Hey all,
Thought I would start a new topic to post creative ways that various members have overcome problems with rigging and improving thier boats. I thought I would start off with a decription of how I mounted a rod holder on my inflatable kayak. As we all know there are many after market rod holders availible, but all are designed for hardshell kayaks. They all require holes to be made for securing them to the boat. I can’t make holes in my boat, so I came up with the solution here.
I know it seems simple but it works. I used a late model Scotty flyrod holder, and attached the base to the top right side of the milkcrate I use for storage with Zipties.
The great thing about Scotty rodholders is the versitlity of them. The base as mounted on the side kept having my rod rub against my boat and making the rod fall in the water and trail behind me when I paddled. But then on looking at the rodholder more closely I discovered It also had holes on the side of the base that could be used in the same way as the standard mount hole. All I had to do was take the holder apart from the base, line up the grooves and notches on the side hole and now my rod rides high and is fully adjustible. I also have the option of trading out the flyrod holder for a spinning or baitcasting rod holder(probley won’t happen). I thought this might help others who want to possibly add another rod holder to their kayaks cheaply. This whole set up cost about $15 and that was for the rodholder, if you look around I know you have Zipties laying in a drawer somewhere.Many of you already have the Milkcrate in the back of your kayak, might as well put it to work.
Keep the post coming and we can learn from each other.
Sarge.
The enemy was many and they were but few,
But they stormed the gates of hell with glory in their eyes,
For tonight they sleep in Valhalla.
[This message has been edited by Southside Sarge (edited 08 June 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Southside Sarge (edited 08 June 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Southside Sarge (edited 08 June 2006).]
Zipties, excellent! Now if you just find a way to make use of some duct tape and a bobby pin on that contraption it will be perfect! A great solution. I may have to try something like that for my pontoon. A combination stripping basket and rod holder. I have the rod holder designed for the pontoon or float tube but I can’t find anywhere to put it where it doesn’t get in the way of the oars.
Hope the tyraps are sunproof. A boat is going to see a lot of sun. Soon they become brittle and break if you just bump one. I think you need something other than tyraps.
My father in law who has worked maintanance for years swears that black tye wraps last much longer than white ones. the UV doesnt effect them as much. Perhaps when you change them you can go to black.
Eric had it right. When you go to your local Lowe’s and look at the Tye-Wraps you will notice that some are labled UV Protected and they are always black in my experience. If you are going to use them outside, get the ones that are labled as such.
[This message has been edited by Bluegill Budd (edited 09 June 2006).]
I deleted your post as it sounded as if
you intended to post a single photo. The
url you used opened your whole picture file.
Sorry if that was your intent.G Warm
regards, Jim
If someone does not want to use the plastic wire ties,they could always use alum. pop rivets with the alum. pop rivet washers. These can be purchased in many diameters and lengths and will not be affected by UV. Just a suggestion.
Hey all,
Gemrod, I have to regularlly replace the the Zipties if they seem worn. I check them each time I get back to ensure they are not sun damaged or worn. I usually think that the use of a rod leash is the best way to combat the loss of a rod. Dave B, a lot of great ideas for pontoon boaters.Warren P. the idea of pop rivet and washers sounds like a viable idea. Have you mounted anything this way? If so show us. In fact I would love to see some cool explanations of anybody’s problem that they overcame on their own. The sport of flyfishing requires constant inovation on the part of anyone who does it. If you have come up with something for your watercraft that can help all FF’s let us know. Loved the post. Keep it coming.
Sarge.
Yes, I have several items mounted using the pop rivets. I own a Hobie Cat 75 which I have modified to my kind of fishing. It comes with a shelf behind where you sit that is made of alum. tubing that you can store stuff on. I purchased what looks like pegboard only it is solid plastic/vinyl or something and I pop riveted it to the alum. tubes so that nothing could fall into the water between them. Then I made up an anchor system at the rear with alum. tubing fastened to the bottom of the “pegboard” stuff to run the anchor rope through. This puts the rope up beside me for ease of raising or lowering the anchor. I removed the soft padded vinyl seat and back and installed alum. square tubing and a swivel folding seat that is much more comfortable and lets me sit higher. All changes were done with alum. so I do not worry about rust plus all were fastened with pop rivets. I will have to take some pictures one day and maybe send them to you by e-mail so that you can see the results. So far everything is holding together very well.
Warren that’s a good idea for the “pegboard stuff”. I’ve got some pieces laying around…if it’s white like mine I got it at Lowe’s…only place I’ve seen it so far.
I’ve made a gear, anchor, and motor mount for my pontoon using various and sundry pieces of aluminum tubing found at the thrift stores as crutches, walkers, etc.
I’d be Muchly interested in seeing those photo’s of your seat system…As I am also a Float cat 75 owner.
And the bar beneath your knees can get rather annoying after extended periods on the water…Only …complaint… if I had any…would be that slight lack in padding at this area…
One thing you might consider using instead of the zipties is stainless steel wire. You can twist it up tight to the crate and then tuck the tips under so it won’t stick you or the yak. Would last a lot longer, too.
There’s almost nothin’ wrong with the first lie, it’s the weight of all the others holdin’ it up that gets ya’! - Tim
I purchased the padded vinyl swivel seat with folding back at Wal-Marts along with the swivel that screws on to the bottom of the seat. I removed the soft foam filled seat and back that comes with the Hobie 75 and fastened 2 square alum. tubes to the existing round alum. tubes that the original seat was fastened to with stainless steel bolts with locking nuts. To the square tubes I attached the swivel part and then the folding padded seat. It works great. I am able to fish from the sides as well as from the front. Just swivel around to the side and fish or reach the cooler in back. I really enjoy my Hobie 75. I will plan to take some pictures soon and send them to you.
Hey Warren,
I meant to ask you about the anchor system you improvised. Is it permeantly attached or is it removable? I thought about making a removable double anchor system for my kayak and have been looking for ideas to make it work. The idea of a tube to keep the line from getting snagged sounds like a good way to go. Do you have any pics you could post?
Sarge.
No pictures yet, but, the present anchor is removeable. It is only a 3 pound anchor that the 4 “claws” open up and lock when in use and when removed the claws close. Overall it is only about 12" long and holds my Hobie 75 very well in the rivers. I purchased it from Cabela’s. For your watercraft, I would look at what I use for my 12’ Laudau flatbottom. I did not want to haul around a lot of weight with 2 anchors so I purchased, from a canoe accessories catalog, 2 vinyl bags that the open end was held closed with velcro and had a cord attached with a round ring attached to it that you attached your anchor rope to. The sides of the bags are perforated like an onion or potato bag. When you get to the river or lake, you fill the bags with rocks, close the velcro open end and attach your anchor rope to the ring. This works very well on my flatbottom. When I return from fishing, I just empty out the rocks, fold up the bags and put in the boat storage area for the next trip. Now the wife has me haul the rocks home to put in her flower beds! If this sounds like something you might be interested in, I will look for the name of the company where I got mine. The anchor can be purchased/viewed at: Cabela’s Item # IG 313434 – Bass Pro Item # 38-590-338-00 (they have 3lb, 5lb & 7lb) You might want to look at Bass Pro Item # 38-610-019-49 which is a kit with anchor, clam cleat & rope. I do not work for any of the above, I just like to be helpful. I am still looking for the “bag” type anchors. Found some here: [url=http://www.creekcompany.com:f60b5]www.creekcompany.com[/url:f60b5] --click on boat/tube accessories – scan down page to Float Tube Anchor and that is what you are looking for.
Warren
[This message has been edited by WarrenP (edited 13 June 2006).]
[This message has been edited by WarrenP (edited 13 June 2006).]
[This message has been edited by WarrenP (edited 13 June 2006).]
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If this sounds like something you might be interested in, I will look for the name of the company where I got mine. The anchor can be purchased/viewed at: Cabela’s Item # IG 313434 – Bass Pro Item # 38-590-338-00 (they have 3lb, 5lb & 7lb) You might want to look at Bass Pro Item # 38-610-019-49 which is a kit with anchor, clam cleat & rope. I do not work for any of the above, I just like to be helpful. I am still looking for the “bag” type anchors. Found some here: [url=