: Ive broken the track off the base on both the Schade rests I have, twice in
: the spring run. Beef up the base a little bit, and dont use baltic birch
: plywood.
: Also, it'd be easy to make the track / hooks in one shorter peice, and use a
: cleat instead of the hook arrangement. The cleat works well, I use it in
: both boats but with a seperate mounting pad. It's be easier in one mount.

Could you elaborate a little more ? I'm not sure what you are refering to as the track. The parts I have thus far are: Rail (long part with hooks and flat top) made of oak, the runner piece (one flat and two L shaped pieces) made of fir, and the actual rest parts (wings, support, etc) made of birch ply fiberglassed on both sides. The oak rail seems very sturdy. I've been impressed by the abuse I've been able to dole out to the hooks with no damage. How did you attach your parts to the boat? I like the cleat idea. Will give that some thought.

Bill