Simple 4 tube rod holder

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I am always playing with my PVC and trying to come up with new rod holder designs. Here is a pictorial on my latest innovation:[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here is a pic of the precut parts, with lengths of the tubes indicated. This was made to fit the Fat Cats, where the outside D rings are 13" on center. That dictated that the spacer tubes were 4" long. You can make them longer or shorter, depending on how you want to mount them or how many rod tubes you want. You could also do a 2 or 3 tube.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After the rod holder tubes are cut, I use a Dremel drill 1/2" sanding drum to buzz out the depressions on either side of the top, for the reel handle to fit into.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The next step is the gluing. Since you do not need to worry about holding under pressure, you do not have to use primer or a fancy gluing job. Just be sure to get the pieces straight as fast as possible, when gluing, because the cement sets up fast. Use clear cement for a neater job.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here is the assembled 4-tube holder, with the 2 nylon loops that will be used to attach to the D rings, and an illustration of how the bottom stabilizing bungee fits into the grooves cut into the lower tubes.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You don't have to paint the rod holder. Here is a green painted one...using an old can of green Rustoleum paint. Any good exterior paint will do.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here are the two nylon rope loops fastened to the D rings on the outside of the tube, waiting for the rod holder.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here is the rod holder with the first and third rod tube inserted down into the nylon rope loops.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]This shows the final step in installing the rod holder, before inserting the rods. You bring up the thin bungee cord from the bottom and hook it into the grooves cut in the two middle tubes. This pulls the bottom down and stabilizes the rod holder.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Now you can install the rods.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]This shows how the rods are spaced, using the 4" spacer tubes. You can make the spacing greater or lesser by using different sized spacers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]This was the first test of the new rod holder. Got a few nice cats.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another test run produced some wipers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]TubeBabe was jealous, so I made her a new rod holder too. She wanted purple glitter. She got it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here it is installed on her tube.[/#0000ff]
[signature]

[cat_man]

Sweet new setups Pat! Now, come on tell the truth, the purple sparkle is yours and the green is TubeBabe's right? [crazy][crazy]

I have never glued any of the sections of my rod holder, which is made of black ABS, not PVC. I have never had a problem with it slipping or anything (although I obviously use it far less than you).
[signature]

[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey TD,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Lavender sparkle ? It's just so not you - please say that one is for TubeBabe - otherwise that could be a fashion faux-pas as it does not accessorize well with the Fat Cat's original color theme. But, I like the design anyway. [/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Is that extra length on the lower units for leverage and to hold it close and to keep it from swaying ? As probably recall, my set up is quite similar(with the exception of the color scheme - I painted mine in camo colors), however, I haven't had a problem with anything except additional drag in the water - but, I'm sure with your greater turbo leg horsepower you wouldn't have to worry about that problem like I do.[/size][/black]
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]You are right. The lavender sparkle is for TubeBabe. Don'tcha know that all little old ladies like pink, lavender and other pastel colors? We are talking about repainting the whole Fat Cat to harmonize.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Actually, I made it for myself, but Mr. Larry, my fashion coordinator, told me that the colors would clash with my new lip gloss and eye liner. I need to find something more in a muted burgundy.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I prefer to have my rods a bit higher out of the water than your setup. Plus, the SFC naturally rides a bit higher, even with all of the weight mine has to carry around. In short, the extended "stability tubes" do not ride enough in the water to create a noticeable "drag" (hate that word, silly).[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here is an archive pic of your setup, just for the sake of comparison.[/#0000ff]

[signature]

[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Great photo ! I remember when you took that. That was the earlier proto type taken from one of your ideas if I remember right. It has since gone through a few itterations(like extentions to separate the rods a little more like your's and a camo paint job - no photos yet) but, it still rides a little low in the water(I still have to address that). I still haven't glued it yet(unfortunately that has lead to the loss of a couple of the lower units to the depths somehow). [/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Burgundy ... ? Maybe beige or even taupe or fuscia - you know to compliment or maybe contrast. After all, it's TubeBabe that has to look at you. Just a thought.[/size][/black]
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]We have a [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=202149;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"]PICTURE BOARD[/url] (link) that includes a thread on rod holders. There are lots of designs there, including some for fly rods. Check it out and get back to us if you need specific help. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the meantime, how about registering and joining the group?[/#0000ff]
[signature]