Anybody know the exact diameter of the built in rod holders for the Outback

I'm working on building a custom rod holder setup out of PVC for my Outback.  I know 1 1/4" PVC fits but it is loose with alot of slop.  Anybody know if 1 1/2" PVC will fit or have any ideas to get rid of the slop besides wrapping the 1 1/4" PVC with some duct tape?

Sounds like a job for O-rings.

I built a downrigger for my outback at one time that had a post that fit in one of the rodholders... I wrapped the pvc with nylon rope secured by melting the ends... distributes the load over the entire bearing surface and has an amount of flex to it.  Fits good and tight, but no chance of getting stuck.

1.25" w/duct tape works great in my Revo flush mounts.

1.25" w/duct tape works great in my Revo flush mounts.

Thanks guys!  I think this is the easiest route for Rev. #1 of my custom PVC rod holders.  I'll update everyone once I have something to show for it.

For ocean fishing, I like to go with minimal gear. So I wanted to ditch my orange Plano box and still have the ability to carry 2 rods, a net, and a gaff. The duct tape method is not ideal--but it works really well. I suppose I'll have to replace the tape maybe once a year. They can be angled in a bunch of different directions. The Plano box still fits fine if I angle them to the side. And I put pool noodle inside to keep my rods from moving around too much...

Sin Coast - That looks beautiful and super functional.

That is a really good idea. Very nice Pat.

I wraped the pvc pipe in mine with electrical tape and its holding up great so far.

That is sweet! Great idea.  The plano box rod holders are ok for trout/bass rods, but not for the heavier setups. Yours looks very sturdy. I may have to go that route and put an extra fanny pack on my seat and do away with the plano box. Thx!

Peace & blessings!

Here is another way to do it with the PVC piping:
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=46313
While the above post shows the PVC piping in a PA the piping can be easily modified to fit other Hobies.