PA 14 Rod Holder Removal

Question for the group...I have a 2014 Pa 14. I have a yakattack blackpak for all my rods and storage. Has anyone removed the 6 build in rod holders and covered the holes up with anything? I don't use the built in rod holders and was looking for any suggestions on how to cover up the holes to prevent the water from getting into that area.

Thanks for any tips and suggestions!

The rod holders have a large, rectangular hole that would be difficult to plug and not compromise flotation safety if you swamped the PA....... As a potential solution, leave the rod holders in place and then take a 2.5" OD pool noodle from the $ store....you will find it can be "stuffed" into the hole if you rotate it as you push into the hole......it will make a tight seal and the "inside noodle through hole" will basically close up.
After inserting about 2" into the hole, you can cut off the remaining noodle flush with the end of the hole.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I have a YakAttack Blackpak as well, but cannot understand why you want to remove the forward rod holders unless you really need the space in the forward hatch area. If you fished exclusively in open water, I could see the not needing the forward rod storage if all your rod storage was on the stern. But if you fishing in areas with low hanging branches or bridges, etc. those rod holders might come in handy. Just something to consider.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

It was done here. Many other nice ideas as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG1b3my8MIM

All valid points, i guess ill just keep them in. No real use for them honestly but it seems easier to keep them in.

Thanks again!

The built-in rold holders are a god send for ocean fishin. When launching/coming back in rougher weather, these are the only way to keep your rods safe should you flip.

They are sealed at the ends, so no water would get into the hull, so there's no point in plugging them.

Sent from my Surface Pro 3 using Tapatalk

Tennis balls, squash balls, handballs...something like that ought to be the right diameter, cheap and easy. If you don't push them in too far, they be easy to remove, too. Regulation sizes should be on the web.

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Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult
Pro Angler-14 owner

Two X for the handballs.. The blue ones work great. Good Luck.

24:16

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~YakAttack Pro Staff ~ LIVE Watersports Pro Staff ~ RAM Pro Staff ~ Power-Pole Micro Pro Staff ~ Columbia Pro Team~

I first tried stuffing the blue handballs in the tubes.......when I go from 600' elevation (home) to 3200' elevation (lake), they blow/pop out.
That is the reason I used a pool noodle that is stuffed in 2" as noted in my earlier posting above....no problem is popping out and is easy to remove if required.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Poke a hole in the handball to release the presure change when changing elevation. I think you will be happier with the balls then the noodles. Just my 2 cents worth... Good Luck