Wedge Mount for Molded in Rod Holders on Outback

Hello everyone my name is Bill, I have been reseaching Hobies for almost two years and have decided now is the time! So I am going to be picking up my new 2011 Dune Outback in two weeks. I am so excited
I have seen a tun of videos and kayak fishing setup photos and on almost evey Outback setup, you see ram rod holders mounted in the utility trays just behind the molded in rod holders in the front. What I am looking for is a ram wedge mount that is big enough to fit in the molded in rod holders holes. This way the molded in rod holders will be utilized and I will not have to worry about drilling and holes in my new yak. Plus when I want to just kayak or put my yak on the roof of my suv it can all be removed. Now I know Ram makes a wedge mount for the sail/accessories hole near the front hatch and I do plan on using this for my fish finder. I have also seen Rams 5 place rod mounting base that can be used with the small wedge mount, but I would rather keep my electronics and rod holders seperate. I have looked everywhere and can't find anything on a wedge mount for the rod holder holes. If anyone has heard or seen anything like this please let me know. I am also considering trying to make my own wedge mounts using Ram product pieces, if you have tried this before or know someone who has I could definitely use some help.
Thank You for any and all your thoughts and advice!

I have the same question. I posted a topic on 3/23 called Rod Holder Help. I did get one response on a home made solution but I've yet to try it out. I'm hoping someone know of an accessory so I don't have to do it myself.

I'll follow your post, but let me know if you come up with anything and I'll do the same.

Congrats on the new boat.

Well I'm glag I am not the only one looking for this type solution here. I figured there would be alot of Hobie users who would love to see a wedge mount large enough to fit the molded in rod holder holes. Seeing all the kayak fishing setup photos I know there are some pretty smart and creative people here, I just figured someone had already accomplished making one or attemped it. Ram Mounts has a RAM Mount Suggestions page. I considered contacting them about it but when I ran into the three page Non-Disclosure Agreement you have to fill out just to say "hey make a 1.75" to 2" inch wedge mount just like the smaller 1in", I figured I would try this first. Hopefully someone will have a solution for this idea. I'll do the same and follow your post and if I get creative and come up with anything I'll will post it.

I'll se if I can find some pics. or make another and post a video.

They are not that hard to make.

Think:

Dowel (of the material of your choice) that fits almost snugly into the molded in rod-holder.

drill a 5/16 hole through center from end to end.

Cut it on a diagonal from near one end to the other.

Fix 1/4 -20 all thread to bottom and insert through hole to extend 1/4" above top half.

ram ball will thread onto rod and pull halves past each other and wedge into hole.

To remove it, unscrew the ball a few turns and rap it sharply. wedge will loosen and remove easily. ( thats my story and I'm stickin to it. )

Like any recipe, adjust it ( materials, sizes etc.) to your taste / needs.

Here is a quick model that is easier to understand than my ramblings.


I might make a mold for them if there is enough interest.

Good luck, Phill

Remember, the molded-in holders are not real strong. Tighten that wedge enough so it won't move may be more than they can take without deforming or cracking. May work fine, but be careful.

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Thats the reason for the very long wedge rather than the short one at just one end like the commercial ones. I should have added that the length is best adjusted so that the insert goes from the bottom of molded hole to just above top surface.

I should have also added that it does not require much tightening. there is a LOT of surface area hold here.

Thanks for the reminder Reconlon,

Phill

Nice! That was almost exactly what i had in mind as far as building the wedge mount. I was considering using some pvc pipe and the Ram 5 Place Rod Holder Mounting Ball 1.5" (part number: RAP-114-5BU) that sells for $9.36. I was also worried about cracking the plastic, and thought the length of wedge mount and overtightening could be and issue. That pretty much clarified everything I was concerned about.

Great Tips Guys, Thanks
Bill

I have been using the peel and stick foam on the outside of pvc and it fits super snug with no play and no damage to the plastic.

Wow thats another good solution, I hadn't even thought of that.
Thanks cnnashman

The homemade wedgemounts are very nice and i would of probably went that route, but i like the peel and stick foam (available at crafts stores) because they have worked great and i feel less nervous about developing a crack than i would with the wedgemounts.

Just wipe down whatever you plan on using the foam on with some alcohol, and your good to go, they stay solidly in place + its a cheap solution for many projects, i use the stuff for tons of things.Good luck

I made a removable pole holder and I used 1 1/4 pvc pipe and use pipe warp to keep it snug.