[Colsrob]

As I had stated in some other threads/posts, I finally finished tweaking the new rod rack and got some paint on it.

In a nutshell: I used a 7ft piece of Uni-Strut, or also called Strut Channel. I then needed about a 6ft piece of 1 1/4" square tubing w/holes(to lessen the weight and give holes for adjustment depending on type of fishing), and finally about 3ft of 1 1/2 square tubing w/holes.

I used 2 13" pieces of the 1 1/2, mounted to the engine cover sidewalls and attached with 2 U-bolts each. The 1 1/4 was cut to desired length, set inside the 1 1/2 mounts and the Uni-Strut was aligned on top for a proper welding mark. I then carefully held everything on their marks and welded a few spot welds to hold things in place. I was then able to remove and complete the weld outside of the boat.

All that was left was to add the Monsters and a touch of paint for looks. I have a few pics in case anyone else is interested in the design. They can easily see how simple it is and do one of their own. These first 3 pics are: 2 of the pre-paint mounts and of the pre-paint finished rack.

 

[Colsrob]

These 2 are of the pre-paint rack set in the boat mounts and the other is the adjustable pin close up.

 

[SWeiss]

Nice! Don't you just love those National Steel angles, tubes, and all thread? You can build anything with that stuff.

 

[Colsrob]

The final pics are after the paint was applied. The rack standing alone, mounted in the boat from inside view, and a close-up of the Uni-Strut adjustable top bar.

I also have 2 more Monsters I can add if needed.

 

[Colsrob]

Nice! Don't you just love those National Steel angles, tubes, and all thread? You can build anything with that stuff.

The steel tubing...Yes! But I didn't use any all thread in the build.

Surprisingly, it ended up being much lighter than I thought in the beginning.

 

[ohio hilljack]

Rob it looks like you will be drifting up some good sized channels now. The design is very similar to mine. We did do one other thing, we mounted rack tubes equal distances up the side of the boat so we could use the same rack when drifting sideways with socks.With the rack set on the side and a couple rod holders on the front we can drift eight to ten poles on my deck boat or the center console. Really nice when we take a few friends out with us. Don't get me wrong power trolling is great ,but nothing beats wind drifting and just kicking back on the boat.

 

[mahoney67]

Nice Rack and adjustable too.

 

[Mickey]

Congrats Rob on the rod rack. It turned out nice. Thanks for the pics.

 

[Steve Douglas]

NICE JOB ROB! looks like it should hold a monster. goood luck

steve

 

[plainsman]

I like that idea and design. Sure looks solid.

 

[brother hilljack]

Looks good! you are going to love those Monster Rod Holders!

 

[Colsrob]

Nice Rack and adjustable too.

That's what I was most proud of. I thought long and hard to come up with a design that did just about everything that I wanted. Adjustable height...adjustable rod holder location(and the addition/subtraction if needed)...and adjustable rod holder radius angles.

 

[Colsrob]

I like that idea and design. Sure looks solid.

Actually, it is solid, but there is a bit(very little) of twist on the overhanging ends. However, with the thickness of the Uni-Strut there is no way that a fish could bend it.

I could have altered the design and put the rack mounts to the outside, but because of the design of my boat it would have interfered in foot space when you were near the back.

Also, not that anyone couldn't tell from the pics, but the design is not only very adjustable, but I forgot to mention that it is easily removable for boat cover and storage.

 

[Colsrob]

NICE JOB ROB! looks like it should hold a monster. goood luck

steve

It's already holding 4 monsters! :smile-big:

 

[Colsrob]

Oh, one last thing to point out about the design.

I removed the rear seats to put the rod rack in, but I can also put them back in place because of the design I came up with. None of the rack pieces are in the way of seat replacement. It can be back to a "pleasure boat" in no time. :smile1:

 

[stangcrazy85]

dang rob that looks awesome cant wait to try her out

 

[Colsrob]

dang rob that looks awesome cant wait to try her out

I will look forward til you get a chance to put them to the test. I got to use them the next weekend after we went out, but got not 1 single bite, and then proceeded to blow my engine. :smile1:

The engine parts are on the way and should be back together real soon, and the rack is still waiting to actually be tested....not just used.:smile-big:

Oh, I also forgot to mention: With those rods of yours, if you stick them in the holders, we will need to put the spot light on a stationary pole so you can see the tips. :Happy:

 

[fishmonster13]

Oh, one last thing to point out about the design.

I removed the rear seats to put the rod rack in, but I can also put them back in place because of the design I came up with. None of the rack pieces are in the way of seat replacement. It can be back to a "pleasure boat" in no time. :smile1:

what is this pleasure boat you speak of , you me to tell me that they make boats that aren't for fishing? lol

 

[Colsrob]

what is this pleasure boat you speak of , you me to tell me that they make boats that aren't for fishing? lol

I believe they intended to, but it doesn't last long for many. :smile1: Mine stopped being a "pleasure boat" after my 2nd outing...back in 1992. Although, I did buy that one because it was designed perfect for the style of fishing I liked.:smile-big:

 

[Slatebar]

Good looking set up... Now if you could figgure out how to mount the porch on that boat you would be do-dooing in high cotton :cowboy: