Rod tube removal?

[davet63]

For some reason, Skeeter decided to shorten the rod box lid on the starboard side of my 2017 FX20LE to put a small compartment behind it. It makes putting 7 ft long rods in there a real PITA. The rod tube assembly appears to be held in place by two torx screws. Would removing these cause me any problem? Would it make it easier to put longer rods in there? Or would stuff up in there under the deck cause more problems and get rods tangled up?

Thanks,

Dave

[fxphil]

no problems by removing them you may have to use rod socks to keep from tangling them up

[MCIPinkie]

I carry a lot of rods. All fit in the port side locker. 30 rods up to 8' long. Stick jackets. No issue. If you carry more, suggest long rods on port, short on starboard. MY ZX200 doesn't have tubes on starboard side.

I take the tubes out of the port locker.

[Vrybusy]

No issues with removing the tubes. You can put a piece of auto weather stripping or duct tape around the opening to protect rods from the rough edge.

[Sheperd80]

2019 Fx21 apex. I just removed mine. It really opens it up and allows way more rods. The flat plastic plate that all the tubes mount to had to be cut in half to get it out though. Its taller than the opening thats it sits behind.