Rod savers broke today is there a better brand to use on a Z7

[BKMCSO]

One of my rod savers or straps broke today and was wondering if there is a better one to get. Thanks

[BKMCSO]

Nobody...What kind of rod straps or savers you guys using?

[T Mike]

I'm prolly gonna replace mine with something else (so far a longer version of the samething unless I find something better). Mine are only like 10 inches long . Can't fit many rod combo's under them but maybe thats a good thing to help keep us more organized LOL.

[haveme1]

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pr...54130
I use these

http://www.iboats.com/Boatbuck...59499
A lot of ppl have these

[BKMCSO]

I would love to get those retractable rod straps but they wont fit on a Z7. I guess Nitro owners are very limited to what straps we get since our gunnels are so short. I really dislike the ones that came on the boat.

[bmas13]

You can get the retractable ones. There is a flush mount kit (a few bucks extra, of course) that will allow you to put it on the deck. It's what I'm going to do when I rec-arpet my boat next winter.

[BKMCSO]

The boat buckle has a gen two model that looks like it will fit in our gunnels. The only problem I can't find much info on it. Take a look.

http://www.amazon.com/Boat-Buc...=8-18

[bmas13]

That's what you're looking for. Here's some info from Tackle Warehouse.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com....html

[T Mike]

Im trying hard to get a visual of how this works and is concealed?? I'm drawing a blank here? anyone got a installation pic. I have that buckle on my Triton but I'm trying to figure out how that bracket works into things?

[bmas13]

I don't have any photos, but the Rod Buckle housing is mounted on the underside of the deck (from the inside of the rod box) allowing for all the space needed for the housing. So all the hardware is concealed below the deck and the concealed mounting kit is the only thing on the carpet side of the deck. So basically you have the strap coming out of the floor.

[T Mike]

gotcha..

[09Z7SC]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bmas13 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I don't have any photos, but the Rod Buckle housing is mounted on the underside of the deck (from the inside of the rod box) allowing for all the space needed for the housing. So all the hardware is concealed below the deck and the concealed mounting kit is the only thing on the carpet side of the deck. So basically you have the strap coming out of the floor.</td></tr></table>

I have thought about those, but my major concern is where the water goes when it rains. Does it have a drain tube that can be routed? It looks to me like the water will run straight into the rod locker .

[bmas13]

Holy crap! I didn't think about that!

[09Z7SC]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bmas13 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Holy crap! I didn't think about that! </td></tr></table>

That is the only thing that has kept me from buying them. I wonder if you could mount the insert thingie in the side of the gunnel and use the bracket to mount it under the floor and the strap would just use the insert piece like a guide? Kinda like a car seat belt? That was the only way I would even try to do it, otherwise all your stuff would get soaked everytime it rained.

[bmas13]

Here's a link to the gunnel install. That should work.http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/BBB...FWOMtgod7V7DPA

[robuzzle]

Thanks guys for motivating me to install these on my '04 882 today...!

http://www.basspro.com/BoatBuc...90238

Only took about an hour or so...I did a flush mount instead of using that bulky adapter.

[09Z7SC]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by robuzzle &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Thanks guys for motivating me to install these on my '04 882 today...!

http://www.basspro.com/BoatBuc...90238

Only took about an hour or so...I did a flush mount instead of using that bulky adapter.</td></tr></table>

How about some pics?

[robuzzle]

Sorry I didn't take step by step pics...it comes with a cardboard template for the cutout and the holes I drilled in the corners ended up being 3/4" diameter. Cutting that big hole in the gunnels was the toughest part to stomach. I needed a 3/4" drill bit, jig saw and I drilled pilot holes for the two mounting screws...Oh yeah, make sure that you look behind where you are cutting for wires/cables. The wires for the electronics were running along the right side and the trolling motor cables were running along the left side.

[T Mike]

I'll tell you after using the factory bungees with the hooks on them. I hate them. If the hook doesn't catch the line it catches the rod. Never fails. Small but minor inconvenience. I had the retratcables on my Triton. Very nice compared to the rubber bungee. If anyone figures out how to install one let us know.

[09Z7SC]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by robuzzle &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Sorry I didn't take step by step pics...it comes with a cardboard template for the cutout and the holes I drilled in the corners ended up being 3/4" diameter. Cutting that big hole in the gunnels was the toughest part to stomach. I needed a 3/4" drill bit, jig saw and I drilled pilot holes for the two mounting screws...Oh yeah, make sure that you look behind where you are cutting for wires/cables. The wires for the electronics were running along the right side and the trolling motor cables were running along the left side.

</td></tr></table>

I am not sure us Z7 owners have enough gunnel space to put those in. I will have to look. It looks good though. I don't like my bungees.