I have noticed alot of guys storing rods in the center storage and tackle & gear in the rod locker in front of the driver. It looks to me that you have alot of wasted space by using the center storage for rods. The other problem is weight along with the console, drivers weight on the far outside of the boat. I would think more weight dead center would be better. Rods and reels are not very heavy. Just a thought I was wondering.