Help Scotty Mount location question for the Outback guys

I'm looking for an opinion where to put my #244 flush mount Scotty rod holder mount on my Outback.  Basically there are two places this can be done up front on the Outback.  One is inside the tray and the other location would be up by the built-in rod holder.  Just looking for the pros and cons or preferences before I go drilling into the yak.  I will be using this for a rod holder and possible downrigger location at times.

My brother in law mounted his on the right side tray.but he used the regular top mount.he was thinking like me "do you really want to drill a 1inch hole in your hull".it looks lot nicer but your drilling a 1 inch hole in your hull

Inside the trays are the most popular, google rigged hobie outback for more ideas. The 244's are a much nicer look if you get over the fear of drilling holes. The first hole is the always the worst. Trace around the part that goes in the hole, put a little goop around the base of the mount. (thers a little recessed/flat part. Drop it in and drill the first hole. Drop a bolt thorough it. The next hole you drill should be diagonal from the first, drop that bolt, then  repeat for the last two. If the holes are the right size for the bolt and you use nylock nuts you shouldnt need to goop the bolts. If you use a hole saw and save the plug I can usually weld it back up. Hope this helped -Jeff

So far I've mounted two Scotty mounts on my Outback.  The placement is great with the Trapeez for crab traps and it's in the perfect location for trolling.  I don't have a problem raising and lowering my rudder.  I think when I'm ready to install my #3 and #4 rod holders, I might mount them like Vince's picture for easy access.  I was also thinking about mounting YakAttack's Gear Tracks on the rear trays for versatility. 

 

  I installed my scotty holders just forward of the forward rod holders, It's hard to see in this picture, but it's just in front of the rod sitting in the forward rod holder in the hull. (About 1'Oclock from the NCKA sticker!) in this location, the rod end (With a scotty extension) clears my knees when peddling.  One note, be sure you can reach whatever location you choose to mount the things from inside the hull!  Maybe not such a big problem for things up front with the big hatch, but in the back more so. 
  I installed a scotty mount to hold my down rigger, and I was just able to reach an arm in and get hardware installed for it.  (I made sure I could reach the fatherest bolt before drilling though!)

i dont know if you guys know about the scotty flush mount holders.i found out accidently on my pa.i had 3 on my pa so i decided to drill a small hole on the bottom so the water would just drain out.because on the pa its mounted on the board not on the hull.but it looks like its one peice but it isnt.the bottom is just a cap you could just push the bottom out.just fyi

i dont know if you guys know about the scotty flush mount holders.i found out accidently on my pa.i had 3 on my pa so i decided to drill a small hole on the bottom so the water would just drain out.because on the pa its mounted on the board not on the hull.but it looks like its one peice but it isnt.the bottom is just a cap you could just push the bottom out.just fyi

I learned this lesson the hard way.  I pushed the bottom out of Scubaluis's flush Scotty mount.  I believe he used epoxy to get it secured back in and it hasn't been a problem since, but then again I haven't touched his kayak since either.

Thanks guys!  You all bring up good points to consider when putting in these mounts.