DIY: Overhaul A Kayak for Getting Kids on the Water Fishing, Part 5: Adding Track System for Attaching A Fish Finder, Battery Box and Crateless Rod Holders

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This is Part V and the culmination of a series on overhauling a Native Ultimate 14.5 for fishing with kids. In Part I, I covered cleaning up the oyster rash and rust, Part II focused on replacing the factory flush mount rod holders with heavy duty rocket launchers to troll, Part III focused on replacing a Scotty 241 base with a low profile YakAttack Mighty Mount Switch and Part IV focused on restoring the elasticity to all the kayak rigging

Part V is focused on adding a track system to the Native Ultimate to allow the attachment of my kayak battery box and fish finder and my crateless rod holder system.

Materials Needed

• YakAttack Spectralite Track System (16″)
• YakAttack Spectralite Track System (12″)
• 1/4″ Aluminum Flat or YakAttack Full Back
• Scotty #349 Rodmaster II (3)
• Scotty #438 Gearhead (3)
• 8-32 Tap and Bit Set

Step 1: Cut the 16″ Track

Using a band saw, cut the 16″ piece of track into a 12″ and 4″ piece. You can use a 12″ piece of track, but my local supplier only had a single 12″, and I want to use the 4″ piece for a camera mount on a future build.

Step 2: Rip the Flat Aluminum Stock (optional if not purchasing YakAttack Full Back)

I happened to have some 1/4 aluminum stock that I used a table saw to rip in half to make it into back. This will become the foundation for the homemade backing plate. You can also purchase a YakAttack Full Back.

Step 3: Cut the Aluminum Flat Stock to Length (optional if not purchasing YakAttack Full Back)

Once ripped, cut two 12″ sections of Aluminum flat stock to serve as your backing plate.

Step 4: Tap the Aluminum Flat Stock (optional if not purchasing YakAttack Full Back)

Using the track as a template, mark the holes in your aluminum flat stock and drill with a #29 drill bit. Tap with a 8-32 tap.

Tip: Screw It As You Go
After tapping each hole, recheck your alignment by screwing the track system in place. If you get off even a hair, it will be a nightmare to attach your track.

Step 5: Position the Cut Track on the Side Rail

Position the cut piece of track in the hidden rail recess of the Native Ulimate. The non-beveled end should butt up against the wall closet to your seat.

Drill 11/64″ holes through each screw hole of the track system.

Step 6: Screw in the Track System

Place the matching backing plate or YakAttack Full Back underneath the rail and use a Torx wrench to screw the included screws into the tapped holes of the backing plate.

You now have a rail that can support your accessories including the Portable Kayak Battery Box and Fish Finder Install I built earlier this year.

Step 7: Install the Rear Track for the Crateless Rod Holders

Place the rear track on the back left of the kayak (if left-handed) and secure in place with the remaining backing plate.

Using Scotty Gear Heads, secure the Scotty Rodmaster II rod holders for additional fishing rod storage.

Kayak Makeover Complete

With your newly installed track system, you have completed all five parts of the kayak overhaul to fish with your kids:

• Part 1: Repairing Oyster Rash and Removing Rust
• Part 2: Replace and Upgrade Flush Mount Rod Holders for Trolling
• Part 3: Replace A Scotty 241 Base With A Versatile YakAttack Mighty Mount Switch without Drilling Another Hole
• Part 4: Replace the Shock Cord Kayak Rigging to Bring the Elasticity Back