Gear Tracks

First off, I did do a search on gear track mounts but the topic was 120 days old.  I'm looking to mount a few on a PA 14; however, I have no clue as to the size of the track (4", 8", 12" and so on).  I know I want to mount a FF and a camera and who knows what else that I can catch a fly line on.  There are light, medium and heavy duty tracks -- (why make it so confusing).  Plus they offer them in different colors.  I feel like a girl trying to accessorize my sled.
 
Any one have any recommendations as to size and locations (yes, I understand that everyone has a personal preference).  I like to attach stuff first and then figure out later that I don't need it.

Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I really like the Yakattack gear. Check them out at http://www.yakattack.us/

As far as size it really depends on what you plan to put on the tracks.

This is what I have on my yak: GT175 GearTrac, 4"

As for the sizes, yakattack sells multiple types:

GT175 - the strongest and widest tracks (the inner track is same diameter, but outside mounting track is widest)
GT90 - the narrower tracks, fit well on thinner gunwales like on a hobie revolution. Aluminum and plenty strong in my opinion
GT90SL - the ultralight tracks, not quite as strong but same diameter as the GT90s.  These are the ones that come in different colors.

As for the length, you have to figure out what you are mounting, and the space that you have for mounting the tracks.  Too long and you're wasting $ as you may not use all of the track space.

If you're looking to mount rod holders that need some strength, I'd go with either the GT175 or GT90, depending on how much gunwale space you have to mount them.  If you are looking to ONLY mount accessories such as a lightweight fishfinder and camera, then you could get by with the GT90SL. 

I personally backed all of my track with the yakattack threaded backing plates.  they make installation easier since they're threaded and it's hard to reach in certain places.  If you have easy access, you can back with just about anything, aluminum, cutting board, whatever. 

I'd say break out the tape measure, sit in your kayak and close your eyes and imagine where you want things.  Then you can install track where you feel.

Thanks for the input and advice.  Very helpful.  Much appreciated.

On the PA I would go with 8" GT 175's. no backing plate mounted right to the side boards. You can do a mighty mount or 4" GT90SL's else where, behind the seat, on the front hatch ect. I like keeping everything on my kayak with in the same system, IE track mounted, Ram, or Scotty mounted. That way I can move things around depending on my mood or what I'm doing.

I saw pictures before where someone used the geartracks on PA side rails, don't remember how they were mounted to the rails though. 
This site might give you more ideas:  http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=78

Are the screw holes in the takattack rails big enough for those plastic rivets? I want to mount some rails on the sides of the tankwell on an Ultra...but can't reach that area from inside the hull.

Use a rigging bullet with a backing plate

As for the sizes, yakattack sells multiple types:

GT175 - the strongest and widest tracks (the inner track is same diameter, but outside mounting track is widest)
GT90 - the narrower tracks, fit well on thinner gunwales like on a hobie revolution. Aluminum and plenty strong in my opinion
GT90SL - the ultralight tracks, not quite as strong but same diameter as the GT90s.  These are the ones that come in different colors.

As for the length, you have to figure out what you are mounting, and the space that you have for mounting the tracks.  Too long and you're wasting $ as you may not use all of the track space.

If you're looking to mount rod holders that need some strength, I'd go with either the GT175 or GT90, depending on how much gunwale space you have to mount them.  If you are looking to ONLY mount accessories such as a lightweight fishfinder and camera, then you could get by with the GT90SL. 

I personally backed all of my track with the yakattack threaded backing plates.  they make installation easier since they're threaded and it's hard to reach in certain places.  If you have easy access, you can back with just about anything, aluminum, cutting board, whatever. 

I'd say break out the tape measure, sit in your kayak and close your eyes and imagine where you want things.  Then you can install track where you feel.

Thanks for the breakdown, Ben.

Wow thanks Jeff. I had not seen those rigging bullets before. Much better than my old method of super-gluing the washer & nut to the inside of the hull.

Those rigging bullets and mighty mounts are a well thought out deal. I am about to put an anchor trolley on my tarpon 140.. and that looks perfect for the job. Thanks for the link!