My take on the quick release, float, spool, thingy

With Dino season warming up so here in Wa I decided to make a new quick release anchor float. The last one I had was done very impromptu so this time I wanted to build it for real. Thought about ideas to make a compact system for a day or two and came up w/ this sketch:


It's essentially a shrimp float skewered on a piece of 1/2" pvc pipe w/ a few carabiners and rope.

I first drew out where to make the incisions. I decided to split the float in half towards the front so that it would most likely float vertically. That way it'd be as visible as possible when it came time to retrieve it and less of a hazard for boaters.


Then the channel where the rope would lie.


Split the bugger in half.


The way I fastened the float to the pvc is by bulking up the pipe w/ electrical tape and wedging the float over it. Then securing it by doing the same on the other end. I guess you could pour a glue like epoxy or something in the gap but the float doesn't take too much pressure so thought I'd keep it simple.


Wrapped the anchor rope the gauge the distance between the two float pieces and marked it on the pipe w/ a marker. Secured the rear float piece to the pipe and drilled the holes for the carabiners on the front and back of the pvc as well as in the middle where the anchor line would be attached to the whole rig.


I secured the line that went to the yak to the pvc and attached and wrapped the anchor line over it. I put a perfection loop on the rope that goes to the yak and threaded the anchor line through the carabiner up front. I decided to put the velcro wrap on the coiled rope instead of the float like in the sketch. It's a lot more sound there and less likely to be pulled off.


There you go! quick release, float, spool, thingy!
Total cost: $12

Z

Holy crap, MacGyver, can you make me one?
You must be dangerous with a roll of duct tape...

That is pretty cool Z!  How long did it take to make?  An hour or so?  When I finally get my a$$ in gear for sturgeon fishing, I'll be following your directions.

Michael

Very cool Z!  Another inventor in our midst. One word: patent!

Put either a wooden dowell in the PVC or at least spray some Great Stuff inside to give it some added strength.
Looks great.
How easy is it to hold and wrap the line onto it??

Thanks.

How long did it take to make?  An hour or so?

Yep, just about an hour. Really simple to make.

One word: patent!

I believe Insaneduane was the one w/ the original design so the patent goes to him.

Put either a wooden dowell in the PVC or at least spray some Great Stuff inside to give it some added strength.
Looks great.
How easy is it to hold and wrap the line onto it??

Yeah, I was actually thinking of using an old painting extension pole at first but was worried that the water might make it weak and fall apart.  Gotta love the Great Stuff! Thanks for the tip.

Good point on wrapping. I put the carabiner on the front to make it easier. It's a little cumbersome to wrap but having a compact unit is more important to me. Plus, I usually pull in the anchor and leave all the slack on my lap and then wrap it up. I'll leave the cranks and stuff to the real master craftsmen of NCKA.

Z

Looks pretty cool I got to upgrade one of these days I'm just using a Bumper. Could you drill a hole in the pvc and run the static line out the end and not have to groove the one end?

Could you drill a hole in the pvc and run the static line out the end and not have to groove the one end?

Yep, great idea!

Z