Pimp'n a P-15, noob-style

So I've started to slowly get my new P15 angler in shape... so far I've installed a Scotty rod holder in front of the right side footwell and built Version 1.0 of a gear-box/rodholder.  All fasteners are zinc so they shouldn't get too buggered up by saltwater.

Here's pics of the rod holder setup...





As others have recommended, I opted to install a backing plate to better spread the rod holder load over the relatively thin sidewall of the kayak.  I used a piece of nylon cutting board cut-to-fit.  I also noticed that a plastic pad eye has nearly the same bolt hole spacing as the bolt holes on the Scotty mount, and I installed two pad eyes on the inside of the kayak to facilitate cable management once I install the FF.



Here's pics of Version 1.0 of the gear-box/rodholder...







This is not the same box that everyone else is using, although it's a close copy.  It is manufactured by Flambeau and it fits very well into the fitted slot in the tankwell.  It sits flush with the bottom of the tankwell, and I only need to Goop a couple strips fitting foam to the sides to match the longspan width of the fitted slot and produce a snug fit... the shortspan width is already perfect fit.  I got this box at K-mart for $11.99!  I used 1.5" diameter PVC for the rod holders mounted with 1.5" pipe straps to more of that nylon cutting board, all bolted to the box and backed with washers.

Future pimping includes an Eagle 245DS fishfinder, which Bass Pro Shops tells me will be delivered tomorrow... unfortunately I'm going deer hunting this weekend so I won't get to mounting the FF until next weekend.  For symetry, I'm contemplating mounting the same Scotty mount in front of the left side footwell, and then using a Scotty-to-Ram ball with a Ram-style plate mount for the FF... that should give me flexibility for as long as I own this kayak to mount whatever fishfinders (and other accessories) without ever needing to drill additional holes... that's the plan at least.

In spite of (or because of?) the yum-yum yellow waterfowl-beware color, in the fall I also plan to rig a contraption (a la insaneduane syle) that will allow me to cover most of the yak with mesh camo netting just by pulling a line or two... I will be using this yak on occassion for duck blasting at outter Bair Island in Redwood City (perfectly legal during hunting season).  The shotgun can easilly be stored below deck, and six or eight decoys can ride in the tank well... That should make for a unique original gangsta yak pimp'n picture...

Cheers, Backcountry

 

My old crate setup looks so ghetto to me now .
I think the rod holder and utility box need to fade a little and get some scratches & fish scales on them Backcountry, your setup just looks too nice right now!
Nicely done installs.

BC, It looks like you used galvanized mild steel hardware. You might have to paint it once in a while if you take your yak to the salt. Even stainless will discolor after prolonged exposure in the ocean. Putting sealant under and on the fasteners will help too. I use stainless, bronze, or plastic if possible.

I use my P13 to bag a number of ducks, especially Woodies, each season. The old yak seems to make a good waterfowl platform . Good luck!!

Bill

BC, It looks like you used galvanized mild steel hardware. You might have to paint it once in a while if you take your yak to the salt. Even stainless will discolor after prolonged exposure in the ocean. Putting sealant under and on the fasteners will help too. I use stainless, bronze, or plastic if possible.

Now that you mention it, the pipe straps definately are galvanized... maybe the washers too... but the nuts and bolts came from a box marked zinc... (probably plated?).  Regardless, as PISCEAN noted, my shizzle is waaaaaaay too clean right now and could use some blood, scales, sun exposure, and undifferentiated grime.

The christening voyage was last weekend... went out for a half-day at Lexington, mainly to make sure I didn't get a lemon with leaky scuppers (it's all good! not a drop inside the hull)... nuthin on the troll, but did C&R a couple ~ 1 pound bass...

Hope to make my first saltwater excursion sometime in the next few weeks... looking at the bay for butts if there are any still around...

  Backcountry

BC, It looks like you used galvanized mild steel hardware. You might have to paint it once in a while if you take your yak to the salt. Even stainless will discolor after prolonged exposure in the ocean. Putting sealant under and on the fasteners will help too. I use stainless, bronze, or plastic if possible.

Ditto.  I try to minimize the use of any metals that will rust because saltwater will just tear it up even if you're good about rinsing off with freshwater.

I do like BC's resourcefulness.   

BC, what is dimension for Flambeau box? Is it Flambeau 1499 Zerus
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0037394120906a.shtml

An alternative way to mount rod tubes to Plano box or crate with minimal use of corrosive metal parts.  If the countersink holes are done carefully they will hold the SS countersink screw snuggly and allow unimpeded insertion of your rod butt into the tube.  The initial hole is drilled through both sides of the tube to permit countersinking the interior surface and easy access to tighten up the screw.

I like making my own stuff, but sometimes it's just more feasible to buy what you need right off-the-shelf.  Berkley makes 3-rod holders for about $12 that fit perfect on the back of orange Plano Box.  They're lighter, more sturdy, and requires less nuts & bolts.  The two horizontal supports do a nice job of placing the tubes far enough out of the way so you can open the lid without hitting your reels.  The holders even come in your choice of black or white.

My stitched -together long crate is starting to disintegrate, so this idea looks worth pursuing as a winter project - I searched for what others are using and came up empty.  What kind of boxes is "everyone" using, and will the "noob's" crate do as well (excepting the hardware, tho this stuff isn't going to last forever anyway)?  I can see that it would be nice to keep my fishing tackle and sandwich dry, and I'd sure want a solid closure on the lid, in case I roll or flip, maybe some extra bungies.  That Cabela's box has a tray inside. Is that just an invitation to spilling anything I put in it in the drink as I try to get it out on the water?  Does anyone use a box and then a crate behind that? The dimensions of the K-Mart crate would be appreciated, and is it made of something kind of flexible, or at least not brittle? Thanks

I've been using those flambeau's for a few years now.  they fit just right. It is just like the plano, with gasket and all.  You can come check mine out Tom if you want.

Allen