Rod Racks

[REW]

A friend just purchased a new 17 1/2 Alumacraft Walk Through Windshield rig.

The question is rod racks??
Althought there are built in rod racks, in general as is the case with many boats of this style - they don't work well.

What solution have some of you tried for storing rods in boats of this type.

I have seen some boats, which use vertical racks in front of the windshield on each side -- typically three rods.

I have seen some boats, which use vertical racks mounted - either on the front of the splash pan, or on the aft starboard or port side. It seems that although this is ok, the vertical rods, can get in the way of casting.

I have also checked out the 6 / 8 rod racks that mount vertically and simply plug into one of the seat sockets that aren't being used.

There are good and bad points about each of these positons.

I have considered the use of vertical racks on the side of either console, but this disallows the closing of the windsheld, due to the slopeback of the windshield.

None of these solutions seem to be the best.

On the other hand, it is not acceptable for the racks that are mounted on the sides either. These are simply too inconvenient for use.

I am open to all possibilities that have proven successful in the field.

Another thing that my friend wanted, was a proven system, so that he doesn't go and drill a bunch of holes in his new boat, and then later find the system not to work very well.

Thanks again.
REW

[RJ]

REW, I went through the same situation and settled on the Rod Wrangler rack made by Steve Messenger in Nebraska. I have been using the rack for about 6 months now and am completely satisfied with it. It is a well made piece of equipment and makes rod storage and transportation of rods easy. I have even been leaving my rods in the rack for transportation and use it to store them in my shop or hunting/fishing room in between trips so they are all ready to go. All that is needed is an extra pedestal base built into a box and weighted and it can be taken with you on trips and rods can be vertically stored outside of boat when not on the water. It comes in handy when your setting up rods at the camper. The main selling point for me was that the rack is locked into the base and rods are locked into the rack, this eliminates any worries of racks comming out or rods bouncing loose when on the run or in rough water. Give it a look at messengerboat.com.. Good luck, RJ in montana

[EB]

I used the "rocket launcher" style vertical holders on my Tyee, with a total of six being spaced across the back just in front of the splashwell. I put them in the rear because I felt more comfortable keeping them in the stern since it was the smoothest ride for them in the vertical position. On my 1775 tiller I elected to go with the Rod Wrangler as advertised on Walleye Central. I can't say enough good things about it, and I've probably helped sell a few at boat ramps when other people inquire about it.

[Jerry]

I went through the same thought process on my Crestliner SportFish. I came to the conclusion that there is no place on my boat to store rods vertically where they will not be in the way while fishing - especially with 3 guys in the boat. I lay them on the floor with the handles between the drivers seat and the sidewall and run the tips up into the storage compartment in the sidewall. This sure isn't convienent but we haven't broken any rods in three years. The Rod Wrangler looks like the best idea if you do go with a mount. This allows you to easily remove all the rods for transportation and storage and also move them around in your boat.

I went through the same thing with storing my net. Just wouldn't work vertically. So, I used two nylon snap brackets to mount it horizontally on the port side. It's very convienent and only blocks the rod storage locker which I don't use often anyway.

[mbrandt]

I second the Rod Wrangler. Been using one for a couple of years now. It is very easy to move around the boat. If trolling, put it up front. Working off the bow, put it in back. The only hangup I have with it is if you get more than 2 people in the boat, it does get in the way. I love it as I generally fish alone.

Mark

[lost sailor]

I decided to install the vertical style rack when I replaced the floor in my ProV 18' tiller.(Your advise regarding the floor project was very helpful, thanks.) I put in the type that plugs into a pedastle mount and holds 8 rods and I installed a small (4"x8") pedastle mount behind my seat when I'm running the motor.
When there's only 1 or 2 people fishing I put the rod rack in one of the center holes, 3 or 4 people the rods go behind my seat. The only time that the rods behind the seat seem to cause a problem for fishing is at night when I have my rear running light plugged in. I also have 2 single vertical rod holders mounted behind the casting platform on each end of the live well. The single rod holders hold extra rods when I'm running the bow mount troller. I'm fairly satisfied with this setup and I fish with my wife and 2 kids often.
Regards, Skip

[ebox]

REW -
We have an Alumacraft as well and the rod storage sucks to say the least, which is one reason our next rig will probably be a Lund or something with in floor storage. That said, one way that I have found to live with our current situation is to lay the rods in the bow, reel forward, so the tips come back just to the side of the windshield. It seems stupid to lay expensive rods that way, but they have pretty much no chance on getting stepped on and unless the waves are ridiculously big they don't bounce much. There is no other good way to store rods in our boat unless we want to use the side storage, but they are about as accessbile as my money once the wife sees it. LOL

Note to Alumacraft, catch up with the competition and improve your rod storage...(other than that we love our boat)

[Stotch]

REW,

Installed the 4 gang vertical rod racks in front of each console on my Crestliner Phantom using a hinge / clasp set up. This allowed me to swing the rod racks towards the gunwhales and close the windshield without any interference from the rods. And by making some adjustments where the horizontal braces and the rod tubes join it provided enough storage for the 2 Plano 3700 boxes per side.

Stotch

[Lund_Dude]

I have a MrPike that has exceptional rod storage. But a man can never have too many rods along, can he? ;-)

I bought an 8 rod rack that plugs into the seat base from Cabellas. At first, I was a bit unsure of using it since the base is aluminum and has no latch. It looked like it could bounce out easily, but I used it in Lake Erie in 4' waves and traveled about 12 miles one way. I had the rack full of rods and it turned about 15 deg, but never bounced. Overall, I am very satified with the price and performance.

[bracketpro]

hey lund-dude! give us a call. lets hit the water before its hard. your only a minute or two away. bago-sturgeonbay etc. 262-644-5337 thanks robert

[bracketpro]

oops! regarding the rod holder/storage? i have seen the rod wrangler in action and i feel it is well worth the money.when a product this simple. made this well. its a no brainer. id say buy it, simply because IT WORKS. good job steve. sincerely robert j idzikowski owner y-not technologies llc ( BRACKETPRO )

[Lund_Dude]

Drop me a line and we can set something up!

walleyeguywi@yahoo.com