Another boat set up opinion page

I have a 1987 373 Range that I want to set up for cranking. It has a 36v trolling motor and a 150 Yamaha 2 stroke. I am PLANNING on running cranks by using the 36v tm, (no problem maintaining 1.5-2.5 MPH all day with power to spare) so that puts me in the front of the boat. I do not know what type of rod holders to get, nor where to place them. Either on the front deck with me, or on the back deck. I would think putting them on the front would be easier on me, but do not know for sure. I really do not want to use the outboard if I can help it with gas being so CHEAP now.
I do have pics if necessary, but I figure some of you cranking Guru's already have a good idea on what needs to happen.
I guess I need help with the basics, like what kind of rod holders/trolling rig I need to get. Also how do the different types of trolling rigs get anchored to the boat. The back deck has a railing, the front has no railing to mount to. I guess i would have to drill them into the front deck, which I am not thrilled about. Whatever trolling rig I get, I would like to be able to move it to my triton 1650 and mount it on the channelled rail for spider riggin/trolling.
Oh yeah, I read to page 62 on cranking 101 yesterday, and will try to read the other 60 something pages today, for more answers.

Just use whatever racks you would use for spider riggin and turn them to the side. I have Hi Teks and love them.

You can buy some driftmaster holders and they will bolt right on to the rail. That way you can take them on and off with no damage to the rail.

Well, pulling cranks with a FCTM is no fun because you have to stay on it. If you're dedicated to it and have another fella to handle fish, that's one thing, but by yourself....ug. Even if you're steering is tight enough to come off the pedal and leave on constant, you'll still need steering input to correct for waves and whatnot. Not a fun way to go.....but, if that's what you got, that's what you got.

Holders - no substitute with your TM for front deck mounting. Hitch is that tight turns are a problem when you're pulling way back, easier if you're power trolling or pushing cranks, but still an issue. It is manageable though as long as you don't get in tight confines, which is normally not the case.

Which Brand? Well, there's 2 you need to look at. Our very own EZ Holders from Gene and our very own Hi-Techs from Callshy. If neither of them will make you happy, you're just hard to live with and, frankly, more trouble than you're worth.

There is one more, if you're really adverse to drilling your deck. They make a bracket that clamps to your cleats and you'd screw in some driftmasters to that base. Drift masters are fine and work well, but I'd prefer the EZs or Hi-techs over them. One hitch with that set up is that your front cleats are going to be basically even with your pedestal, which is optimal for crank pulling, but less than optimal for pushing or spider rigging and your back cleats will be out of position for either as well. Still useable though.

Wannabe...

Thanks WB for the plug. Chilly, I live in Madison, give me a PM, we'll get togather and I'll show you what I have. Of course, I think mine are the greatest, but you take them, use them, like them, pay me. And too, I bet if I just say I'll treat at Hamels just down the road, I could get Maj to come over and fill you full of tips.

Feelay and WB are right on. EZ's and Hi-Tek are the best.
As for as using your TM for pulling, sell it and get a MK Terrova 101 with I-pilot. That way you can put your pole holders anywhere you want because you can steer the boat from front or back. Best $1500 you will spend.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by E-Z Poleholder

Thanks WB for the plug. Chilly, I live in Madison, give me a PM, we'll get togather and I'll show you what I have. Of course, I think mine are the greatest, but you take them, use them, like them, pay me. And too, I bet if I just say I'll treat at Hamels just down the road, I could get Maj to come over and fill you full of tips.

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He ain't kidding about that guaranty. He does bidness the old fashioned way....the right way. 'Course....I didn't get the offer of lunch with my set.....what's up with that? Must be some sort of coupon promotion deal.

Wannabe...

Thx Holic, and to all the good folks that either have em or gonna get em.. WB, you know Maj, you gotta put something on the table to entice him.. Hummmm, I'll have to give that coupon idea some thought,,,, I did, come on down, you're invited too..

Oh...one of them "must be present to win" deals. I get it. :)

Wannabe...

No problem, I'll send you a coupon, but it's one of those deals where 'I' have to be present for 'U' to win....

I win automatically on this deal.