T TOP Rod Holder Question

peterb · #1 04-08-2005, 07:04 PM

All,

I have a quick (but possibly not so simple) rod holder question. I have a fiberglass t-top on my 23 foot SeaCraft SF . There is an metal frame that supports it. However, the frame does not run across the back of the t-top. Does anyone have any idea on hold I can mount a rod holder up top (with no back frame to connect it to)?

Thanks,

Peter

CaptScottNC · #2 04-08-2005, 07:22 PM

The boat I just looked at had a fiberglass hardtop (you can see it in the pictures on my other post just below yours) and what they did was through bolted a piece of flat aluminum to the Fiberglass hard top and there is a tube welded between the two flat pieces. The Rod holders are welded to the aluminum tube. It's all powdercoated white and looked very nice. Hope this helps.

I've been helped so muhc here I hope to help someone else out at least a little. This is zoomed in on that portion and you can make out the flat portion and the tube/holders welded to it. Looks pretty nice. You could make the flat portions wider/longer to provide more points of contact and anchors to makeit more secure if needed.
I zooomed and sharpened to show it as well as possible

peterb · #3 04-08-2005, 08:32 PM

thanks

So are you buying the boat in question? If so, can I ask the cost?

I bought the below noted boat in feb (that's when this picture was taken). I paid $14k. It came with twin 150 Yamaha's and alot of electronics. Also, the transom was rebuilt in 1998.

However, it has required a fair amount of TLC such as
- Replacing the bolster cushions & lean post seat covers (at a cost of $580)
- Replacing the t top enclosure
- Repairing the hynautic helm pump
- Engine tune up (twice the engines at twice the cost)
- Alot of teak cleanup
- Welded and reset the top frame

Also, the floor does have two soft spots (one small and one not so small). It would not surprise me if I have to replace the deck at some point down the road.

When you add this all up the $14k price was probably not the best deal of all time. However, she is mine and I will fish her "as is" for now.

Maybe I will have the deck work addressed next winter.

Good luck.

Peter

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Scott · #4 04-08-2005, 11:51 PM

Five rod rocket launcher … Bolted in eight spots and sturdy enough to hang off of !!! I have to say the core in this top is not light weight and does not compress so there is no need for any backing plates. All attachment points to the frame are the same. A lightweight foam/composite would most likely need some backing or it might crush.

peterb · #5 04-09-2005, 09:14 PM

Scott,

Is that from your boat? If so, may I ask where you got the rod holder?

What do you think of this one?

Peter [image]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=384&item=714819860 8&rd=1#ebayphotohosting[/image]

Scott · #6 04-10-2005, 10:02 AM

PeterB picture

Scott · #7 04-10-2005, 10:43 AM

Sorry Peter...

Yes those are from my top ... They came with the top and the Top came from the Carolinas.

As far as that rocket launcher ... Biggest thing I don’t like are the holders being screwed to the cross bar ... they should be welded (I'm sure that was done to make it "do it yourself" installation) Minimizing the contact between the Aluminum and SS hardware is good. Having SS mounting bolts are one thing … but those holders are clamped together using that SS hardware…. Lots of points for corrosion in the future more point for failure.

I think I would add another support from the cross bar to the fiberglass (unless you are only carrying light stuff up there. I would also add another holder .... you can never have to many holders on a fishing boat!

Have you looked local for a builder ?? There are some good ones local to the state plus they would build it as you want.

Trayder · #8 04-12-2005, 08:33 PM

Peter B-

That is a nice boat, did it come with that trailer as well?

I like the rocket launcher you found on ebay, i saw that a while back and it looks well built but as Scott mentions it is not quite as nice / or expensive as one fit to your boat.

peterb · #9 04-13-2005, 04:07 PM

No, I had to buy the trailer (not the one in the picture). i bought a 23' venture trailer that is 106" wide and can carry up to 5,400 pounds. The trailer cost $2,200 new.

welder · #10 05-23-2005, 10:53 PM

You can have a rod rack made with 4 rod holders that simply bolts to the glass or if you dont need four then get some with flat bar welded to them horizontaly so they can be bolted on individualy of each other ( The rod rack is the way to go tho ).

Ray. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]