Opinion needed

[Jim B]

I put together an anticle for the grab bag that i would like some opinions on before i email it to Rich to have him put it in the grab bag. I installed some road buckles in my boat and documented it. Let mee know what you think. Thanks in advance
http://home.earthlink.net/~gitzit/grabbag/rodbuckle/index.htm

 

[Rich Stern]

I love those things. Put them on my last Nitro. Wish my current Nitro didn't already have Rod Saver velcro straps, because I like the rod buckles better.



Good project.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

I notice that the new 929's have done away with the retractable ones. It's my guess that people let thm snap open and they were getting cracks at the mounting points. Either that or it looks to me where they are mounted it would be a prime spot for stress cracks....mine never have and I really like them, totally out of the way when not on use and nothing to trip over.



TOXIC

 

[TrepMan]

Great Job Jim! I wish my 175 had a place for them!



Now bigger question - what's the white stuff in the picture??? LOL

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Tox, a lot of guys I talked to on the trail didn't like them because in early tourneys when the temps can fall below freezing, they would ice up and not retract. Also, they have a tendancy to pull things in with them. I lost 2 SB skirts last year on Buzz's 896 until I learned to keep them away. Also the same reason they don't like the bolt on, retractable ratchet transom tie downs. You learn a lot of little tips you wouldn't normally think of from guys that fish 300+ days a year.

 

[Carlos Hathcock III]

Rob,

Why do they not like the bolt on retractable tie downs? I thought every one liked those?



Carlos

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Personally, I don't plan on fishing when it's THAT cold!! Carlos, I suppose it is because they either won't retract in the cold or won't ratchet down in the cold. I've fished in pretty cold weather and never had a problem. And the way I stow my rods for moving I guess keeps "skirts" outta them. I like um'!!



TOXIC

 

[Rob LaMoy]

They can freeze up. Jordan Paullo told me that last year at the rally about the rod straps. He orders his boats without them and uses something different. I don't remember what now. I can't recall who told me not to use the rachet tie downs but it was at last years FLW here. All things I hadn't considered. I don't like to fish when it's that cold either Tox, but sometimes when you're fishing for a living and you've already paid your $2500 entry fee, you fish no matter what! LOL

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

My biggest problem in the cold this year was pulling the boat to the lake twisting a turning, I must have shook loose some stored water and it ran out the open plug.....until it froze that is!! Then I get to the marina and can't launch because I've got a frozen drain and can't put the plug in!! Had to sit on the ground and shove my finger in the hole until all of the water melted. Felt like I was giving my boat an exam. Looked pretty silly doin' it also. We did bond that morning though!!



TOXIC

 

[Rob LaMoy]

TMI!!! LOL

 

[Jim B]

Thanks guys. I went with the buckles because of the problems ive had with other types of rod straps. Theones that came on the boat for some reason have a tendency to pop loose in rough water. I almost lost three rods once because of that. I also dontlike the velcro type, i have had them come open on thier own. Since i installed them i have been out a few times and so far i really like the buckles.



Rob i think you need to start dancin again. Trep need to see some snow.

 

[Texas Transplant]

No dancin! We are getting enough rain down here to choke a frog. We (state of SC) officially declared the drought over yesterday. Now we will probably get flooded.



Grab bag article looks good. I've got the same type straps on my new (older) Stratos that you 'had'.



Tex

 

[TrepMan]

Tim - Ohh, you don't want to go there! I'll add you to the Smack Down list!! LOL



I realy like the retractable ones, i added the plastic strap (like your old one) to my Pro Crappie 'cause they don't come with any. I did put the Boat Buckles on the trailer, they ROCK!!

 

[Jim B]

trep they make an adapter for the retractable ones so you can mount them on top of the deck.
http://www.imconet.com/rodbuckl.htm