Downrigger question

Team, I'm back with more newbie questions. This time, downriggers.

I just ordered a Scotty laketroller for my new Hobie Compass. I believe it comes with a Scotty post mount. Before I go drilling holes in my gunwale, what do you think about rigging it to the factory gear track? I assume there is some sort of Scotty gear track adapter, but will it overstrain the gear track?  I ordered a 4# cannon ball, for reference.

TIA for all your knowledge-sharing generosity...

I would guess there would be a lot of pressure on the gear track. Do you have a Hobie? The flat wall of the mesh pocket (next to the seat) is a good place to install a downrigger.

I second Malibu_Two. I feel like it puts too much pressure on the gear track. This goes for all plastic gear tracks and not just for Hobie. I mounted my downrigger on Old Town Topwater PDL using scotty gear head, The gear track was flexing too much than my liking. Mesh pocket is I think the best place for a scotty base mount for the downrigger but Compass does not have the mesh pocket. I strongly recommend backing plate for the base mount for the downrigger. If you chose to go mounting on the gear track, this video might be helpful.

Thanks to both. I will try to find a place for the post mount where I can get the backing plate attached.

There's so much to learn but that's what makes it fun.

I'm not familiar with the layout of the Compass, but there is a lot of info on mounting DRs on Revos and Outbacks. You might look at those installs to see if they are applicable to the Compass.

We use this on the existing gear track for the downrigger on the Compass in our house. Works well and very sturdy. No issues so far. I say go for it and spare your kayak the holes.

This style of mount, with the two mounting bolts and large surface area, as opposed to a single bolt post-mount, distributes the load across a large part of the gear track, and its screws. We run a 4lb weight with it too.

I generally despise gear track accessories for the reasons mentioned above (my Revo is 100% gear-trackless on purpose), but I have made an exception in the application of this mount.

Scotty 0343-BK Locking Gunnel Track Mount
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MZKH17D?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

We use this on the existing gear track for the downrigger on the Compass in our house. Works well and very sturdy. No issues so far. I say go for it and spare your kayak the holes.

This style of mount, with the two mounting bolts and large surface area, as opposed to a single bolt post-mount, distributes the load across a large part of the gear track, and its screws. We run a 4lb weight with it too.

I generally despise gear track accessories for the reasons mentioned above (my Revo is 100% gear-trackless on purpose), but I have made an exception in the application of this mount.

Scotty 0343-BK Locking Gunnel Track Mount
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MZKH17D?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Thanks for the input and the photo upload, Julian. I guess I have to decide. On the one hand, the purpose of a gear track is ... to attach gear.  And one advantage of using the gear track versus a post mount is one fewer thing sticking up off my gunwale when car topping.

Not sure why I should be afraid of using the gear track, other than someone above pointed out the Hobie gear tracks are made of plastic!  When I read that I said to myself, no way, then walked out to my dimly lit garage to check and... yep, it's plastic, or at least the upper part is. Color me surprised.

We use this on the existing gear track for the downrigger on the Compass in our house. Works well and very sturdy. No issues so far. I say go for it and spare your kayak the holes.

This style of mount, with the two mounting bolts and large surface area, as opposed to a single bolt post-mount, distributes the load across a large part of the gear track, and its screws. We run a 4lb weight with it too.

I generally despise gear track accessories for the reasons mentioned above (my Revo is 100% gear-trackless on purpose), but I have made an exception in the application of this mount.

Scotty 0343-BK Locking Gunnel Track Mount
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MZKH17D?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I do this too & so far no problem. I run ~3lb weight. Top off with some braided downrigger lines. helps a lot.

We use this on the existing gear track for the downrigger on the Compass in our house. Works well and very sturdy. No issues so far.

Personally, I wouldn’t use the gear track for a DR or a rod holder. In any case, it’s vital to remove the wire DR cable and replace it with braid. And whatever you do, do not—I repeat, do not—EVER wear psychedelic skin-tight pants when kayak fishing!

We use this on the existing gear track for the downrigger on the Compass in our house. Works well and very sturdy. No issues so far.

Personally, I wouldn’t use the gear track for a DR or a rod holder. In any case, it’s vital to remove the wire DR cable and replace it with braid. And whatever you do, do not—I repeat, do not—EVER wear psychedelic skin-tight pants when kayak fishing!