ranger 619 front deck rod straps

[csuram99]

Does anybody have the boat buckle retractable rod straps (or something similar) on the front deck of their ranger 619 (or other deep-sided boat). I used to have these on my old ranger bass boat and they worked great. However, that boat had much shallower sides and a longer front deck so the rods were bent very little when i would lay the tips next to the windshield and strap them down. What i'm worried about with my 619 is that there will be too much rod bend because of the shorter deck and the much deeper sides. I'm thinking that it might be best to just lay the rods down the center of the deck between the two consoles (with full windshield). Anybody have any suggestions or setups they like?

Also, if i end up laying my rods next to the windshield is there something i can put on the gelcoat to prevent the rods from scratching it? Thanks again.
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/38000/38041.jpg

[Jim Ordway]

I have a set of retractable straps on both side of my 620. I agree that the front deck is not long enough to accomodate the longer rods. I use the straps for shorter rods and collapsed rods. I installed a 6 rod aluminum tube rod holder along the front of the aft livewell. I mounted the holder via 2 L shaped brackets screwed into the floor. I put my rods in the tubes when running spot to spot, as well as using it to hold rods out of the way when bring in boards.
Take care,

[Modog]

There are some pics in my album here on WC of 'Runnin Rod Racks' that I have done for quite a few of the Ranger guys. You can PM me if interested...