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A list of kayaking “how too’s” |
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Making “rocket launcher” style rod holders |
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Adding your own rocket launcher style rod holder to your flush mount rod holder is easy. This was a way to have the best of both style rod holders. They both have there place. Flush mount rod holders are clean and low profile. Rocket style rod holders keep reels and rods high and out of the water and make it easy to grab and fight a fish.
Measure your flush mount rod holders first. Use what ever pipe that fits your particular set-up. The length can differ for your particular model or set-up. I.E. different flush mount rod holders, different rods
Materials used:
1 ½ PVC pipe (I used schedule 40) 1 ¼ PVC pipe (I used schedule 40) Reducer bushings (male end for the 1 ¼ and female for the 1 ½) PVC cement |
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Cut a piece of 1 ¼ PVC pipe to approximately 7 ½ inches. This will be the piece that slides into you flush mount rod holder.
Cut a piece of 1 ½ PCV pipe to approximately 8 inches. This will be the part that your rod butt will slide into.
You will need a reducer bushing. This is a two part bushing. The male in fits the 1 ¼ PVC pipe and the female end fits the 1 ½ PVC pipe. I cut the male bushing the same angle as the flush mount rod holder. The angle is around 33o. I left about ½ inch on the inside of the short end of the cut. This makes for a nice snug fit and reduces the top heaviness of the PVC rod holder. There is the potential for a lot of torque if you are not careful. Just glue… screw… and fish… You’re done. |
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A few more pictures… |
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Bonus. To flare the end of you rod holder all you need is a heat gun and you favorite bottle of wine. Just heat the end of you rod holder (rod butt end) on the inside and outside. Only need to heat the top inch or so. Then use the open end of your wine bottle and the PVC will roll over nicely. Just flare to suit your needs. |
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Adding your own rocket launcher style rod holder to your flush mount rod holder is easy. This was a way to have the best of both style rod holders. They both have there place. Flush mount rod holders are clean and low profile. Rocket style rod holders keep reels and rods high and out of the water and make it easy to grab and fight a fish.
Measure your flush mount rod holders first. Use what ever pipe that fits your particular set-up. The length can differ for your particular model or set-up. I.E. different flush mount rod holders, different rods.
NOTE: I am using Crack of Dawn flush mount rod holders. Some of these will NOT accept the 1¼ PVC pipe. If you have the option to “try before you buy” this will keep you from having to search for one that will fit. Not all COD rod holders are the same.
Materials used:
1½ PVC pipe (I used schedule 40) 1¼ PVC pipe (I used schedule 40) PVC cement Heat gun
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Cut a piece of 1¼ PVC pipe to approximately 7½ inches. This will be the piece that slides into you flush mount rod holder.
Cut a piece of 1½ PCV pipe to approximately 11 inches. This will be the part that your rod butt will slide into. |
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I found the next few steps are best done in this order.
After you have all your PVC cut mark 1¾ inches from the bottom of the 1½ PVC. This line will be a gage of where to apply heat. Apply heat from the gun (a torch will scorch your material) on both the outside and the inside. Heat until soft and pliable. Using a scrap section force the 1¼ PVC into the 1½ PVC. Check to make sure you get a good straight fit (lay on flat surface and roll). Do not leave the 1¼ PVC in the 1½ PVC; it makes it tuff to remove later. |
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Once done it should look like this. Slightly flared at the end. |
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Next you want to cut the 28o/29o angle on the 1½ PVC end that will receive the 1¼ PVC (use your flush mount rod holder as a guide) |
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Then you can flare the top of the rod holder. I didn’t flare first because it would not have sat flat on the miter saw table. Glue your 1 ¼ PVC into the 1 ½ PVC.
This is with the scrap piece out. As you can see it would be hard to apply steady pressure with out a good flat bottom. Let’s get ready to flare the top… Flaring tool. Mine was about 12 bucks. A (empty) Chianti bottle. Different shapes will give different flares. Heat the top ½ to 5/8 of the 1½ PVC and flare. NOTE: to get the markings off the PVC acetone does the trick. |
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There is the potential for a lot of torque if you are not careful. Just glue… and fish… You’re done.
A few more notes that make for a better holder.
Heat the PVC evenly or you might get less than desirable results. Make sure you get a good seat between the 1 ¼ and 1 ½ PVC. A strong glue bond is desired. After the top is flared smooth the inside and outside edges, this will keep from shaving you rod butt every time you load it up. |
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A few more pictures… |
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Making a “rocket Launcher” style Rod Holder Update 2 |
