Front Deck Rod Storage

[Eric_CO]

Originally Posted by LLewellin

How easy is it to get one of your bottom rods out with the rod slicks/sleeves?

I like your idea for more rods on board!

Eh, it's fairly easy I guess. I might have to take some out to get to them but as long as the exposed line doesn't hook onto another reel handle it's like a 2 second ordeal. Most of the time the weapons I'll be using in combat are on top and ready for use anyway. If I'm switching presentations during the day, I've already got like four rods out of there.

They also can snag hooks so I'm looking into those lure covers too since I like to have everything rigged the night before.

Anything to help get line in the water ASAP when you hit your spot is worth it, IMHO.

Have you ever looked at a Tuffy? Their 1760 model holds 8'6'', and their 1890 and 2060 series hold 9' rods. Their website is a little off on their specs. This is coming from experience with fishing in friend's boats.

[muskyhunter47]

get a skeeter mx 1825 12 foot rods in the side locker

[FryDog62]

"Have you ever looked at a Tuffy? Their 1760 model holds 8'6'', and their 1890 and 2060 series hold 9' rods. Their website is a little off on their specs. This is coming from experience with fishing in friend's boats."

X2 - Don't own one but Tuffy seems to have many options for hulls, layouts, etc and they all seem to cater to the long musky rods, multi-species, etc.

[oldschooltiller]

I'm not looking for a new boat, just trying to finish up my current boat.

I've been looking into this a bunch the last few days.

My conclusions so far.....

• I'm converting from side rod storage to in deck storage.
• Tackle Industries sells 9' Musky rods that telescope down to 7'6. I want to build an 8' rod box (or one that will hold at least a few 8' rods)
• This will let me move my livewell over to where the rod box is now.
• I'll be able to shift the fuel tank over at least a foot to port and that will let me re-route the fuel lines in a much cleaner manner (where the tank is now it requires a large baitwell type box to run the fuel lines through)
• Convert from wedge lock pedestal pedestal base. I'm going to router the thickness of the base out (and install a backer under it), so it sits flush, and only the bushing is exposed. (I'm doing this because it's SO much easier to source parts/pieces for this type setup-and because a power pedestal is so much cheaper)

That's about all I have so far.




Similar to the attached picture, but the fuel fill will be on the port side, and the gunnels are wider and flat like a Pro V, Alum. Trophy, or Tracker Targa....The deck will probably be longer than that by 1-2 feet also.

[LLewellin]

Is your fuel tank in the center? If you move it to the port or starboard 1' you may run into problems with the boat riding level?

I

[oldschooltiller]

Originally Posted by LLewellin

Is your fuel tank in the center? If you move it to the port or starboard 1' you may run into problems with the boat riding level?

I

It is an aluminum tank on top of the floor, but under the deck. That was the plan anyhow.
I think offsetting to the port will offset my weight on the starboard.....Opposite of the fuel tank, I was going to add a built in musky lure box-so this will be around 100lbs. The 14 gallon tank x8 lbs puts me at 118lbs if I just did the math right in my head.

I think it'll work out.


Edit: Our computer recently got wiped out, and I lost my pictures, and the boat isn't stored at our house otherwise I'd post up some pictures.