Hey guys, I posted this within another thread and got a few questions and comments so thought I'd start a new thread...
I don't like rear flush mounts. Too far back and useless for trolling. Most guys add Ram or Scotty holders up front. (Folbes are way superior, btw) However, I've read where these fail. I also wanted to keep the gunwales clear. I did try a crate and CratePak for rod & tackle storage but, for me, that was cumbersome. Not as flexible as I was 20 years ago, I guess!
I want to see the rod tips when trolling and be able to reach the rod quickly. I also decided I didn't want to drill a lot of holes either.
I found some West Coast forums where guys move their rear holders forward using PVC and various connectors. While flexible & cheap the problem with PVC is that it looks like plumbing! I wanted something flexible that looks good, too.
I've given this some thought and have a solution. I reached out to my friends at Great Lakes Planers who have done work for me for the boat previously. After some back and forth discussion, measuring and re-measuring we've come up with a custom kayak rocket launcher!
Lightweight, made from aluminum, completely modular, clamps together and slips into the rear flush mounts. It's pretty tight on it's own but tie downs, cam straps or bungees to deck loops behind the seat will secure it. It can be configured several ways. When all is said and done this didn't cost much more than several RAM/Scotty/Folbe holders, mounts, bases and extenders. More functional and prettier, too.
The guy doesn't plan to market them but he may change his mind if there's a lot of interest. Right now, I can get these at cost. Anyone interested just PM me. Take about 3 weeks...
I don't like rear flush mounts. Too far back and useless for trolling. Most guys add Ram or Scotty holders up front. (Folbes are way superior, btw) However, I've read where these fail. I also wanted to keep the gunwales clear. I did try a crate and CratePak for rod & tackle storage but, for me, that was cumbersome. Not as flexible as I was 20 years ago, I guess!
I want to see the rod tips when trolling and be able to reach the rod quickly. I also decided I didn't want to drill a lot of holes either.
I found some West Coast forums where guys move their rear holders forward using PVC and various connectors. While flexible & cheap the problem with PVC is that it looks like plumbing! I wanted something flexible that looks good, too.
I've given this some thought and have a solution. I reached out to my friends at Great Lakes Planers who have done work for me for the boat previously. After some back and forth discussion, measuring and re-measuring we've come up with a custom kayak rocket launcher!
Lightweight, made from aluminum, completely modular, clamps together and slips into the rear flush mounts. It's pretty tight on it's own but tie downs, cam straps or bungees to deck loops behind the seat will secure it. It can be configured several ways. When all is said and done this didn't cost much more than several RAM/Scotty/Folbe holders, mounts, bases and extenders. More functional and prettier, too.
The guy doesn't plan to market them but he may change his mind if there's a lot of interest. Right now, I can get these at cost. Anyone interested just PM me. Take about 3 weeks...
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