Guys I'm looking for some tips or advice on installing retractable rod straps. I want to install these in the rails but I'm not sure of the difficulty in cutting that metal.
Has anyone done this or have advice about the best way to do this project? Thanks in advance guys
I did them in my 89 bass tracker. Not difficult at all about an hour per side. You can install upside down if you don’t have enough room in the gunnel for the reel.
What did you cut with?Originally Posted by Batfish
Start with painters tape then put your template on that. Pilot drill two holes and then increase as necessary on each end I just used a small hacksaw blade to connect the dots.
Matt shows the process pretty well.
Just be careful what’s behind there, wires hoses etc.
I added one to my boat. One was there at time of purchase and I added one. My boat does not have carpeting, so it was an easy install. Used a Dremel.
2019 RT 198P
2018 Mercury Pro XS 150 HP 4 Stroke #2B610068
Twin 12' BT Talons
4" Atlas Jack Plate
Riptide Instinct Quest
There is nothing in the rail so you are ok there but I don’t understand how you will get bulky retract mechanism into the gunwale. Must be more space there than I think.
BTW: You may be surprised at the thickness of the gunnel walls, it is an extruded aluminum piece, not sheet metal.
I looked at this several years ago and since I could not figure a way to mount the mechanism in the blind space, I designed my own retractable rod strap.
Pretty easy build: Instructions attached in case you are interested.
I try to drive as if my 16 year old Grandson is following me
Speak as if he is listening and act as if he is watching
I did this to my RT188. The kit came with a template. I figured out the radius for the corners and used a drill. First with a small hole at the radius point them with the 5/8 or 9/16 bit. To cut the straights I scored the line with a scribe then used a dremel tool with a cut-off wheel. I just took my time and it came pretty good. I think I posted some pics on here before on what it looks like.
The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer up someone else.
I looked but can't find your pictures.
If you have time or the pictures could you please post them again
I installed mine into the deck.....VERY simple install.....couple of hours tops. That's a pretty old pic, 2 trolling motors back old, but, it'll give you some idea. My front deck is 3/4" plywood, but, most of my deck is Al so I've cut and modified both materials. As others above have stated, it's NO big deal if you take your time.
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Last edited by Slicefixer; 07-18-2022 at 11:13 AM.
That's nice, really clean look.
Can you share what make that strap is?
It’s Boat Buckles brand. https://www.amazon.com/BoatBuckle-F1.../dp/B002IV8JZW
The only down fall of deck mount is water going down in heavy rains.
Thanks..
I agree but I don't think that it will fit in the rails of my rt 188
I have been trying to find these adapters, but I dont think they are made anymore. Rod Buckle Adapter.jpg
Try this. https://cemarine.com/products/boatbu...adapter-f14201
Thanks Batfish! I put in a order with them when it was listed as for sell on their site. But they said it was out of stock no idea when they will get any and this was a few years ago (pre Covid) Maybe someday!!! In the mean time I think I will just have to install the Rod Buckles in the deck.
YES, very easy to install in the deck. Use template and a jig saw. 1/2 hour and your done. AND they are flat and not bumping into those adapter. I went that route years back and hated them. GO FOR IT.
Tim Messer ~ Lake Ariel, Pa.
US Army 1968 ~ 1971
2019 Ranger RT188 ~ Merc PRO XS ~ MK Ultrex
Thanks you talked me into it. :-)
It is not very difficult. You will like it much better than those adapters, too. Just go slow and cut on the template lines.
YOU CANT GO WRONG.. and you won’t be sorry. GOOD LUCK
Tim Messer ~ Lake Ariel, Pa.
US Army 1968 ~ 1971
2019 Ranger RT188 ~ Merc PRO XS ~ MK Ultrex
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