Gunnel track

[bigshane]

So with all the boats that have a track now why don't they have rod holders that mount directly to the track? It seems you have to buy a mount separately. They seem kind of expensive. Can't you just put carriage bolts in the track and attach a side mount holder? Sorry if this is a silly post but I'd like to take advantage of the track on my boat.

[Coastie]

I just bought an '08 Lowe FM175. I ran into the same issue regarding track accessories. I settled on Phischon Engineering's downrigger mount and these MinnMounts with Cannon rod holders. Both worked out nicely, however the Minnmounts needed to be larger than standard to fit the Cannon rod holders as their bases are larger and I believe stronger than other plastic rod holders on the market. If you let him know they are for the Cannon rod holders when you order he should now have the proper sizing I provided him. This is a great video describing how to access the track as Lowe did not provide an access point on my '08. I picked up the bit he recommends in the video and within 5 minutes had an access point on both port and starboard sides near the transom. Allows use of 1/4" carriage bolts rather than needing to buy or make T-bolts which I believe aren't as strong as a full head carriage bolt. Here's a pic of my completed rod holder setup, I've got 6 of them around the boat.

[bigshane]

Very good info thanks!

[grizzley]

I have a Tracker "GRIZZLEY" with the TRAC system.
I made brackets out of aluminum to mount a variety of different things to it using 1/4" carriage bolts.

[defiant0ne]

Originally Posted by grizzley

I have a Tracker "GRIZZLEY" with the TRAC system.
I made brackets out of aluminum to mount a variety of different things to it using 1/4" carriage bolts.

Can you post pictures of your setup? I am on the fence on what setup I want to install. Any practical applications I can look at it would be helpful.

[Bobby Winds]

I made the mounts out of marine board and used carriage bolts to hold them on the track system.

[Bobby Winds]

I also make downrigger platforms and again used carriage bolts to secure them to the track system.

[wallijig]

Ram has a system, I got some yesterday at Scheels in SF, SD,
Here's some photo's

[bigshane]

Isn't that for the tracks that you put on top of the gunnel?

[bigshane]

Bobby how thick is that marine board and what did you cut it with? What size carriage bolts and where did you get the knobs for them? Thanks. Looks like a good idea.