OPTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL ROD HOLDERS - The Hull Truth

Stripermike · 11-27-2005, 03:48 PM

just purchaced 17ft backwater mckee but theres one problem no rod holders on the gunnels, i need at least one for my cutting board. have any sugesstions? want to do a flush mount but what about drains through the foam, CAN I GET A GOOD ENOUGH OUTWARD ANGLE FOR TROLLING? how hard is that to install? what about side mounted ? what is avaliabe to me and where can i find it? I HAVE TWO CLAMP ON ROD HOLDERS ON MY FOLDING COOLERSEAT BACK, THEY ARE NOT TOO STURDY AND MAKE THE AREA BETWEEN THE SEAT AND MOTOR HARD TO MOVE AROUND BECAUSE OF THE RODS. IS IT FEASIBLE TO MOUNT TWO RAILS ON TOP OF THE GUNNALS TO RELOCATE THE CLAMP ON HOLDERS?

IF ANY ONE KNOWS WEB SITES THAT HAVE INFORMATION RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM PLEASE POST IT.
MY CENTER CONSOLE FISHING MACHINE IS NOT AS GOOD AS I EXPECTED IT TO BE. I WANT A FULLY LOADED FISHING MACHING.

ANY OTHER FISHING/STORAGE ACESSORIES TO TURN MY BOAT IN TO SOMETHING BETTER, POST IT.
thanks
mike

gf · 11-27-2005, 08:59 PM

Shutupandfish had a 172 before his new 22, I bet he has all the info on rigging that boat out right.

falcon · 11-29-2005, 11:00 AM

Ok, I have the same boat and went through a similar pocess. Here is the analysis I went through.

For heavy duty offshore fishing, you can mount stern rails and add rod holders. Cabela's offers several of the Smith rod holders which would be applicable. Alternatively, you could also mount these on the aft portion of your bow rail, angled out. I have done this and it works well and also allows the aft cockpit to stay open.

For lighter work, I purchased the Cabela's removable plastic rod holders (the good one's) and just keep the mounting hardpoints on the bow rail. I can troll or live bait with this rig. These are manufactured for Cabela's by Scotty and they are well made and serviceable. Scotty also offers a system for blue water trolling as well. You would have to go to their web site for that though.

As far as your cutting board, I have one as well and stow it when not in use. I have considered mounting it on one of the rear seat tops, but have not done so.

I have also used rod holders on the center console hand rail sides, but ultimatately moved them to the bow rail as described above..

Shutupandfish · 12-02-2005, 11:56 AM

Mike,

Check your private e-mail.