[JohnnyCash]

I'm trying to figure out the best method for protecting assembled rods while they are not in use. Does anyone have rod holders on their frame?

I've seen the ones riverboat works make and I like that design. Just wondering if anyone else has a proven design?

Thanks

 

[jhalseth]

rod holder

We are rigging some up with PVP. A couple of holes at the base to allow for a very small bungee to hold the reel snug. My buddy spoke of using flexible pipe to fit on the end of the pvc to curve the tip of the rod around the front of the raft somewhat. I have a peice of 3 inch diameter Bamboo I want to make a rod holder out of. Let me know if you come across any good ideas.

 

[troutslayer]

I use the PVC and bunggie cord method. Has always worked great for my boats.

 

[JohnnyCash]

I think I will make mine out of gray PVC conduit. I'll heat it with a heat gun and bend it to match the contour of the raft, then bolt it to the frame with u-bolts. I'll let you know how it works when I'm finished.

Too bad it's impossible to make integrated ones like the nicer drift boats have-- that would be the ticket!!

 

[coloradopaddler]

rod holder

i got some super cheap rod holders at walmart. they are plastic with foam cradles. i used to zip tie them to my frame until the last time i fished and i was out of zip ties. i used black tape and they were solid. i think they are made for hard boats but work great for my raft and are easy to get on and off.

 

[Osprey]

pvc conduit here too. I cut a little notch in the end for the reel to slide into then with the bungee so the handle end isn't sticking out of the tube. if you get fatter pipe you can even make one where you can put a rod into each end so the rods are opposing in the same tube. if you want to get really fancy cut a slit down one side and put a divider in it. I also seen guys cut a trench down most of the tube so they can actually put it in and take it out while in the boat. otherwise you have to stop which is no big deal. I just strap mine to the frame.

 

[troutfish]

Glacier Raft Co. in West glacier montana sells a tube built by a local, PVC but lined and fninished on the outside, easy on the rods it's around $100 and worth it. Sorry no picture but I bet if you call em they'd ship

Glacier National Park Rentals and Retail - fly shop, outdoor gear, cabin rentals

 

[Ever_Cat]

Here are a couple of links to some prefab units. These are way more $$$ than PVC and a bungee cord. I don't have either one so I can't provide any first-hand insight. I have seen the Titan Rod Vault on the yellow truck driving around a couple of times and it is a head-turner. Too bad it costs so much.

Sportube® - Fly Fishing (Rack Mounted/Double Haul)

Home (Titan Rod Vault)

 

[JohnnyCash]

Thanks for the ideas. I decided to go the cheap route for now and built them out of pvc conduit. Went out yesterday and they were flawless. Good protection for $15 and no more hanging rods over the stern hoping they don't get broken. Now the only challenge is finding a better way to attach them to the frame (other than zip ties, bungees, tape, etc.).

I'm thinking of making a bracket similar to a U-bolt because I still want to be able to remove them if I'm not fishing. Any other ideas?

 

[gjbugtosser]

I've been using 1.5" pvc for a few years -strapped to the frame. I have a straight 76" piece that runs along the side tubes, then glued on 22.5 degree elbow and 2' section so it follows the contour of the raft. Make sure you have something to hold it in near the reel so it won't get flushed out of the tubes when you go thru rapids. I know a guy who lost 3 nice rods in the Green River because he didn't have them secured in the tubes.

I know you already have it figured out, but newbies may appreciate another post.

 

[carvedog]

Thanks for the ideas. I decided to go the cheap route for now and built them out of pvc conduit. Went out yesterday and they were flawless. Good protection for $15 and no more hanging rods over the stern hoping they don't get broken. Now the only challenge is finding a better way to attach them to the frame (other than zip ties, bungees, tape, etc.).

I'm thinking of making a bracket similar to a U-bolt because I still want to be able to remove them if I'm not fishing. Any other ideas?

I use the Scott holder
Scotty Fly Rod Holder at REI.com

something like this but mine has a webbing base designed to secure to float tubes so I can strap around a rolled paco or side rails or .....anywhere. I also fabricated some ubolts and a plastic tube type thing for a couple of more holders. Not as adjustable as the Scott but still works.

 

[skipowpow]

I use PVC and modeled it after the riverboatworks ones. 3/4" wide slot and leave about 2' at the tip and 3" at the butt intact. I use a velcro strap to secure the rod in the tube at the reel and then I cut two perpendicular slots about 3/4" apart from each other at the tip and butt of the holder. Thread a strap through those and attach to the frame.

 

[dirksunvalley]

Glacier Raft Co. in West glacier montana sells a tube built by a local, PVC but lined and fninished on the outside, easy on the rods it's around $100 and worth it. Sorry no picture but I bet if you call em they'd ship

Glacier National Park Rentals and Retail - fly shop, outdoor gear, cabin rentals

Hi Troutfish- I realize this is quite old, but I called up to Glacier Raft Co, and they had no idea what I was talking about. Do you have more info on the local that was making the rod tubes for rafts?

 

[CROE]

I really like the ones from Riverboat Works in Salida, CO.....had em for about 5 years....both the long tube ones and the short holders, have both......they are the best that I've come across....I don't like the DownRiver Equipment ones attachments hardware (though their aluminum tubes are better than PVC) at all (though most of their other stuff is great)....only problem is you have to tap and screw into your frame....initially I was paranoid about this but no problems at all they are bomber......only problem with PVC tubes is it warps if you keep it permanently on the boat in the sun......Chet

 

[climber-420]

I really like the ones from Riverboat Works in Salida, CO.....had em for about 5 years....both the long tube ones and the short holders, have both......they are the best that I've come across....I don't like the DownRiver Equipment ones attachments hardware (though their aluminum tubes are better than PVC) at all (though most of their other stuff is great)....only problem is you have to tap and screw into your frame....initially I was paranoid about this but no problems at all they are bomber......only problem with PVC tubes is it warps if you keep it permanently on the boat in the sun......Chet

Not sure where you saw that the DRE needs to be tapped?

 

[CROE]

explanation.....the Riverboat Works rodholder needs to be screwed into the frame (thus tapped holes), NOT the Dowwnriver rodholder.....despite that, I really like the Riverboat Works rodholder.....sorry to confuse anyone, Chet

 

[GOTY2011]

The #1 cause of rod breakage on the boat is a fully-assembled rod, so I use an Orvis Safe Passage rod case that lashes to my oar tower with a couple of 2' web straps. I guided for 10 years with this set-up and never had a breakage with extra rod storage. Two 9' rods break down into the top two sections, then the butt sections.

The PVC tubing is good but the first time they get stepped on, it's over.