How to Upgrade Your Old Town® Kayak with Aluminum T-Tracks (Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1 Install Guide)
Why Upgrade Your T-Tracks?
If you’re running an Old Town kayak, you know it’s built for serious fishing. But the stock plastic T-Tracks? Not so much. Flexy under pressure and limited in durability, they’re fine for cup holders or light-duty accessories, but once you start adding rod holders, fish finder arms, camera mounts, or anything with weight or leverage, you’ll notice the wobble.
Enter the Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1. Made in the USA from 6061 aluminum, this direct bolt-on replacement swaps out the flex for rock-solid performance. No drilling. No nonsense. Just upgraded confidence.
Scroll down to watch the full install video, or keep reading to learn what makes this the best T-Track upgrade available.
Why the Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1 is a Game-Changer
- Precision fit for Old Town models
- Anodized aluminum for corrosion and UV resistance
- Three brilliant anodized finishes – Gunmetal Gray, Midnight Black, and Victory Orange.
- Handles heavier-duty accessories with ease
- 100% Made in the USA and priced better than the imports
Unlike other aftermarket tracks, Ketch offers a pair of aluminum OT-1s for the same price most charge for a single track, and we’re the only brand offering anodized color finishes for replacement tracks specifically for Old Town kayaks.
🎥 Installation Video: Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1
Installing your new tracks is as easy as removing a few screws and bolting down the your upgraded tracks. No modifications needed.
What You Need
- Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1 (pair)
- The original Hardware from your stock tracks. (don’t throw these away!)
Items you might need depending on what accessories you’re mounting on your new tracks.
- Du-Bro Twister Knobs, washers, and T-bolts depending on the accessories you’re mounting (optional but recommended)
- Ketch Spacers, or risers depending on your needs and accessories you’re mounting.
- Cup holders, graph mounts, wiring plates, or other accessories
Shop the full collection of Old Town accessories from Ketch here.
Comparison Table: Old Town Track Options
| Feature | Stock Plastic Tracks | Ketch X-Aktrak OT‑OT (Pair) | Other Aftermarket Aluminum Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | 6061 Anodized Aluminum | Raw Aluminum |
| Rigidity | Flexible / prone to flex | Rock-solid / reinforced | Solid / reinforced |
| Fit | OEM stock | Direct bolt-on, Old Town-specific | Old Town Specific |
| Finish & Color Options | Black only | Brilliant anodized colors (Ketch exclusive) | Raw aluminum (no finish), maybe black |
| Mounting Strength | Best for lighter accessories | Handles heavy-duty accessories with ease | Strong enough for heavy gear |
| Price (Per Pair) | Included w/ kayak | ~$69.99-79.99 pair | $60–$80 each ($120–$160 for pair) |
| Made in USA | ❌ | ✅ | ❓ Often imported |
“Other brands offer bare aluminum tracks with no finish at all—leaving them vulnerable to oxidation and looking rough after a few trips. Ketch’s anodized colors aren’t just eye-catching—they’re built to last.”
FAQs
Will this void my kayak warranty?
No. Because the Ketch OT-1 tracks are a direct bolt-on replacement using the same holes and hardware, there’s no drilling or modification required. That means your hull remains untouched and your warranty should remain valid—though it’s always best to double-check with Old Town if you’re unsure.
Can I mount a downrigger or heavy graph to these tracks?
Yes. The OT-1’s rigid 6061 anodized aluminum construction is perfect for mounting high-torque accessories like downriggers, fishfinder arms, and camera booms. These tracks eliminate the flex and instability you’ll feel with plastic options.
What Old Town kayak models are compatible?
The Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1 is confirmed to fit the following Old Town kayak models:
- Sportsman 106
- Sportsman 120
- Sportsman PDL 106
- Sportsman PDL 120
- Sportsman Salty PDL 120
- Sportsman 106 powered by MinnKota
- Sportsman AutoPilot 120
- Sportsman AutoPilot 136
- Topwater 106
- Topwater 120
Will this fit my Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 or 106?
Yes. The OT-1 was designed specifically for those models and installs with the same hardware.
Do I need special tools?
Just a screwdriver and a few minutes. No drilling or cutting needed.
Is this compatible with YakAttack®, Railblaza® and Du-Bro accessories?
Yes. most standard T-bolts work perfectly.
What colors do these tracks come in?
There are 3 colors available Midnight Black, Gunmetal Gray and Victory Orange. There used to be an unfinished raw aluminum color, but it’s since been discontinued.
Will it rust?
No. These are anodized aluminum and will not rust, they are also made to resist corrosion even in saltwater.
Do the Ketch OT-1 Tracks include hardware?
No. The tracks are designed to reuse the original screws that held your factory plastic tracks. This ensures perfect alignment with the existing holes—just make sure to keep those screws when removing the originals, as shown in the install video.
👇 Popular Uses for the OT-1 Upgrade:
- Mounting graph/fish finders with extended arms
- Running heavy-duty rod holders for trolling
- Securing GoPro or camera mounts
- Adding risers/spacers for gear separation
Final Thoughts
For less than most charge for a single aftermarket track, you can install a full aluminum upgrade, increase your rigging strength, and give your Old Town kayak a sharp new look in the process.
Shop the Ketch X-Aktrak OT-1 Now
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