Modding the 'toon

Float Tube Fishing Float Tubing General
1

Hi! I’ve finally decided to start modifying my pontoon. This one side is a solid wood platform to help mount all the electronics (GPS, fish finder, battery and maybe a fish camera id I can find one small enough. There will be some room in the middle so I can mount a small tackle box. When this is complete I will start mounting the PVC on the other side to hold my rods, etc. It is held by 2 cam straps (likely 3 when i am done). Then a coat of black paint! looking for opinions on this. Does it look useful enough? also need some opinions on how to mount the transducer. I have that aluminum rod that may be helpful?[inline IMG_3374.JPG][inline IMG_3373.JPG][inline IMG_3372.JPG]

2

Nice work. Try using PVC to mount the Transducer. Here is mine.

3

I like that wood idea a lot. I was thinkinh doing something
like that to hold 4 fly rods. I still may do it…
Please post pictures of finish “product”.
I just put fish finder on my toon. Heres a picture or two.

Peter

4

Very cool. I use the RAM mounts as well. Love them. But I use aluminum…much lighter than wood, and water proof…[;)]

5

Thanks All, keep the ideas coming!

Flygoddess, I agree! RAM mounts are fantastic. I wish they were cheaper. As to the wood being waterproof, I plan on putting a coat of primer, then decent quality paint. I hope that will hold for awhile.

Now that a rod holder was mentioned, im going to look into that..do you all think it will hold? Im thinking the scotty rod holder below:

6

I love my Scotty’s. They have gone from boat to boat. I use the FF ones and love that you can turn them and adjust the tilt with a knob
Plus the accessories that fit in the base like:

http://www.cabelas.com/link-12/product/0030552017359a.shtml?cmCat=perf&rid=0987654321&cm_mmc=Performics-_-CSE-_-GoogleBaseUSA-_-0030552017359a&mr:trackingCode=DB5A84C8-958E-DF11-A0C8-002219318F67&mr:referralID=NA

and this:

http://www.jmsonline.net/scotty-anchor-pulleylock-pyt-276.htm?source=googleps

Pokymon has a wood deck on his boat and it is going on at least it’s fifth year.

7

Just couple of things-

#1- not too sure about paint. Try marine boat sealer. I have used that stuff on couple of projects and it worked
fantastic. Three coats of that stuff a you good to go.

#2- Scotty holders are GREAT. I use those for my fly
rods right now without any problems at all. I got
some on Ebay for $23.00 + free shipping.

Just my 2c[;)]

Peter

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This one is $20.92 + free shipping.

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These are the rod holder for my FC9.
The thing I like about them is I have had several 10 and one 15 pound cat tugging on these not to mention hanging up on the bottom as I am trolling, and they are tough. I like the pole lock I made for them, and I like how they mount. The union I added is to be able to adjust where the rods are sticking out or I can stake them off without taking off the base. Ron

10

Those are great Ron, but they aren’t adjustable. For me I am changing the angle of mine all the time. I have it up high and out the back, but then I can turn it to the side and straight out when two rodding it, or out front while I am moving and looking for something or eating something (hands free thing)
If I set it high, the tip of the rod helps set the hook.
I know you can make this out of PVC, but not as spur of the moment.

11

Sure they are adjustable. You loosen the union and they turn 360 degrees. You can point the rod anywhere you want. Ron

12

Up and down also?

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No up and down just 360 degrees, on and off. I have never been in a spot where I thought up or down would be cool. Ron

14

For me it is a must. I pack three rods all the time and coming into shore with trees or other pontoons, and like I mentioned about the hands free and second rod. I am raising and lowering the angle of at least one regularly.

I could get by without, but I can so I do…LOL

15

Hi, here is an update. I primed/sealed the wood then painted. Finished mouting everything. Sorry for the crappy pics…my camera fell in the lake (no joke) and had to use my cell phone..

16

Right on. Everything is on the right side, are you left handed?

17

Looks great!!! Are you lefty? Just asking.

Peter

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Nope, I am a righty. I have another rod holder that will go on the other side but have not had time to rig that up yet. I have 2 fishing trips coming up, but wont have time to do much more before the trips..

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right on, look forward to pictures and report.