I saw where STLKayak had mounted the 9 inch H-Rail Kit (basically the stern handle) behind his seat on the PA14 to mount his H-Rail Tackle Tray. I liked that idea, but I have a Livewell XL and while that might have worked great when I was not carrying the livewell and using the YakAttack Blackpak, it would get in the way of the livewell having to utilize the rear scuppers.
I ordered the 21 inch H-Rail kit and the parts came in on Thursday. I didn't want to have to use a hacksaw to cut the pieces as it's difficult to cut a perfect vertical cut. After giving up on other cutting methods, I ended up cutting the pieces with a hacksaw and then grinding the ends with a Dremel tool so they would fit as flush as possible to the PVC elbows.
The clearance for the lumbar support isn't a whole lot, but I tested the angle and I can recline the seat more if I don't have the tackle boxes in and use the tray top. I can now utilize the Tackle Tray here versus the outside H-Rails and have room for the Livewell XL when needed.
I liked the idea of the vertical pieces of H-Rail, I used an H-Rail mounting plate to ensure the vertical pieces were secure at the best orientation to allow adding H-Rail accessories to them if needed in the future. I think it turned out well and I will test it out in the morning in the Gulf. If I don't hook the Tackle Tray, I can utilize the rail for other accessories as well.
I put a little marine Goop around the nylon nut and then stuck it to the washer so both pieces would hold together. I was able to thread that on the end of the bolts. Then using a screwdriver on top and a ratchet, extension and socket, I tightened it all down. It's strong enough to mount rod holders on and use them for trolling if needed. There is a very small amount of flex, but that's due to where it's mounted. The side rails are way more solid feeling.
