Gunnel Rocket Luanchers

[Raining_Kings]

I need more rod storage on board my North River, especially when "running and gunning" for Sturgeon. Ideally I'd install a Tower, but height limitations in my Carport limit that option. I know I can do a folding tower, but have ruled that out as well for various reasons.

Saw some Gunnel Rocket luanchers at some shows, but I THOUGHT the cost was high. I thought I could make those, and I can, but in the long run would have been MUCH cheaper to buy the manufactured ones. Then again I always wanted to learn to tig weld.

Before I go to drilling more holes in my boat I thought I'd ask if anybody else has used Gunnel Rocket Luanchers and had any regrets? I'd hate to put holes in Gunnel then realize I don't like them.

Also any suggestions for how far forward to mount them? I'm thinking about 1ft in front of where the back curtain cover would go.

Lastly, would you be too embarrased by that crappy weld job to actually install these? Plenty stong welds, but not too "pretty".

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/P2230658.JPG

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/P2230689.JPG

[trap50]

Would there be any problem as far as weights ect. bouncing against side curtains?

[Raining_Kings]

Looks like the rods will clear the side curtains by about 8". I also use snap swivels on weights and the rule is to remove them before moving (hate the lead smaking rods, boat and heads). I've been using those little Velco wraps for Divers and other more complex set-ups, to keep them from moving around too much when under way.

[goatram]

Looks good to me. I went with four to a side cantered up and outboard on both sides of the boat and ten across the back.
Made my own too along with the arch. Welded and powder coated to match the boat.