Installing Boat Buckle rod straps?

[pcmc19057]

Hi Everyone,
Well I decided to install the retractable straps in my boat and just want to get some feed back.
Would you install the straps in the gunale or use the mounts that allow you to install them without cutting your boat?
I like the looks of them installed in the gunale but not crazy about cutting my boat.
What do you think?
Thanks
Paul

[pastormark]

My 184 Champ has them in the side and I like them there because it is just one less thing to trip over on the floor. Plus they look a little more professional,in my opinion, in the side.

[Lpolk]

Out of the way and just plain looks better. Once you cut the hole the strap will cover it and you will be glad you did.

[bassin butch]

X3
Cleaner, neater, and better in the gunnel.

Butch

[shamgar98]

I dont want to hijack this post and this might help Paul also, but I have a 203 elite that has the buckle rod straps installed but the straps broke.

Does anyone know where I can order these? Any forum sponsors that I might patronize?

Thanks.

[HaulinBass]

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com....html#

[Mizzou211]

To be honest, my answer is neither. I have installed rod straps on both of my Champs and I put them both in the FLOOR. I installed the holders by cutting a section out of the floor (just like with a recessed trolling motor tray) and screwed them down to the deck. The reason is simple. When you mount them in the floor, the straps hold rods much tighter than when installed in the gunwhale or using the "box" mounts. You'll appreciate this when running in really rough water.

I don't have a pic of the install but can try to take one if you like. When I order my next boat, I will be sure to order it WITHOUT the straps being mounted in the gunwhale just so I can do it this way again. I've been VERY pleased with the results thus far.

[pastormark]

I bought some at Basspro for my boat.

[pcmc19057]

Hi Mark,
I like that Idea, I have not recieved my straps yet but I like your floor mount idea.
Thanks
Paul

[Mizzou211]

You're more than welcome sir!

[Lpolk]

I think that location is key. As it stand I have to turn my reels up front instead of in front of the console. If I were to install them myself, I would locate them where I could just strap them down with the reel end toward the console. JMHO.

[E73bass]

I have helped install these on 2 other boats and my recommendation that if putting them in the gunwhales---put them as low as possible on the gunwhale--if they are 2 high on the gunwhale they will have a larger gap when the strap is extended near the gunwhale and he 2 rods cloest to the gunwhale will slide forward towards the console in rough water. Triton mounts their rod buckles too high on the gunwhale and they have this issue. Mount as low as possible by holding the frame against the floor and outline your hole that you will be cutting.
if they are tight against the floor they will work fine and will keep your rods tight without movement.

[Lea]

Larry....You want your reel ends at the consoles? I honestly have never seen anyone do that...

[NotEarl]

Three questions, with the reels toward the rear, won't the wind catch the rod tips while you are going down the lake and try to lift them? With the rod tips forward, it seem that it would be more likely to step on a rod and break it. Also with the rod strap mounted in the floor, will water collect in the strap reel housing and corrode the spring and metal moving parts?

[95202DCX]

To be honest, my answer is neither. I have installed rod straps on both of my Champs and I put them both in the FLOOR. I installed the holders by cutting a section out of the floor (just like with a recessed trolling motor tray) and screwed them down to the deck. The reason is simple. When you mount them in the floor, the straps hold rods much tighter than when installed in the gunwhale or using the "box" mounts. You'll appreciate this when running in really rough water.

I don't have a pic of the install but can try to take one if you like. When I order my next boat, I will be sure to order it WITHOUT the straps being mounted in the gunwhale just so I can do it this way again. I've been VERY pleased with the results thus far.

The best for truly secure rods, much easier to make go away with a new carpet job also!

[Bassboater101]

Three questions, with the reels toward the rear, won't the wind catch the rod tips while you are going down the lake and try to lift them? With the rod tips forward, it seem that it would be more likely to step on a rod and break it. Also with the rod strap mounted in the floor, will water collect in the strap reel housing and corrode the spring and metal moving parts?

You had to reply to this nearly seven year old post that bad?

[Lea]

I'm glad he found it. Very reasonable questions, IMHO.

[pcmc19057]

Three questions, with the reels toward the rear, won't the wind catch the rod tips while you are going down the lake and try to lift them? With the rod tips forward, it seem that it would be more likely to step on a rod and break it. Also with the rod strap mounted in the floor, will water collect in the strap reel housing and corrode the spring and metal moving parts?

Hi notearl
To answer your last question, yes it does but it took 4 years before I had to replace them.
This time I epoxied a 1/4 hose fitting on the bottom side and ran the hose to under the console .
That worked good.
Paul