Mounting rod holders for a tandem...

So I just ordered 2 Scotty rodholders and a third mount for my tandem...I want to have three mounts so I can swap out the holders based on whether I'm fishing solo or with someone else...Is it better to mount the holders in the middle or on one side? I would think the middle would allow for more versatility, but could also get in the way. In the picture below I've marked 3 places for the mounts (F, M, R)...The F and R would be if two people were paddling. The M would be for just one. any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

Not to mention trolling a rod mounted on the side could throw the balance of the boat way off...

My buddy Jeff paddles a tandem too. And he decided to forgoe the mouunting of permanent rod holders. Instead, he got an XL milk crate type-thing and mounted a bunch of pvc rod holders. The rod holders are mounted on the exterior of the front and back and inside each corner of the interior.
This way, when we paddle with 2 people, it sits in the middle and has rod holders accessable for both people. And when he's solo, it sits behind his seat (and actually provides way better back support than his regular seat). The pvc that sticks straight up is mainly used for nets, gaffs, and rods that aren't in the water. But he also rigged some pvc on the exterior that sticks out at 45* angle on both sides, and it is easy to place the baited rod in these holders and troll…or tend to other stuff.

If you do mount the Scotty type holders, I'd suggest the flush mount ones instead of the popup/corner ones. But…the flush mount ones have a weak robber cap that often fails to keep water from entering the hull of your kayak. I found an end-cap of pvc that fit over the tube that sticks down into the hull and stuck that thing on there. It prevents water from entering your hull.

Good luck!
PK

Thanks for the tips...I already ordered the Rodmaster II with the interchangeable mounts, so it's more a matter of where to place them than which ones to buy. Whatever I do, I guess it will beat jamming the rod between my legs.

If you do mount the Scotty type holders, I'd suggest the flush mount ones instead of the popup/corner ones. But…the flush mount ones have a weak robber cap that often fails to keep water from entering the hull of your kayak. I found an end-cap of pvc that fit over the tube that sticks down into the hull and stuck that thing on there. It prevents water from entering your hull.

Good luck!
PK

Hmm...I guess i didn't see the flush mounts...are they stronger? I got the bolt/nut system for mounting. The flush mounts look like they might hold better - but it looks like drilling a serious hole in the yak is required, where with the standard mounts it's just 4 screw holes. Any thoughts? I just don't want the base ripping out on a strike while trolling...

I believe the flush-mount bases are just as strong as the others (the ones you got)...as long as you place them in the correct position (somewhere that won't affect the integrity of the hull strength).
The main reason I recommended them for your situation is because they (flush) will will not get in the way or affect the comfortability factor.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, I assume you're talking about mounting these (in the first picture).
I am suggesting you get these (in the second picture).
But I also like the looks of these (in the third picture). I intend to mount some of these on my new-used kayak, a Scrambler.

PK

I initially mounted two of those flush-mount attachments on the foredeck, near the hatch. But it turned out they were too far forward for practical use. So I mounted on of the side-mounts on the side of the footwell, where the footrests should be. I tinkered with this one before drilling any holes because I wanted to be sure it would be out of the way, and not affect my paddle stroke. [I did this by duct taping it in place then sitting in my yak and "practicing" may paddling/fishing] This resulted in a comfortable position.

You can see both types of Scotty mounts in this picture.
PK

malbu2:

I have a malbu 2 that I mounted holders on for various positions.....It will be at MBK this weekend if you want to takle a look at it.

I can't improve on PK's advice tho.....

Allen

Hmm...well, worst case scenario, I'll have a bunch of holders on the kayak - that will only  help the resale value!

WEll, you really only need multiple mounts, you can move the rodholders around as necessary for single or double.