Mount Specifications and
Installation Details
Confirm the compatibility, measurements, stability, and installation requirements for each Angle Oar mount.
Choosing the correct mount for your Versa Paddle or Gamut Paddle Holder System is critical for comfort, safety and performance. Below you’ll find detailed specifications, features and installation resources to help you determine whether a mount will work with your kayak.
If you’re unsure after reviewing this information, we’re happy to help — photos are especially useful.
The Hinged Mount attaches at three points around the cockpit coaming, creating a rigid, well-supported platform that distributes paddling forces evenly around the kayak. This stability is especially important for paddlers with limited shoulder strength, reduced range of motion, or those paddling primarily on one side.
STABILITY
FIT REQUIREMENTS
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Works with sit-inside kayaks
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Cockpit width: 18" – 26"
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Cockpit length: 36" - 48"* (approx); extension bar available for longer cockpits
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Front coaming or deck area: 1" – 2" mostly flat
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Side coaming: ~1" mostly flat
ATTACHMENT METHOD
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Requires 6-8 small drill holes around the cockpit coaming
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Small hinge plate mounts to front coaming
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Two stabilizing brackets mount to side coamings
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Optional gaskets included to accommodate slight curvature
COMPATIBLE KAYAK TYPES
Select sit-inside recreational kayaks
FEATURES
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5-star stability rating
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Three-point attachment around cockpit coaming
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Mount hinges upward for easy entry and exit
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Quick-release side brackets for safety
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Adjustable horizontal and vertical bars to fit a range of cockpit sizes
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Track system enables the support post to slide for ideal positioning
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Includes optional gaskets for fitting hinge plate and side brackets
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Mount is easily removeable with D-ring pull; hinge plate and two side brackets remain
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Track can accommodate other accessories such as cameras
The Apex Mount has adaptable features that allow it to accommodate a wide variety of ridges, hatches, cupholders, molded features and deck contours. The Apex Mount comes standard with our extremely high grip patented "sticky cups" and knobs, but supports multiple other attachment methods depending on the kayak.
FEATURES
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4-star stability rating
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Highly adaptable mounting surface
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Plus-shaped grooves and tightening knobs at each corner
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Works around certain deck contours, hatches and molded features
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Multiple attachment methods available
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Easily moved from kayak to kayak
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Most attachment methods do not require drilling
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Standard 12" support post included (other lengths available)
COMPATIBLE KAYAK TYPES
Select sit-inside, sit-on-top, foldable and fishing kayaks; SUPs
STABILITY
FIT REQUIREMENTS
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Mostly flat deck or floor area at least 9" x 12" directly in front of the seat
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Sit-inside / foldable kayaks: ideal deck height: ~14–15"
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Sit-on-top kayaks: molded or raised seats approximately 2–6" high
ATTACHMENT METHOD
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Ultra-high-grip proprietary suction cups for textured surfaces
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Tightening knobs at each corner
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Alternative attachment methods possible, including:
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Tie-down straps
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Weighted systems
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Tracks (depending on kayak)
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The Twin Track Mount is a simple, track-based solution intended primarily for SOTs and some SUPs. It's most often used when deck space is limited. The mount is installed directly on the deck in front of the seat, typically at about arm’s length from the paddler. Two aluminum RAM Tough-Tracks are mounted in parallel and paired with a RAM track base designed for spline posts.
FEATURES
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4-star stability rating
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Standard bundle includes two 3” RAM Tough-Tracks (5” with end caps), a RAM Mounts Dual T-Bolt Track Base for Spline Posts, and a support post
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Track base slides for fore-and-aft adjustment
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Low-profile installation
- Tracks can be used for other accessories
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Ability to upgrade to longer RAM Tough-Tracks
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Ability to upgrade to a RAM Universal Adapt-a-Post Dual T-Bolt Track Base
STABILITY
FIT REQUIREMENTS
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Mostly flat deck area directly in front of seat
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Ability to install two tracks 3" or longer
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Track spacing: 3.5" apart (or 3.75" with alternate base)
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Careful measurement required prior to ordering
ATTACHMENT METHOD
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Two sets of 3–4 drilled holes for "blind" installation when there is not access to inside of kayak
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Mounted to deck or hatch
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Fastening options include:
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Self-tapping screws
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Well-nuts and screws
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Rivets (optional, not included)
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COMPATIBLE KAYAK TYPES
Select sit-on-top, sit-on-top fishing and SUPs
Because every kayak is different, it’s impossible to design a single mount that fits every kayak. If none of our standard mounts appear to be the right fit, there’s a good chance we can help you assemble a custom mount. We work with RAM Mounts, YakAttack and other paddle sports manufacturers to offer a wide range of base mounts, track lengths and support post heights. Custom setups may combine standard Angle Oar components with tracks, straps or weighted system.
FEATURES
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Customized attachment approach
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Designed around your specific kayak or board
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May combine standard Angle Oar components with additional hardware
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Ability to mix and match components
STABILITY
Varies by configuration
FIT REQUIREMENTS
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Ideal for small, flat spaces when our other mounts won't fit
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Case-by-case
HOW TO PROCEED
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Send photos of your kayak (especially the area in front of the seat)
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Include kayak make and model if known
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We’ll review and advise whether a custom solution is feasible
Proprietary Suction Cups
(aka Sticky Cups)
These aren’t your ordinary suction cups! These patented beauties stick to just about any non-porous surface – including textured kayak surfaces – and stay in place!
Designed with specialized double-cup armature, interior micro-channels and a proprietary, pressure-sensitive polymer seal, our suction cups adhere to your kayak and don’t let go! Place them on or around molded obstructions, slip them through the four corners of the Apex Mount, and use the knobs to tighten it down. Remove them if needed, clean them, and use again.
Our standard Apex Mount comes with four sticky cups, so there's no need to purchase them separately. Watch the installation video.
Additional Apex Mount
Attachment Options
There are multiple ways to attach our Apex Mount to your kayak or SUP. Here are the most common ones.
Tracks
For a more secure installation method, affix two 9" RAM Tough-Tracks to the top of your SOT or SUP deck (sold separately.) Space them either 3.5" or 3.75" apart (depending on the orientation of the mount) to correspond to the four corner slots in the Apex Mount. Slide two t-nuts into each track and guide them up through the slots, then attach the knobs. Please measure carefully before ordering to ensure the tracks will fit your kayak.
Since most SOTs don’t give you access to the inside of the kayak, you’ll install the tracks using one of several “blind installation" methods, such as self-tapping screws, well-nuts and screws or rivets. In other cases, you may install the tracks directly on a hatch cover with regular screws and nuts. This method still gives you access to the hatch well if you need it.
Tie Down Straps
Designed with SUPs in mind, the Apex Mount has two windows on each side through which you can feed a tie down strap. Simply put the strap through the windows, tighten it as much as possible (leaving the ratchet on top of the SUP to minimize drag), and you’re ready to go! The straps are sold separately.
D-Ring Patches & Straps
For some inflatable kayaks, a combination of D-ring patches and tie down straps may do the trick! The D-ring patches are affixed low and on each inside edge just in front of the seating area, then the tie down straps are fed through both windows of the Apex Mount and tightened as much as possible. Note: D-ring patches (sold separately) should be made from material that is compatible with your kayak's fabrication to ensure maximum adhesion.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that by their very nature, inflatable kayaks are very pliable and lack a rigid floor. They will also require a tall support post for proper paddle height. As a result, the overall stability of the Apex Mount will be considerably diminished with significant side-to-side swaying of the support post. This is not a recommended installation, but it is available for those who need it.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Methods
When other methods don’t work, you can use your own ingenuity to secure the Apex Mount. Possible options include using heavy-duty tape on the edges of the mount, placing weighted objects (such as small bags of sand) on the corners, or using your legs to keep it in place while paddling.
Custom Methods
For paddlers with who are willing to engineer their own mounts to work with our products, the sky is the limit. One possible method, primarily for sit-ins or SUPS, is to secure the Apex Mount to removable base, such as a rectangular piece of solid wood or heavy plastic. Using the right shape to conform to your kayak floor, the base can then be moved in and out of the kayak as needed. See our blog for additional examples of other DIY mounts our customers have created.
Installation Help
If you’re unsure whether a mount will fit, or you’d like help with any of the following topics, we’re here to help. You're always welcome to send 2-4 photos of your kayak cockpit area for further guidance.
Printed Instructions | Installation Videos | Measurement Guidance | Photo Submission Support