Geartrac. scotty or Ram

i am looking into getting some 4" geartracs for my perception pescador 12 (older tarpon 120 without the side geartracs)

the area i want to mount is on either side of the small 6" hatch behind the seat.  the tracks would run front to back.  i dont see any other place to do this.  the reason is that i want to install some rocket launcher rod holders for trolling, and for keeping other gear like net, gaff, etc. 

i also need help with choosing the right rod holder as well, im thinking either the scotty gear head+ scotty rocket launcher, or the ram screwball + ram 2008 tube rod holder.
i havent seen either one in person to really have the feel for things. so im calling on those who have used both.  it looks like the scotty is stiffer since it clicks in, but the ram may be more versitile for different angles?  im even leaning towards getting both and running one on each side.

2nd question: with a 4" geartrac, am i pretty much limited to one item on it? would i have space for a rod holder and for example a camera stick mount?  its a bit hard to imagine in my head.  i MAY be able to fit 8" ones in that location, but i think it has some curvature

3rd question: im debating on either getting the gt175 or gt90 tracks. some say the 175 is stronger, some say they are same.  if doing what im doing is safe with the gt90's i'd go for it since i dont want too many holes on the kayak.  and of course i will be getting the backing plate.

another question to help decide the answer to 2 and 3, if i get too longer geartrac, would i be able to bend it lengthwise to fit the curve of the kayak? and if i was to install it curved, would it function properly?  also if this is the case i would lean more towards the gt90 (easier to work with?)

lastly, where would i expect to get the best deal for this rig?  it looks like everything i want is going to run me over $100.  so i'd like to save as much as i can.

I cant answer all your questions.. But yes the track will bend slightly when screwed down..  I got the gt90.   Go with a 8" and above, you dont want to crowd your items if you plan on adding additional attachments.

I got the scotty head and rocket launcher. It works fine. If you get this make sure you buy the slip disc.  https://www.pricefalls.com/product/scotty-415-slip-disc-set/1421226?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=PLA-SC&utm_content={adwords_producttargetid}&utm_campaign=&adpos=1o1&creative=44043674671&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjwh6SsBRCYrKHF7J3NjicSJACUxAh73JE9dm-0XLln9BQlRz9QViBn_wp2VBNDJHEnbhpXPxoCOBnw_wcB

If you have trouble reaching the tracks to lock the nuts underneath. you would need the gy90 backing plates.. they are sold separately.   

Austin kayak was the best price I found with discounts and free shipping over $40.

i also need help with choosing the right rod holder as well, im thinking either the scotty gear head+ scotty rocket launcher, or the ram screwball + ram 2008 tube rod holder.
i havent seen either one in person to really have the feel for things. so im calling on those who have used both.  it looks like the scotty is stiffer since it clicks in, but the ram may be more versitile for different angles?  im even leaning towards getting both and running one on each side.

I have both.  I'm...a little ambivalent as to which is better.  The Rams have better options for angles, but they're not perfect.  Also, if you have long rod butts, the rod might stick out a bit more than you'd like.  I also like the scotty rod holders on an extension arm as that raises them up a little for me to flatline troll with, slightly easier to reach, and the rod butt isn't a problem.  I think both are pretty good and I use both on occasion. 

2nd question: with a 4" geartrac, am i pretty much limited to one item on it? would i have space for a rod holder and for example a camera stick mount?  its a bit hard to imagine in my head.  i MAY be able to fit 8" ones in that location, but i think it has some curvature

Yeah, I'd say one item is pretty much all you'll be able to fit on a 4".  4" is pretty small so i'd go eight or 12 if you could swing it and wanted multiple items.

3rd question: im debating on either getting the gt175 or gt90 tracks. some say the 175 is stronger, some say they are same.  if doing what im doing is safe with the gt90's i'd go for it since i dont want too many holes on the kayak.  and of course i will be getting the backing plate.

I personally think the GT90s are sufficient for anything you'd need to do, especially if you're getting a full backing plate. 

another question to help decide the answer to 2 and 3, if i get too longer geartrac, would i be able to bend it lengthwise to fit the curve of the kayak? and if i was to install it curved, would it function properly?  also if this is the case i would lean more towards the gt90 (easier to work with?)

No idea, I wouldn't personally bend it unless you absolutely had to.  #1, if you are getting a stock backing plate, it won't fit, so you'd need to either bend the backing plate perfectly or use your own.  #2, you would have to put very slight bend because the bolts need to run along the track to mount the geartrack or screwball.  the bolts are about 3/4" long and may not run true on the track if they're bent.

lastly, where would i expect to get the best deal for this rig?  it looks like everything i want is going to run me over $100.  so i'd like to save as much as i can.

Online is cheapest, but a local store should be able to help you rig it and vet everything you're trying to do.

One more thing, screwballs and gearheads are best mounted on the right hand side rails for rod holders.  If you mount them on the left hand side, it is possible for a really hard hit to unscrew your bolt if your line is behind you.  I've fixed that with two mighty mounts and a scotty base, sort of like this: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/6117/YakAttack-Mighty-Mount-Scotty-241-Track-Mount-Kit.html

I know, its $$$.  I've also tried the ram one but I hated their little tiny backing nut underneath.  not sure if they've fixed it since. 
http://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-383-AAPU

take some pictures of the kayak and let's take a look!

Thanks guys for the tips. Here are a few pics of the kayak, marked in blue are the area where i plan on installing the geartracs







Thats a good point, i can imagine the screw on item would unscrew on the left side. Would have to find something to stop that from hapenning.

Ive decided, im going to get the 4" gt90s there is no way i can fit 8". Theres space, but itll require a slight curve.

Has anyone ever broke their gear right off the tracks, or broke the track itself hooking or snagging on something?

Im also going to buy both scotty and ram just to see how i end up liking them.  Doubt i would ever use both at one time for fishing. Would probably use it to store net/gaff/etc.  I try to bring as little gear as possible.

Im going to order from hook1 since they have good deals. Also have combos like the ram tube with screwball (not available anywhere else i looked) and also 15% off for being a ncka member. Also decided to order a new pfd, the nrs chinook.

Lmk what you guys think.

I think backing would be super easy there with just cutting board/poly since you have an access port. Might not even need a full backing plate.  Not sure about the placement there, I'd probably just be happy with a flushmount rod holder or scotty flushmount, fully backed.  would look a little cleaner.

Here are pics of it installed. The geartrac feels extremely sturdy especially with the thick backing plate.  I think the plastic on the ksyak would rip off before any of the geartrac components fail.  Not sure ill need so many rod holders, but its great to finally have somewhere to mount a camera, flag, light, etc.  Possibilities are endless.





Scotty rocket launcher: i used it with the rubber slip discs very sturdy. Didnt like it too much because with the gear head, it sits quite high. And it does not have any loops to strap a tether.

Ram tube 2008: sits lower, has holes to install tether or a line to keep the ball from slipping after a snag, hookup.

I think i will be using the ram more, and possibly move the scotty up front and move the original scotty casting rod holder to the back (forgot to take a picture of it). Either that or ill use it to hold my net.

Bob