Fishing Kayak Setup for Beginners - Step 9 - DIY Kayak Gear Track

[@db2474]

Great video, but keep in mind you can drill and chamfer additional holes for mounting if need be. They also they make large aluminum or composite rivets specifically for mounting on kayaks that have a rubber washer on the head to eliminate water intrusion, they are inexpensive.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great point!

[@michaell1665]

I saw this and another of your videos showing the Powertec tracks - I have a pair of them being delivered today! Thanks for the revelation! Not only are those 24" tracks a bargain, this is the only place I could find 20" plus length kayak tracks. I'm planning on cutting them down to about a 22" length as they will fit exactly in the place of my ATAK 120 foot pedals (held by nuts molded into the hull). Then I just have to take Yak Attack T-bolts and attach them to the tracks and WS foot pedals, let them slide in the Powertec tracks, and now I have foot control steering for my 3hp Newport motor for maybe $35 as opposed to Wilderness Systems' $145 rudder control kit. And, the WS built-in foot pedals are strong and beautifully constructed and would be a waste not to use! Thanks again!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You are welcome!

[@molderman7109]

Sorry about that "wrong thumb"! I recently bought an Ascend 12T and your vids have given me sooo many ideas. Thank you!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!

[@jimwhite1557]

You are having a blast with this second kayak. Keep up the good work. Your excitement is contagious.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Always!

[@nicholasdeluca3580]

Another awesome project that of COURSE is less expensive and way better. Thanks for ALL of your research and application videos. Nick in Redfield Arkansas.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!

[@duanebledsoe7566]

Those tracks also come in other colors, like black and red. I was just looking at them on Amazon. Also you can cut them to shorter lengths on a miter saw since they’re a non-ferrous metal. A carbide tooth blade cuts through it like butter and leaves a smooth cut. Be careful though, the resulting edges on the cut will be as sharp as a knife edge. You can file that off a little to make it smoother. You could also cut a beveled end on it for a little less squarish looking cut. The cut ends will not be the same color as the outside of the track is. They’ll likely be silver.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for pointing that out!

[@duanebledsoe7566]

@@KayakhacksFishing one more thing. Check the inside track dimensions before buying. Some are 9/16 and some are only 7/16, even though both tracks measure 3/4 on the outside. 1/2 inch track mounts wouldn’t work in the smaller one. Also, I’ve discovered they make these in gold and pink too. PINK! LOL!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@duanebledsoe7566 Thanks - more excellent suggestions!

[@BobBohner4851]

I’ve got a new yak coming and you saved me mucho $$$$$ so i can buy other things. Thank you!!!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Appreciate it!

[@mightyexplorers4835]

What size well nuts are you using? I appreciate these affordable diy hacks.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

These are basically 3/8 wide. There is some variation and I check each against the hole before drilling.

[@billcoulter1984]

I’m going to install a trolling motor side mount like you did in your option 4. If i use aluminum t track and we’ll nuts do you think it will hold up to a 30# thrust trolling motor? Thanks for your videos , they are helping this 65 yo set up his kayak.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I think if you put multiple well nuts in the utility track it should work. You will have to drill additional holes in the track to provide more support. You will have to countersink them to slide the t-bolt across. Look for the largest well nuts that will fit in your utility track.

[@josemirles4595]

Great timing! I need to mount some tracks on my grandson's kayak! Thanks!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Go for it!

[@nategrossman3690]

Great video! Does brand name gear like yakattack and Scotty snug up nice to the track when tightened?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, the opening is just fine to grab the flat of the T bolt

[@dougrichardson1980]

Is there a reason you can’t use regular screws instead of wellnuts? And also, I noticed that there are different sizes of wellnuts. What size are you using?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

You can use a regular nut and bolt if you can reach the nut. Many kayaks do not have openings that allow access to the entire inside hull. A regular screw will pull out since the HDPE plastic is not a really rigid material. I usually use the 5m size - like these - amzn.to/44sHfKm

[@GetStuffDone]

Thanks for the instruction. Love ur videos. Bought a kayak and will use ur vids to customize. Eventually want to fish in Bogue Sound. Thanks again!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad to help

[@jeffboswell4298]

I have a question. Are the utility track adapter (i.e the metal pieces the slide into the track.) all the same. Could I use YakAttack, and RAILBLAZA rod holders on the Aluminum T-Track? thank you

[@KayakhacksFishing]

In general, yes. Some of the T-bolts (the part that slides) are different sizes. Most are 1/4 20. I do know know the specific size of the rod holders, but most are standard at 1/4 20 and will fit fine

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I’ve been wondering about this stuff. Thanks Señor!

[@omalysiragusa9747]

You are the man!!!! Needed this I was on the fence about well nuts because I didn’t understand the process but this here is the deal! Will this work with other things like paddle clips and accessories that require drilling holes? And also will this be a flush seal to prevent water from getting in?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, to all. When the screw tightens, the rubber of the nut compresses and makes a seal. While some folks add a bit of silicone, I do not like that idea as I think it might make the nut pop out if the hole is not the perfect size.

[@omalysiragusa9747]

@@KayakhacksFishing thank you so much for letting me know I’m gonna go with this hack!

[@crawford323]

Lol I had to go research what Well Nuts were. Live and learn.

[@joescarpadventures]

Great, inexpensive utility track--and excellent installation tips!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad you like it!

[@DUQUEKayakAngler]

Hello my friend good evening. Tell me something, was the well nuts you used m5? Do you believe that 2 5mm well nuts can withstand an anchoring system? Thanks.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yes, I was using M5. I do not think 2.5 would hold well against hard stress. But, if you are not putting stress on whatevery you are using them for, they should be ok.

[@rodrigoengrr6201]

Great idea and of curse the sheapper solution. Congrats

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks!

[@SlipperyBannana]

Would the rivits work with this type of track too? Only asking because i have a bag of the rivits allready.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I would have preferred using rivets, but my rivet tool could not get flush with the bottom of the track. The width of the opening was too narrow.

[@SlipperyBannana]

@@KayakhacksFishing thanks

[@robertdonnelly7897]

Thank you. Perfect video

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@bio-bridge4252]

Spot on video bud keep up the good work carnt wait to see more love kayak mod videos

[@KayakhacksFishing]

lol! Rod holders next!

[@bio-bridge4252]

@@KayakhacksFishing ill be wotching strait away kind sir

[@AirborneEclipse]

I bought two just like yours but haven’t installed them yet because while the Scotty mount T bolts fit, the T bolts for my 2 Huntury paddle holders unfortunately don’t and I still need to figure out what to replace them with. Hoping there’s an easy answer and the same knobs will work.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Check the size of the T-bolt screw. You may be able to replace the provided T bolt with one with a smaller head. I think most of these accessories use 1/4 - 20 thread. As an experiment, see if the Scotty bolts will thread on the holders.

[@alejandrocarvin6778]

hello!!! Those nuts are the same as the nuts for embedding in wood??? thank you!!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

The track is the same that woodworkers use. I have not heard of using the well nuts for wood, but I suppose you could use them for that as well.

[@lisalisa282]

What size well nuts did you use and do you have a link for that. I love this

[@KayakhacksFishing]

These are the ones I use - amzn.to/3kq6jQR

[@ehyman4415]

great idea. do you have a link to the well nuts? Or tell us what size and length. Thank you

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I have been using these … amzn.to/3swzCml. Sorry for the slow response

[@tollesbury1]

Brilliant. Thank you. 👍👍

[@jelly_fishing]

Great video and tips !!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@MattLaClear]

Very helpful!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FishinYakker]

How strong are these? I saltwater fish with heavy rods and lots of waves.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

They are made from aluminum. I think they would rip out of your hull before they deformed.

[@FishinYakker]

That’s what I was afraid of. I have an 08 revo that is loaded with ram balls that I’d like to clean up a little…. Thank you

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Great tip. Subbed 👍

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

What stops the accessories from sliding right off the track?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Each accessory uses a T-bolt and nut to tighten the item to the track. Good question! Thanks

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

Oh ok.. ty for replying with the answer 🥰

[@csr7arroyo]

Does it fit with Scotty product?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It should. I have an old Scotty track adapter and it fits. To be sure, measure the T-bolt that connects the device to the track. You can see the dimensions of this product at this link - look at the second picture. amzn.to/3wrzVjm

[@rickss69]

Give rivnuts a try and do away with those wellnuts.

[@Pitchpullin5]

No silicone is required?

[@BigAlonBass]

No. The Well Nuts are water tight.

[@Pitchpullin5]

@@BigAlonBass thanks!