Anyone use that rod buckle from bass pro shop?

[Derwood]

I think thats what it's called. It's the one that has the retractable strap. You can get the adapter so you don't have to cut a big hole in the side of the gunwale. Any pros or cons to that one or any other one? I had the velcro straps when I bought it. I took them out and don't know where I put them so I gotta get something else. Anyone have photos of what you use? I would probably put it on the left front storage compartent area. Thanks!

[Lea]

I have retractables on both sides....Love em, but don't know brand name... They came on the boat when I bought it...

[LAChamp]

Same here, came with the boat. Very nice to have. Even just to hold the net down when running. Love mine. You can barely see it in the picture at the bottom were the carpet meets the side.

[Derwood]

Now that looks like it would work LA and Lea! It appears that the screws are up high enough so that they would be above the aluminum trim piece that my older champ has... How would I go about finding out what that's called, if I could get one sent to me, and how much it would cost? Should I just call my closest dealer in Stoughton, WI (I think that's where it is)?

[Bowhunter]

Hey Darin,

I'll post of picture of mine.. I bought the rod buckle and housing to mount in my Alumacraft, but never installed them. Then, I did mount them in my 194 and love it. No holes to drill. I did take a dremel tool to shape the housing so that is was a custom fit.

I'll post pictures later today..

Did you get that propped re-worked yet?

[Lea]

IMCO Rod Buckle is the brand and you should be able to find them easily. Not just a Champion Boat option...all brands...
Google shows several sources including Cabela's....

[Bowhunter]

Just took some pic's.. So, here you go! Shoot me an email if you need more info!

[Tx Champ]

I'm planning on installing them in mine (one of my many projects ... ), but will go with the internal installation, rather than the external (spacer).

[LAChamp]

Here's a couple of sites to help.


http://www.wholesalemarine.com....html

http://www.thefind.com/sports/...-hold

[Bowhunter]

I was going to mount them internally, but if you ever seen the front deck of the older Fishunters, I figured why cut the top cap. Its so freaking wide, you can land a plane up on that thing.

[Derwood]

Bowhunter - thanks for the pix!! You dremeled the housing that holds the strap so it would fit nicely over your trim... is that what I see? I like it. I don't think I'll cut a hole after see that... I just drilled four holes for my rapala tool holder (on the passenger console) and my therapist says only about 4 more sessions and I should be recovered

No, I didn't get that propped reworked yet. Hoping to get on it in a couple of weeks. I think I'll try to get some more r's and some more speed out of that one, and just get the hi 5 cleaned up... maybe a bit more holeshot out of that one. I like being able to go really slow and stay on plane (mumma likes that, I mean)

[Derwood]

I'm also thinking that two is the way to go, huh??? I don't have that many rods out usually, but the versatility of going on either side sounds pretty good...

[Bowhunter]

Yes, I cut it away so that it curves right around the carpet trim, then, I sanded the back with my belt sander so that it angles up the topcap nice and tight. Should I sell the boat, and the new owner don't want them, he can just remove it. Something about cutting that large of hole bothers me too.

And yes, 2 is the way to go. I also have 12 rods (casting and spinning) in my starboard locker, so if I trolling for Walleye or Salmon, I'll just strap all my trolling rods to the bow. Those are 8 and 9 1/2 footers (telescopic) and the fit nicely there. Same with my Musky Rods.

[LAChamp]

That looks good Barry! I see how you put a rod holder on one of your handles. I also put one on each side of my motor on that handle, but put this in it. Now I can hold 6 rods and they're out my way all day. I don't troll, but I'm sure this setup would work great for it. Now I have no rods laying on my front deck and life is good.

[Bowhunter]

Yea, I have 2 more in the back on each side.. I troll up to 6 rods, 2 out on each side with Side Boards, then the last 2 straight back giving me a nice wide spread.



It looks like I know what I'm doing .......

Hope all is well with you and family..

[Derwood]

So both of you guys have rear deck extensions that go off of the rear casting decks??!! Talk about customizing your rigs!! I'm jealous. Is that a custom thing you guys did on your own?

[Bowhunter]

No I have not built one yet. Kim's boat is a Coastal Champ (same boat, but no carpet in the hull) and Champion installed his. He sent me all the photos of it and I just have not found the time to build it. I did find carpet from Bass boat carpets that is almost an exact match to my carpet. So, as soon as I have the time, I'm building one and attaching it with Stainless tubing like his. Very cool feature.. With my drop in Rumble seat, my drop in bass deck, and then that deck extension, this boat will have everything.

[sarmst100]

I had the retractable type on my 99 203 when I bought it but I didn't like them. They came loose once in rough water with 6 or 8 rods under it and I almost sh*t. Luckly, I didn't lose a rod.

I took it of and bought the T-H Rod Tamers (easy to hook, cheap, simple, and reliable).

[LAChamp]

What he said. Came from the factory like that. Bass Boat Carpets is where I got mine. They had the closest match when I changed my rear deck carpet not long age. I took 3/4'' treated ply wood, primed it and then put about 3 coats of Maine paint on both side and edges to seal it before adding the carpet. I used 3M spray 90 to apply the carpet. Get it Home Depot. I've used this spray for many years now on lots of things and it stays put. I also stapled it on the bottom side just in case. It's great to send my partner or family member to back deck to fish and keep the whole front to my self.

[LAChamp]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sarmst100 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had the retractable type on my 99 203 when I bought it but I didn't like them. They came loose once in rough water with 6 or 8 rods under it and I almost sh*t. Luckly, I didn't lose a rod.

I took it of and bought the T-H Rod Tamers (easy to hook, cheap, simple, and reliable).</TD></TR></TABLE>

What part came loose? The tension on the recoil strap? I want to make sure and keep an eye on any issues that may come up. I haven't had that problem.