Cooler Rod Holders/Rocket Launchers.. etc...

I have been searching for hours and hours and can not find the best way to add extra rod holders/rocket launchers behind the cooler in the back of my Outback. I am going to put one Scotty up front to replace one of the (too short built in) rod holders. I don't really care to have more than one rod up front (the one I'm using), as it seems to get in my way. I would like to have at least 5 holders in back. (for 4 rods (if I choose to bring) & a middle one to hold my net and a skinny flag pole). I have tried to rig some sort of pvc configeration without any luck so far (that doesn't get in the way of opening the igloo cooler). I am also wondering what size of stainless steel screws/washers/locknuts would be good to hold that '3 Rod-holder' that I've seen attached to the back of a cooler.. as another way to carry them behind me.. if I can't come up with something else. I really do not want to alter the cooler, only as a last resort (wondering if they would leak afterwards?). Also... Has anyone thought about putting a drain in that Igloo Marine cooler?
Thanks...

SheYakFishr,
For what you describe, I would recommend buying a 3 rod holder which you can purchase from Cabela's or West Marine and mount it to spacer board (plastic, hard foam, or wood). Then strap it to the cooler so you don't have to worry about hardware or damaging the cooler. The spacer material permits you to open the cooler lid without hitting anything and the holder could be easily removed to permit other uses. I have a 3 rod holder mounted on my crate and the clearance is pretty good without a spacer. Hope this helps!

SheYakfishr,
Don't know exactly where you were looking for info, but here is a pic from one of my previous posts that may help answer some of your questions. Check out the links below for other pics and the installation details. Lid opens beautifully with this rodholder--no spacers needed.



http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=2428

And maybe even this one too.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=2431

Have fun!
Dick

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I use a square aluminum bar to attach fishing rod holders to. You can use stainless steel bolts to attach all kinds of stuff to it. The rod holders can be removed by unbolting and removing them when you don't need them(like the photo in the link). The aluminum bar is cheap and can be had at any Home Megamart. Attach it to the metal cleats on your kayak with plastic zip ties so you don't need to do any drilling or complicated construction.
Also, like Dick, I have a rod holder attached to the bait tank; a piece of PVC tubing securely attached with duct tape.

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Waterman at Work - Kayak Fishing Photos, Video,Kayak Rigging - Blog

Thanks Windrider... Apalach... & ronbo613.

I'm either going to say.. to heck with trying to use that cooler for the beach or elsewhere... and just attach the 3-rod holder to it and go fish!! lol.. That certainly looks like the best way... Or.. I might attach it to a pc of thin marine plywood... paint it white and attach it to the cooler with a strap of some sort...thus making it useable for other outings when I am not in my boat.

Thanks again!
Pam

I agree with your idea of dedicating a cooler strictly for your kayak. It will make your life so much easier. I even use mine to store all of my yak-cessories (nautical maps, seat and extra cushion, PFD, etc...) when I'm not on the water. I don't have to go running around looking for everything...I guess you could store that stuff inside the hull but my '05 OB does not have that nice big hatch up front

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"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"

I only use two rods most of the time. Usually, I use the PVC "rod holder" taped to my bait tank to hold the rod that I use to catch bait. Trolling with two rods, especially with live bait, usually results in crossed lines anyhow.
Go out fishing a couple times and see how things are before any major construction projects. You want to spend most of your time fishing if at all possible.

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Waterman at Work - Kayak Fishing Photos, Video,Kayak Rigging - Blog

Don't feel bad ganiom... I also.. have an 05. Yes...that IS a VERY nice hatch up front. I don't need the cooler for storage... I have a dedicated large storage container that sits in the back of my CRV... with all my goodies in it. I try to make sure I have everything in the car so if I decided to go fishing after work.. I'll have everything. (I even keep some shrimp in the freezer at work.. for those spontaneous times). heheh

Yesterday evening, I finished putting in a 11x15" hatch where the tackle boxes go. Now.. I'm on the hunt for some tupperware or other container that will fit inside it. Geee.. it's always something.. I tell ya! laffs. I also installed a Scotty with extender over the right rod holder hole. Next project will be a custom cart... with fat wheels so I can pull my OB to the gulf.. then.. maybe a Fish Finder. It's been so hot here lately.. that Bimini top is starting to look real good.

I have fished a bunch off another yak (paddler). Just when I thought I had that one like I wanted, a few wks ago... I bought the Hobie and am trying to get it fixed up. I use the two back rods to troll.. (or bottom fish) then I also have two that I switch with different lures on them so I can 'plug' around while I'm trolling. I will also be attaching a flag to my set up.. along with carrying a net and or night light if I ever do that.

Hey Pam,

The tackle box area is perfect for a hatch...I put the same hatch there also. I do use if to store stuff but it is a little tight to get the PFD and the seat through the opening, unless you fold them up tight. That's a fun project, easy to do and opens a lot of very handy storage space that's easily accessed on the water for the older Outbacks.

I built a cart for about $25 bucks using threaded 1/2 inch galvanized pipe and T fittings from Home Despot. Schedule 40 PVC may work but I thought it may break so I went with the galvanized pipe. I used threaded rod for the axle and inflatable tires from Harbor Freight. I wash it down good if it gets into saltwater, spray with WD40 and I have not had any problems with rust.

Have Fun!

Mike

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"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"

Hey--you can still use the cooler with rodholders attached at the beach. No big ting--especially if you want to try some surf fishing. Just stake the cooler down and you have your rodholders ready to go!

I don't even use mine as a cooler much anymore anyhoo. As ganiom pointed out, I also use mine for storage and for stuff transport to and from the yak since I do mostly CPR now (catch, photograph and release). Or--just buy a sceond Igloo cooler--they are not that expensive in the 25 quart version. Or, get a Coleman 28 quarter at W-M for about 12 bucks.

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I you follow these simple instructions, you can build a lightweight, non-corroding, durable kayak dolly. I use mine to haul my fully loaded kayak across deep sand and knarly rocks, no problems. I've dropped it more than a few times, no damage.
Same here, plus CVR (catch, video, release). I'm putting the finishing touches on a new website that is going to have a lot of kayak fishing stuff, so stay tuned.....
I released three yellowtail today. The yellowtail are prized catches, almost nobody throws them back. I could hear the "thunk" of jaw hitting the deck when a kayaker nearby watched me take some video, then throw the fish back. And the private boaters, well when a couple of them saw me release a nice yellow, I couldn't tell for sure, but I do believe they were cursing at me.

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Waterman at Work - Kayak Fishing Photos, Video,Kayak Rigging - Blog

Ronbo... Thanks! That is an awesome cart! I also look forward to your website! That is very nice of you to make one to help people out. I can imagine the anglers on the boat was cussing.. lol.. I'd probably would have whispered a few myself. heheh. I LOVE to eat fish.. but I only keep what I will eat. I don't waste them. If I catch what I need.. whatever I catch afterwards.. I released them. I would of HAD to keep just ONE of those yellowtails.

I wish I could retire.. and yak fish every day!!.. but... that's not going to happen for at least another 8-10 yrs. It's the most fun thing to do in my life and I just can't get enough of it. Living on the gulf coast, there is such an abundance of water everywhere... if I went every day.. it would take weeks.. to fish them all.

Apalach.. I tried holding the holders together with a pc of foam against that cooler.. it worked good.. until I got back home.. picked it up.. and it fell apart. lol I'm going to HAVE to attach it to the cooler. I had to give it a try before I did.

ganiom/Mike... isn't your cart heavy.. with the galvanized pipe? Hmm.. everyone I've ever seen has been made of sch 40 pvc. I've been trying to find a nice size plastic container to go inside that hatch. First one from kmart is a NO-go... a little too tall and too long.. back to the drawing board! Will have to take measurements and go from there. I have been using a 'dry bag' from Ziploc. Has been working pretty good.. but would like a firmer container. Next I'll have to deal with the leaking aspect of my SUV. Will probably sit it down.. fill it with water and see if it comes out. Maybe I'm just all over the place and water gets into the rudder holes. lol That's for another day!

Thanks you guys for your input! I appreciate it all.

Hey Pam,

Ronbo's strap on cart is a great adaptation...I had not thought of such an approach. I figured if Hobie designed a scupper drain cart, that would be the way to go.

I will weigh it and let you know...it does not seem heavy to me. Using the 1/2" threaded pipe sections and T fittings was extremely easy. They come in pre-cut threaded lengths. Just some teflon tape and screw the pieces together.

I've been fortunate and have not had to deal with any water getting into my Outback. Maybe a few drops when I open hatches but no leaks...knock on wood...er I mean knock on roto-molded polyethylene

Mike

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"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"

Both the scupper and cradle dollies are valid designs, which one you use should depend on the conditions you operate in.
If you are hauling your kayak over smooth surfaces, like parking lots, docks or grass, a scupper dolly is the way to go. Easy on, easy off, quick and simple.
If you are pulling your kayak across deep sand, rocks or more difficult terrain, especially if the kayak is loaded with gear, a cradle dolly may be a better idea because a fully loaded kayak bouncing around with all the weight on the scupper holes and the hull between them may do some damage. I have never seen any damage while using a scupper dolly with my Hobie Quest, but I have seen damage caused by scupper dollies on other kayaks:

You may have noticed the dollies I've made are a little higher than some. That's so I can pull the kayak up a steep hill without the kayak hitting the ground.

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Waterman at Work - Kayak Fishing Photos, Video,Kayak Rigging - Blog