My milkcrate

Just getting it together, should I use xl zipties to get the pvc tubing to stay put?

might have the kids get it a paint job this weekend 

Nice... but have you checked the tankwell fit with the tubes on the sides like that?

The lid idea is key in a flip or surf mishap. Nicely done.

Nice... but have you checked the tankwell fit with the tubes on the sides like that?

ah, yes. If it fits in as-is,  awesome. i had to put the tubes inside when i had one, which prevented the lid mod.

Just a thought...put your fishing rods in the holders and then try to close the hatch. You might be spending a lot of time "adjusting" them each time you access the crate. Just a thought.

Nice... but have you checked the tankwell fit with the tubes on the sides like that?

It's going in a frenzy and at T minus 48 hours till launch ill make it work lol but yes I expect some adjustment and growing pains, a valid point sir I will be pulling the yak in the garage tomorrow morning for final fit

Just a thought...put your fishing rods in the holders and then try to close the hatch. You might be spending a lot of time "adjusting" them each time you access the crate. Just a thought.

I see your point and I'll see after a few times out if the fiddling outweighs the reward

Thanks all for the feedback 

I'm probably the only guy reading this board that has a Mirage Classic. the baitwell behind the seat is shallow and rounded.. i.e. won't fit a standard milkcrate and is a pain to deal with.. but the Classic was 1/3 the price of an Outback or Adventurer- so that buys some compromises.. I was going to try to soften the crate with a heat gun and "Form" it the shape of the baitwell... but haven't pulled the trigger yet... of course I'd be happier if someone else had figured it out first...

Just a thought...put your fishing rods in the holders and then try to close the hatch. You might be spending a lot of time "adjusting" them each time you access the crate. Just a thought.

I saw some folks that cut notches into the PVC so the reels sat in the slot.  I thought that was a helluva good idea.

Also, I saw another crate where they put a "pull cord" on the lid... because when opened, it was kind of a far reach for them.  Of course, I have yet to implement ANY of these ideas for my crate.  But someday...

I prefer to have the pvc rodholders on the outside of the crate. Angled away from each other to prevent rod damage etc. Although I haven't used the crate for years because they're awkward & unnecessary & cumbersome, for me.   Unless I'm using a tandem, then I'll strap it down in the middle.   

Pics from an old crate job in case looking for ideas.

Get crate:


Drill holes and secure with stainless screws/washers/nuts:


Attach pvc:

Bioman, I had a similar problem with small/rounded tankwells on the old Drifter and Scrambler models. The best fit was a short rectangular red Coca Cola crate. Like the one in this post: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=10645.msg96259#msg96259

Good suggestion. thanks!

It really all depends on what you have, I used to love the milk crate and survived off of using one for years!!! here are some photos of the setup I had, cost about $12 to make one too which was awesome!

Looks like your on the right track! Consider a spacer at the top securing point of the tube to tilt it outward. Reels will stay outward and tubes won't interfere with lid... I might make one just like it. Great crate Also I use SS bolt/nut setups to secure tubes. Tie wraps degrade amazingly fast in the cold and sun. Tend to break or fall off if you roll or snag the tube with the rod base. 

Just a thought...put your fishing rods in the holders and then try to close the hatch. You might be spending a lot of time "adjusting" them each time you access the crate. Just a thought.

I saw some folks that cut notches into the PVC so the reels sat in the slot.  I thought that was a helluva good idea.

Or just cut the tops of the PVC tubes at a 45 degree angle. The reels sit perfectly in them like that and it keeps them from swinging around and ending up in the way. Just make sure to angle the cuts away from your back so that the reels sit away from you and aren't a burden. Its worked out really well for me so far.

I'm probably the only guy reading this board that has a Mirage Classic. the baitwell behind the seat is shallow and rounded.. i.e. won't fit a standard milkcrate and is a pain to deal with.. but the Classic was 1/3 the price of an Outback or Adventurer- so that buys some compromises.. I was going to try to soften the crate with a heat gun and "Form" it the shape of the baitwell... but haven't pulled the trigger yet... of course I'd be happier if someone else had figured it out first...

I've never seen a Classic, but it has scuppers back there, doesn't it?  Attach short PVC pipe of the right diameter for the scuppers to the crate and use pool noodle sections or whatever you want on the PVC to level it.

No scuppers Tinker.. thanks for the thought.. I may have to go with flush mount scotties.. though I hate to poke holes in the boat!
I really thought someone would have figured out how to mold plastic to the shape of the storage area in these things...

Bioman