Rocket Launcher advice - custom build

[HugeDuckFan]

My boat is heading to Samson Marine for some additional rod storage across the rear roof of the boat. Looking for input on how to stack the rod holders across the rear with the following areas of concern:

Height - Myself and another 6-7" can move rods around up there quite easily. Anyone else, access is tough due to the height. I have to have the walkway clear so I don’t pound my skull on the rods/gimbles, etc… How to maximize storage, and convenience for other fisherman while minimizing KO’s for the larger crew.

Number of rods: How much separation should I have between each rod holder. Don’t wants reels banging into one another. I will have size 30-80 reels up there at any given time.

Trolling from the RL. I don’t expect to troll much from the overhead RL, expect perhaps a shotgun line, so this would mostly be for storage of gear while underway, with ready reserve rods, casting rods, etc… The RL’s on the side pillars (3 each port & starboard) hold most of the gear for trolling.

Other considerations? I have (3) deck lights, a camera and an anchor light back there, see attached pics. Any guidance/comments would be appreciated.

I am considering 2 staggered rows, and setting the gear back, so it’s cantilevered over the deck without getting in the way of outriggers, boarding and accessing the raft. I've uploaded some pics of the back end of the boat.

Thanks,

[Metal Manipulator]

First I would remove the center deck light. Then I would put the two deck lights on the Rod bar along with the camera. But this leaves holes in the glass.

Minimum centerline between the rod holders should be 8" if you have 80W's then 10"

Double bars for strength, and for mounting Antennas, GPS and Radar reflector. Keeping in mind of course the outriggers.

If they keep the size down to 2'X5' then you can have it anodized or I would recommend plasticoat a very good product and great for saltwater protection.

I have seen some of their work and it is good. I'm sure they will help you with some input on your needs.

Hope this helps

Robin

[ORhunter]

I mounted mine on the handrail along side the cabin. No head banging and shorties can reach easily.

[HugeDuckFan]

OR Hunter: Considered a side mount, but wish to go aft, since the boat is a walkaround and we frequently scrabble up the sides to cast fishtraps. An excellent idea if push comes to shove.

Wet fly, great comments, thank you. I thought about moving the 3 decks lights and camera, but it required a bunch of glass repair, still not out of the question as it would clean things up considerably and have a markedly commercial look to it. I have an overall height issue to consider the rod holders too, but I think I'll be just under 14' on the trailer with my current expections.

I was thinking I'd match the angle of my corner pillar RLs, unless they got prohibitively tall, even for my frame. Keeping the rods out of the way of anyone casting is important too (thanks BW)

There won't be any radar, vhf or other items on the crossbar, that's all forward on the roof. Only rods holders, maybe a few lights and a camera : -). If Samson has their way, I'll have a couple boom boxes up there too (NOT!).

Anodized, yes. A must for protection and to match the other aluminum tubes on the boat.

How much room should I leave at the bottom to allow rod butts to hang out?

Thinking I'll run a couple grab bars along the roof line as well (for the walkaround), either connected to the rod holder, or by themselves.

With some of the comments received, I have a rough idea of a plan that should work pretty well. Should fit 13-15 rod holders and not interfere with the outriggers. I'll CAD it up tomorrow and post if for comments.

[bait boy]

Originally Posted by HugeDuckFan

How much room should I leave at the bottom to allow rod butts to hang out?

Rod butts should sit such that the reel seat is about an inch above the rim of the holder. I've seen some pretty substatial wear on reels that have to ride on the rim of the holder not to mention the damage to the holder rim over time. Putting the gimbal pin in should help tremendously to keep things stable and keep the reels from knocking each other around.

[Metal Manipulator]

The rod holders should have gimble pins in them, do not put them on if they don't as the reels will ride on the rod holders. This will also help with the clearance. The rod holders should lean 15 deg. aft so the rods will ride stable.

Here is the one I designed for a flat cabin top, I like these as it incorperates a hand rail which is nice. With your boat I would design it a little different because you already have outriggers on your hard top. Hope this gives you some ideas.