until I actually have them in hand. I'm waiting for Next Adventure to get them in stock - they told me that the order "should" have been placed. (Jake is out on his honeymoon or something.  So it's hard to say for sure.) I'm fine with waiting.

I was waiting on these til Scotty releases their 438, though as when I pinged them they said it'll be out 'before Christmas' thinking about switching over to Ram mounts instead

Thanks Pixster, what do you think about it? (gut feelings)

I have added more pictures...

You can see how narrow the gunwale is towards the bow on the Oasis. With my setup without the aluminum backing, I'm comfortable with trolling with probably 8oz cannon ball sinker. I will definitely use it for trolling a buzzbomb for pinks next year. With an aluminum backing, I would be comfortable trolling heavier weight.

What about the hard 90 deg edges verses the ramp on the full size GT175? Could you see that hanging up getting in or out of the yak?

Not an issue...for me. I would be more worried about hooks and other doodads on the kayak, but the GT90 doesn't have hard/sharp edges or corners.