New Fat Cat Seat & Rod Holder

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]As promised, here are the first pics of my newest PVC creation. I finally got tired of having a tired back, from the low backrest on the Super Fat Cat. So, I whupped up a highback insert, and added a couple of riser and angle rod holders on the front. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been playing around trying to come up with a sensible way to fish with two rods, where the two rod permit allows it. This design keeps the second pole line out far enough to the side to avoid snagging the line with the second rod. I drag bait on the side rigger and cast plastics or other lures with my second rod.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I haven't had a chance to try it yet, other than sitting in it to make sure the fit was good and that everything was properly positioned. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have attached pics, with sizes and dimensions of the components. I used 3/4" PVC for the main frame, 1/2" PVC for the two cross supports and 1" schedule 20 PVC (lighter weight) for the rod holders. They slide down over the 3/4" risers and are locked into position with pins or bolts. I couldn't find any suitable pins before taking the pics, but will replace the bolts and wing nuts as soon as I can find some.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I drilled holes at 4" intervals on both the seat portion and the back rest, to allow weaving a support with 1/4" nylon rope. The next model, which I am making for TubeBabe, will not have the rope, but will have a sewn tube of tightly fitting nylon mesh slipped down over the frame. Will post pics of the new model when finished. As you will see in the pic, I slipped my flotation vest down over the frame both as a convenient place to store it and as some additional cushioning.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the notes I made on the rod holder pic is that you should measure the rods you will be using in the holder before making the final cut on the tube. I tend to build my rods with shorter rear handles than some. I cut 11" tubes, with a 1" slot for reel seats. That means that I cannot safely fish with a rod handle longer than 10" beyond the reel slot.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Similarly, most of my rods have reel handles under an inch in diameter and they fit nicely in the schedule 20 1" tubes. If you use larger handles, or want more strength, you will need to upgrade to 1 1/4" schedule 40 PVC, and change the 3/4" riser to a 1" riser.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My whole system, complete with rope, fittings and rod holders, weighs in at exactly 3 pounds. That is too much extra weight and bulk to carry very far, but wherever I can drive up and drop in, it is no worries.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If someone were to want a heavier duty model, one could make the main frame from 1" schedule 40 PVC. That would add some weight, but would be a lot more sturdy. I weigh over 250, so we will see how the 3/4 inch stuff holds up to my action.[/#0000ff]
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[doggonefishin]

Looks nice, You will be doubly outfishing the rest of us at Utah Lake. What are you going to do when you get a double? []
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[Dryrod]

[cool][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 4]Hi there TubeDude, A beautiful setup indeed. But darn you I wasn't looking for another project at this time. You know me as what ever I do will have to be different with the same concept in mind. If the Outcast people get a hold of your creation Pat, they just might want you to some consulting work. [/size][/green][/font]
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[zonker]

[black]Wow! That's quite a rig. TubeDude, you're the Friar of Float Tubes, the Picasso of PVC, the Boss of Belly Boats.

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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]"Double my pleasure. Double my fun." Wait a minute, I don't even like Doublemint gum.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I usually don't fish two rods unless the action is slow on the plastics or other lures I am throwing. But, when there ain't much goin' on, I will soak a crawler or piece of fish meat for cats while I keep chuckin' and windin' lures.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, you raise a good question. How about the potential of a double? Actually, I fish the bait rig with an open bail, with the line clipped lightly under one turn of a rubber band. When a fish whacks the bait, it pulls the line free and can swim around with it. As soon as I see that...if I am reeling on the other rod (with or without a fish)...I reel in the first rod and set it in a rod holder before picking up the bait rod and setting the hook.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]What can be exciting is to hook a large active fish on the lure rod and have to control it to keep it from turning the tube around and or tangling the line trailing out from the bait rod. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Some problems are more fun than others.[/#0000ff]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Hey Ted, while I prefer the Outcast tubes to most others, I DO have some beefs with the designs (mainly aprons and backrests). However, all of my attempts to contact Outcast to suggest upgrades or modifications have fallen on deaf ears. They do not respond.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]At one time, I put together a query letter, summary of chapters and a couple of chapters of my book and sent it to Outcast to see if they would care to participate (monetarily) in return for some favorable mentions in the book. Same thing. Not even the courtesy of a reply.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]By the way, after I have the chance to play with this design on the water, I already have some modifications in mind. One of the first things I discovered was that it is bulky to transport. Two of them in an already fully stuffed Jimmy requires some arranging. So...if I can find some of the pins I am looking for, I am planning to join the back and bottom with pins, at the joints, instead of cementing the PVC.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am also thinking of using a pin joint for the rod holder risers. This will allow me to fish without the obstruction of them, when I do not want to fish the extra rod. It will also allow me to use a single vertical tube on my rod arm side, as a vertical holder for the rod I am using while I rerig, work with fish, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I will post up the pics of my modifications. If you come up with something, I would like to see your handiwork too. You are pretty handy with the PVC your own self.[/#0000ff]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Chee, tanks zonker. But, I'll just settle for dude of the tube. [/#0000ff]
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[petty4life]

looks good. Oh great master Tuber[][][][][][][][]
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