NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Gearing Up and Rigging Up => Topic started by: Fish N' Chips on January 02, 2011, 10:53:54 AM

Title: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 02, 2011, 10:53:54 AM
OK, well after being shamed by Tote for a lack of rigging pictures, here is the official thread, with Pics!

Most my gear is on order.  I am going with Scotty flushmounts and Scotty Rocket Launchers on this.  My goal was to have clean gunwales to ease diving and loading on my roof racks.  I will be using the ram mast mount for the fishfinder, and routing the cables thru a cable seal in the bulkhead.  The transducer will be a water bath mount for now.  I am trying to keep it all a minimal install, but am a self admitted gear junkie!

I started with the anchor trolley.  I picked up a couple of small pulleys at West Marine.  They are small, but rated for several hundred pounds.  I removed the side paddle bungee, and placed some of the Hobie screw in pad eyes.  This allowed for easy routing of the rope along the side of the kayak.  I made a small bungee to keep the assembly tight.  A stainless clip allows for me to keep the assembly from moving, and keeps it in easy reach when clipped to one of the plastic pad eyes.  The rope is just safety orange poly rope from Home Depot.

The nice thing about this location, is when deployed, I can lock the trolley in position by lifting the rope between the pad eyes up and over the stud where the paddle bungee locked in place.  This places tention on the line and prevents it from sliding.  I got the idea from the rigging instructions my Kayak Fish Nation on You Tube.

I did make some changes.  Hobie recommends placing the pulleys 12" from the bow and stern.  I did this, but due to the shape of the hull, the trolley rope went over the rear tankwell.  Not bad, but unacceptable for my perfect install  :smt001.  I moved the stern pull up a few feet by the rear hatch.  This will also hopefully prevent any chance of the anchor rope or drift sock getting tangled in the rudder assembly.  That would be difficult to fix on the water!  I plugged my original stern holes with some stainless bolts and goop.  You would never know there was an original mounting location as they look like they are part of the kayak.

Here are the Pics, just for Tote  :smt003

(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/2103/p1060139gu.jpg)

(http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3342/p1060143x.jpg)

(http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9612/p1060145.jpg)

(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1156/p1060142.jpg)

I also finally took EWB's advice and bit the bullet.  I ordered the Lowrance M68c fishfinder.  I got a great deal on Amazon.  $298 with free shipping.  I would still like to see your pictures though EWB!  After all you corrupted my decision with color displays.  I was also influenced by the emulator.  I downloaded the emulator software from Lowrance onto my laptop.  This allows you to test run the sounder before you purchase it.  I also downloaded the Eagle 250 combo.  I must say, color is the way to go.  I found it so much easier to see, and really liked the contrast between the land and water images for the GPS function.  It was more costly, but I believe I will be happier with this purchase.  I also believe I will eventually buy an extra transducer, for use on my power boat.  That way my waypoints will be with me all the time.

(http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2662/lowrancem68.jpg)

I will keep posting here as I progress with my rigging.  Thanks for the tips guys!

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: otobepelagic on January 02, 2011, 11:33:27 AM
Well Done Matt. You may want to test out your anchor trolley prior to hitting the bay. I'm not sure how an Adventure will track in fast current with the rear pulley that far forward but if you tried that on an Revo you will be in for an uncomfortable ride. Nice clean work ....
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 02, 2011, 01:27:21 PM
Thanks for the advice O2B.  I believe you are right.  I went ahead and moved the stern pulley back to its original position.  This will allow for much better positioning in fast current.  I guess it is smart to listen to the AOTY winner!  :smt003

To better route the cord I added a small cable clamp/pad eye where I had the pulley.  This really cleaned up the line, having the pulley farther back.  It rides very nice right along the side of the yak.  I also played with the bungee some and decided I didn't like it.  It allowed too much play in the line, and prevented me from getting the snap all the way to the bow.  The bungee is too large to feed through the pulleys.  I found the Poly line itself has pretty good stretch, so I tied it off directly to the snap.  It holds much tighter now, but still operated smoothly.

The update:

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7175/p1060146il.jpg)

(http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/1541/p1060147b.jpg)

(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7466/p1060148m.jpg)

(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/9729/p1060149v.jpg)

I may put some shrink tubing over the knots, for a little cleaner look and to prevent their catching on anything.  I love rigging, it is fun figuring out the setup.  Thanks O2B!

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: redwoodfox on January 02, 2011, 02:14:47 PM
looks good
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: EWB on January 02, 2011, 02:15:37 PM
looks good...maybe its just the pic but do you have both lines running through the cable clip? If so, won't that stop the anchor at that point vs going all the way to the pulley? I could see one of the line going through but not both. Again maybe its just a bad angle in the pic.
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 02, 2011, 02:20:27 PM
It is just the angle.  The main line runs below the clip, the top line runs thru it.  :smt003   The stainless clip will go stop to stop at the pulleys.
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: amphibian on January 03, 2011, 07:59:48 AM
I think flushmounts are definitely the way to go on the Adventure. It's a narrow fast boat and will roll easier than most SOT. RAM holders put the weight of your rod/reel combos too high especially if you have a couple of heavy rigs like the Penn 500 combos that many people use. My Adventure didn't like being pulled on uneven ground when the RAM holders were loaded and I could feel the high center of gravity on the water.
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:13:09 PM
Well I got some of my rigging supplies and got to work.  I installed the sailing rudder.  Everything I have read said this was a great update.  The sailing rudder is quite a bit larger, but seems to go up and down just fine.  Six screws and it was an easy exchange:

(http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/4914/p1060161.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:14:51 PM
I purchased a couple of the Hobie foam transducer pads.  I gooped them together to make them tall enough for a water bath install.  I cleaned the area with some alcohol and used a little sandpaper to rough up the plastic.  I gooped and weighted the pads down.  It stuck well and made a clean install.

(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/3127/p1060163f.jpg)

(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/2561/p1060164d.jpg)

(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6039/p1060165y.jpg)

(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8899/p1060172b.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:18:54 PM
I got the Ram mast tube mount.  Very nice and simple mount system.  It will work great for the fish finder.  I can move the mount forward slightly, and should be able to reach the buttons, yet the fish finder will be out of the way of the peddles.  I sealed the top of the wedge with a little silicone to prevent water intrusion.  I used regular silicon to ease removal if I need to take it out.

I got a ½” wire seal from West Marine.  I drilled a ¾” hole with a spade bit.  I would have rather used a hole saw but didn’t have one that small.  The hole came out a bit undersized, allowing me to actually screw the seal into the plastic.  I used a little goop to seal it up, screwed it down and installed the back nut.  It turned out very clean.  I almost put it on top of the front deck, behind the fish finder rather than the cockpit.  I wanted a low profile for loading onto the truck though, so felt a lower mounting position was better.  I can simply loosen the cap and push the wires into the hull for transport.  It should keep everything tight and out of the way.

(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7862/p1060170v.jpg)

(http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/994/p1060171.jpg)

(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/9110/p1060173h.jpg)

(http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7812/p1060180u.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:20:13 PM
I drilled (ouch) a big hole in the back of the kayak.  I installed a Scotty flush mount in the deck.  This is for my safety light.  I will also likely add a safety flag to the safety light.  It is an LED light, so I will simply leave it on for a day of fishing.  Never know when the fog could roll in!

(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3072/p1060176.jpg)

(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/834/p1060177b.jpg)

(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9369/p1060178z.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:21:01 PM
I made a simple leash for the mirage drive.  The 2010 drive system has a small hole in the front specifically for this purpose.  A little loop makes a quick attachment to the drive, but allows easy removal.  I replaced the front threaded mount with a pad eye.  I tied the rope to a stainless clip for easy attachment to the pad eye.  Very easy system and hopefully will prevent me from loosing the drive in a turtle during launching and landing.

(http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/7531/p1060169.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:22:09 PM
The tackle boxes are small Plano guide boxes.  I put a little dab of silicon on the bottoms to prevent them from sliding around.  I can now simply store them in the 8” middle hatch!  No more tackle box or bag on the outside of the kayak.  Should make lure access easier and keep my center of gravity low with all the lead.

(http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/6715/p1060184.jpg)

(http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4567/p1060187zg.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: bwodun on January 09, 2011, 04:25:47 PM
looks great matt, thanks for all the pics, cameron
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 04:26:16 PM
Thanks Cameron!

The Scotty rocket launcher is on backorder.  I hope to get that soon to install it.  I decided I will go with a right side mount only.  I can angle the tube left or right to troll on either side of the kayak.  I decided to keep the left side of the boat completely un-obstructed for easy entry and exit, and to sit side saddle.

I am also thinking of buying one of the Scotty Crab Davits.  That would be great for putting into the flushmount on the right side rail.  I don't like dragging the crab pot ropes up the side of the kayak.  A little leverage is always nice, especially from a seated position!

I have a rope jam cleat I will likely install soon.  I want to be able to set-up a quick release anchor for some Sturgeon and Striper fishing!

I am also thinking of installing some rear Ram tubes like OB2.  Very nice system.

My fishfinder, 12 volt 5A battery and charger should be here this next week.  I already picked up some plugs from radioshack for the install.  Stay tuned!

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Jedmo on January 09, 2011, 06:33:18 PM
Looking good Matt. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait how the the flush mount will look like once it is installed. I hear you about drilling a big hole on the kayak but it's
a must to achieve our goal. :smt012

Jedmo
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: EWB on January 09, 2011, 07:18:17 PM
nice job. I am looking at that light set up. May have to steal your idea.

So on a scale on 1 -10 how bad are you wanting to get that thing in the water for a test drive!
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 09, 2011, 08:53:52 PM
I would say about a 12!  I am dieing to go out.  I may head out for some trout this next weekend if the weather is decent.  I hear they are catching some nice trout on Shasta in 5-25 ft on water, and some nice landlocked Salmon on anchovies and minnows.  The fishfinder won't take anytime to install with the mounts all ready in place!

I like the way the safety light came out.  The compact deck mount comes with a backing plate, so it is nice and secure.  I had a scotty base on my Plano box before for the light.  I worked ok and was in reach, but made it a pain to get into the box as the top of the light went into the water.  It is waterproof, but was something I didn't like.  This will keep the light visible and out of the way.  I may be able to reach it on the water, but won't know for sure until I try (and probably get wet).  I am figuring I will simply turn it on when I launch, and leave it on.  It is USGS approved and supposed to run 8 hours on 2AA.  However, I have been out many trips and have yet to replace the batteries.  I have some reflective tape I am going to wrap around the shaft, and want to get a bicycle flag.  The flag I will likely attach a tube on the side of the light, or just zip tie it in place.  That way the mount can do double duty with safety flags and dive flags.

Thanks Jedmo.  It looks like the rocket launcher is backordered till Feb 2.  I am thinking it is a new item, and just has not hit the stores yet.  I am going to try and get a flushmount and extention in the mean time.  I can order the rocket launcher separately from the base.  If worst comes to worst, I can install the Scotty base I have and replace it with the flushmount later.  They are the same size, the only difference being the center hole for the flush mount.  I really like the RAM mounts, but am unsure how they would perform with a 1-2 lb lead ball or trolling plate while Salmon fishing in the ocean.  I don't think the RAM would be secure enough.  The Scotty with the ratchet fins on the adjustments should be able to hold better IMO.

I also took a tip off an Australian kayak site and use a little silicon on my dagger board insert.  It will hold it more secure and prevent any water from coming up.  The household silicon is a good adhesive, but easy to remove if I want or need to.  I used goop on all the "permanate" attachments.

(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8804/p1060186z.jpg)

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: HamachiJohn on January 09, 2011, 10:16:36 PM
The tackle boxes are small Plano guide boxes.  I put a little dab of silicon on the bottoms to prevent them from sliding around.  I can now simply store them in the 8” middle hatch!  No more tackle box or bag on the outside of the kayak.  Should make lure access easier and keep my center of gravity low with all the lead.


question: will the trays stay in place with just silicon? Or does it need a leash so it doesn't slide to the bow or stern?  I wanna do what you did if the silicon does the job.  thx!
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: FishingAddict on January 10, 2011, 08:58:44 AM
The tackle boxes are small Plano guide boxes.  I put a little dab of silicon on the bottoms to prevent them from sliding around.  I can now simply store them in the 8” middle hatch!  No more tackle box or bag on the outside of the kayak.  Should make lure access easier and keep my center of gravity low with all the lead.

Hi Matt,

I own a Revo and after 2 years I have the same set up with my tackle boxes.  One thing you will find out is water builds up on top of the hatch cover.  Every time you open it a small amount goes inside the hull, not a large amount but adds to the clean up process after at the of the day.  I haven't used silicon to prevent tackle boxes sliding but they have slid on me and I cannot reach them while the OTW.  This is how I secure mine:
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,27141.msg289780.html#msg289780 (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,27141.msg289780.html#msg289780)

This year I am retiring my milk crate and using an orange Plano waterproof tackle box from West Marine.  I also cut some PVC pipes and screwed them on as 3 rod holders . Plano claims their waterproof but not really, its OK I can live with the small amount that goes in. It will snapped the behind the seat and can with stand a surf launch.  I am putting my lures in the Plano waterproof boxes like yours inside.  

Thanks for sharing!

Mel
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: BANJOTAD on January 10, 2011, 05:12:56 PM
Looks like Matt is having a great time rigging the new Hobie :smt007
When your ready to give her the test peddle at Shasta give me the heads up, and I'll try to keep up :smt002 :smt003
Nice work buddy, can't wait to see it in action!
Tad
 :smt006
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 10, 2011, 07:38:09 PM
Well I ordered a Scotty flushmount and a 8 1/2" extention until my rocket launchers come in.  I can't wait to install it.  It should allow me to position my rod across the kayak for trolling the lake, and keep the rod out of the peddles.  I almost went with two rod mounts, but will likely use just the one.  I rarely troll with more than one rod anyways.  The rocket launchers will come with extra bases if I decide to add another.

Thanks Tad,  I will send you a PM and likely post a hookup.  I am thinking of heading out this weekend.

FishingAddict, thanks I will add the leashes.  I have a Plano box I have used for years, so it would be nothing to clip on the kayak.  I am looking forward to tying this new system, but it remains to be seen how well it will work.  The silicone seems to keep the boxes in place pretty well.  I would not trust it while moving the kayak, or surf launching though.  I can tilt the kayak at about a 20-30 degree angle before they start sliding.  The leashes under the deck to clip the boxes in place for rough launches and conditions make a lot of sense.  I will miss the extra rod holders on my Plano box, but do like the clean decks.  I have a sponge I tossed in the deck to hopefully soak up any water which makes it in. 

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Pat R. on January 11, 2011, 07:47:26 AM
Looks good MattS you can tell you but a lot of thought into your new ride I love that kind of stuff, look foreword to fishing with you some day :smt006.

Pat R
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: ZeeHokkaido on January 11, 2011, 11:59:53 AM
Nice work. I've been putting the Plano boxes inside the center hatch like you and it works great by adding grip to that area. One thing that will make it better is a few walls made of pool noodle gooped around the boxes. Most of the time they won't slide around but if you have a surf launch or a day with rough water they will slide. Having to fish around in your yak through that hatch for your gear OTW is no fun. ChuckE has has the best system I've seen yet. He's got a flexible 3" deep canvas tray that has plastic walls that he slides in there before launching and then puts Plano boxes in that. No glueing or connecting at all.

Similar to this: (http://www.fostermanf.com/products/outside_plant/B_canvas_tray.gif)

Z
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 11, 2011, 09:03:21 PM
The inner bag is a great idea!  I may have to use that.  it would keep things nicely organized.

I got my fishfinder, battery and charger today!  Rigging went quick, as I had it all prepped.  I made a lead for the battery with a quick connect.  I then soldered in the fuse and quick connect on the fishfinder power cable.  I make for easy removal.

I mounted the fishfinder to the ram mount, it looks really clean.  I like the adjustability of the ram mount.

Getting the transducer wire/power cable thru the cable seal was a pain!  It was a very tight fit.  I had to trim a little off the transducer cable and oil up the cable seal.  I finally got it thru.  At least I know it will be a tight seal!

I wrapped the extra transducer cable around the mast mount and zip tied it up and out of the way.

The battery is a 12 volt 5A.  It weighs around 3.5 lbs.  I placed the battery in a waterproof box and packed it with foam.  I drilled a small hole to route the power cable through and gooped it in place.  The entire box can now be simply removed for charging and transportation.  I rigged up a bungee that will hold the box to the mast while in use, and a foam pad to go under the box to cushion it some.  The pad will be removable or maybe glued to the box to allow it to dry.  I will post a piture when I put the box in place.

To ease charging, I took another connector and soldered it to the charger leads.  I can now simply plug the charger right into the battery unit!  It makes it easy and simple.

The fishfinder works great.  The color screen is very easy to see.  I can't wait to put it to the test!

(http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/3422/p1060188w.jpg)
Battery leads and wiring

(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9942/p1060190e.jpg)
Fishfinder and wire seal

(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3870/p1060191q.jpg)
Wires tied up

(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/68/p1060194z.jpg)
Battery box

(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9611/p1060195x.jpg)
Power lead

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6344/p1060199w.jpg)
Charger with lead soldered on

(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9649/p1060200a.jpg)
Charger hooked up

(http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4140/p1060196.jpg)
It works!

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on January 14, 2011, 12:04:15 PM
I got my rod base and rod holder extension today!  I had pre-prepped the nuts, washers and backing plates the other day.  I found the area under the deck was so tight, I could not use a full backing plate.  Instead I simply cut small backing plates from some plastic cutting board.  I glued the washer and nut onto the backers with a drop of super glue.  This really made it easy to put them into place while contorted across my kayak, trying to reach into the deck space.  The plastic bases also allowed the bolt and nut to fit the curved inside surfaces better.

The bases were the Scotty 244 with the sealed tube for kayak use. 

(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2937/p1060201.jpg)

I placed the holder in place on the deck and marked the holes.  I used a straight edge to make the center for the hole saw.

(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8287/p1060203d.jpg)

(http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1654/p1060206i.jpg)

I used a piece of pool noodle to hold the rudder cables out of the way while drilling.  I didn’t want to cut the spectra.  I then used a 1 ¼” saw and “wobbled” the bit a little to enlarge the hole slightly.  This gave me a very tight friction fit for the insert.  I learned this from Jim Sammons on one of his videos.  It makes it water tight and adds some stability.

(http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9580/p1060208px.jpg)

I used the deck cut out to measure the bolt lengths.  I didn’t want to have any bolt extending thru the nut, where the spectra lines could be abraded.  The deck was amazingly thick at this location!  It should be a nice solid area to mount the holder.

(http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2328/p1060212c.jpg)

I gooped and bolted the rod holder in place.  The rear inside bolt was a tight fit due to the pad eye mount and the rudder line tube.  I had the forethought to place the holder a little forward and to the right in hopes of clearing this.  It worked, but due to the space I was unable to use the plastic backing.  I used a washer and bolt at this location.  The left side rail doesn’t have this pad eye, and should be easier to install.

(http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5329/p1060216s.jpg)

(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8785/p1060217ir.jpg)

I cleaned up the excess goop and inserted the rod holder and extension, perfect!  This should work great for trolling until my rocket launchers come.  I will put it to the test tomorrow at Shasta Lake.  The goop should be cured by tomorrow.

(http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9025/p1060222s.jpg)

As I had already prepped the backing plates and nuts, the entire install only took about 20 minutes, it was very simple.   I am happy with the clean look, and adjustability.  This should be able to securely hold my rods while Salmon trolling with large weights, and possibly a Scotty Crab Davit while pulling pots. 

Matt

Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Jedmo on January 14, 2011, 01:02:36 PM
Wow! Talk about tight fit. Absolutely no room for error at all. I like it Matt. Great job on it bro.

Jedmo
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on March 08, 2011, 09:27:13 PM
After my test run in the kayak, I found I needed a rod holder on the left side to double troll!  I got the parts and finally got around to mounting the Scotty flush mount on the left rail.  It went in fine (other than nicking the rudder cable protective tube...darn, but luckily an easy fix).  I found the rail plastic was much thicker on the left side.  I was not able to use any of my plastic spacers due to the thickness, so went with large stainless washers and lock nuts.  I have read other experiencing the thicker plastic here as well.  It secured nicely.  Good thing, as I want to get a Scotty crab davit for use with it!  The way I over engineer, I figure the kayak will flip before any of the mounts tear out!  :smt003

I also put a couple eye bolts in the garage roof, and now have the kayak slung upside down and off the ground.  Great storage trick I got right here on the site!  I will post up some pictures when I get a chance.

Matt

Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Pat R. on March 25, 2011, 07:49:28 AM
MattS did you aver get your Scotty Rocket launcher and if so do you like them or do you think the ram rocket launcher would be better.

Pat R
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on March 25, 2011, 08:25:58 AM
Hi Pat,

The rocket launchers just got released (Hook 1 just got them), and I hope to get one soon.  I have been using a 8.5" extension on each side with the locking collar rod holder.  I actually really like this set-up.  It keeps the rods out of the way, they can be locked into the rod holders, they are easy to reach, and can be positioned any direction.  I was trolling with the rod positioned forward slightly with great success.

I don't have any personal experience with the ram rod holders.  My fish finder ram mount does work well.  Personally I would be cautious of the ram mounts if trolling for large fish.  I have seen everything from rope to turnbuckles to keep them from slipping (yakabout/yakass has a good article on it).  They have a good following, but I think the Scotty holders are more secure IMO.  I have caught some large Salmon, Stripers and Sturgeon from my jet boat, and never had a Scotty fail or slip.  I do think the Rocket holders will be the best of both worlds, especially for a behind the seat application like O2B has on his boat (very sweet set-up).

I will post a report once I get the rocket launchers to try.  So far the reviews I have seen on them are very positive. 

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Pat R. on March 25, 2011, 08:45:53 AM
Thanks Matt :smt006 will wait for your report before ordering. I to am using the same setup as you are with the Scotty and your right works very well.

Pat R
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Fish N' Chips on April 04, 2011, 09:25:11 PM
Well I just ordered the rocket launchers and a crab davit for the boat.  The extensions and rod holders work ok, but I don't like all the clutter on the rails, and the holders being so high to clear the pedals.  Keeping with my simple layout scheme, the rocket launchers should clean it up and be great for trolling.  I will give a review when I get them.

I also ordered a scotty crab davit.  I hate pulling my crab line up the side of the kayak.  I am hoping the davit will give me better leverage with full pots, and save wear on the boat....and my back and arms!

I love new toys..... :smt007

Matt
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Great Bass 2 on August 15, 2011, 07:14:04 AM
Matt -

This been very helpful. Excellent tutorial and well thought out rigging. I will probably mount my FF and GPS on the right rail in the mesh compartment like Martin did on his Revo so I can reach it easier and will probably convert it to an AI at some point so will keep the sail mast area free of rigging. I will use a removable deck compass also.

Scott
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Pat R. on August 15, 2011, 12:55:03 PM
Scott do I read this right have you gone to the dark side if so welcome  :smt007

Pat R
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: dilbeck on August 15, 2011, 02:50:38 PM
Scott do I read this right have you gone to the dark side if so welcome  :smt007

Pat R

He'd mentioned the idea of delving into the darkside at Albion but I didn't know he already did it.

Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: gupppy on April 10, 2012, 03:00:00 PM
Hi Matt,

Sorry for resurrecting such an old thread, hope you're reading this..

I was wondering if you remember what size bolts you used to mount your goodies in various areas.  Like you, I do not want to use a screw that's too long, and obviously one that's too short would do me no good.  Do you happen to remember what length they are?  Were they stainless steel screws?

I'm looking to install pad eyes (including washers & a nylon lock nut) in various places on the kayak and wanted to just order once.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: Mienboy on April 10, 2012, 04:25:17 PM
I drilled (ouch) a big hole in the back of the kayak.  I installed a Scotty flush mount in the deck.  This is for my safety light.  I will also likely add a safety flag to the safety light.  It is an LED light, so I will simply leave it on for a day of fishing.  Never know when the fog could roll in!

(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3072/p1060176.jpg)

(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/834/p1060177b.jpg)

(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9369/p1060178z.jpg)
how much was the light,i was thinking about getting one too.some of the people behind the wheels of powered boats are more dangerous than the ones behind the wheels of cars.but when i think about it might attract unwanted attention.imagine all those people on the water ways when they see the light in the distance and go whats that lets go check it out. :smt011
Title: Re: Matt's Hobie Adventure Rigging
Post by: gupppy on April 11, 2012, 01:53:06 PM
I drilled (ouch) a big hole in the back of the kayak.  I installed a Scotty flush mount in the deck.  This is for my safety light.  I will also likely add a safety flag to the safety light.  It is an LED light, so I will simply leave it on for a day of fishing.  Never know when the fog could roll in!

(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3072/p1060176.jpg)

(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/834/p1060177b.jpg)

(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9369/p1060178z.jpg)
how much was the light,i was thinking about getting one too.some of the people behind the wheels of powered boats are more dangerous than the ones behind the wheels of cars.but when i think about it might attract unwanted attention.imagine all those people on the water ways when they see the light in the distance and go whats that lets go check it out. :smt011

walmart has some variations of the light for cheap.  ~$20