Custom Rod Holder / Net Holder

[Rojo]

The Flounder run is on top of us and I need the little boat to run the lower deltas so I can fish for trophy Flatties. Also we can catch Bass, Crappie, Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Trout all in the same general area. A 5 minute boat ride in either direction will put you on different fish. I carry the long jig poles in the side holders / pipes, shorter jig poles in the Cockpit so additional Saltwater rods needed a place to ride without being in the way.



Here I'm trying to picture in my mind what I need to fabricate because it is going behind the helm seat but in front of the engine. It also needs to be narrow enough the aft hatches can open and lean against it so I don't have to hold the hatches up or install struts.



I had to extend the height so the spinning rods would sit within the holder well. Also using 1-1/4 Sch 40 Aluminum pipe with a full welded flange when thru-bolted I never need to worry about it coming off. Here I working out the spacing of everything too.



After TIG welding the 2 coped pieces of 1-1/4 pipe together I had to square everything up to weld the seam in the riser together.



Once the frame was complete I welded on a Tulip Rod holder with a kicker, this is to hold the landing net. So I don't loose the net in rough water I added a tab to bungee the net to securing it in the holder.



I was going to use butt end caps welding them on for a great finish but they weight a lot since they are billet so I'm ordering pipe plug/caps for the opening in the ends. The spinning rod holders are very close but need just a little tweaking before welding out completely.
Well I finished welding, sanded, and Painted the Rod holder today. It will be installed in the morning.

[SuperDave336]

Looks good.

[BuckeyeCrappie]

Quite the craftsmanship sir!