Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Misc. storage techniques on a 17' boat..?

Posted by Finnegan on 08/28/15 - 6:30 PM
#12

Jay - I do use my fender pole idea on the Montauk also, although the photos on website link were taken before the rod holders were installed on the rails. They are the standard design, 24" long, with three 1'2" diameter holes at the top, spaced 1-1/2" apart vertically. For line, I use 1/4" three strand nylon, with a 3' length attached to both ends of the fender. When the fender is hung vertially, as it is most often, the other line just goes into the water. It is only used when I have to have the fender hung horizontally. The poles are made from 1 1/4" dowel, stained with teak color stain, and varnished.
Each fender/pole combination goes into the front cooler when the boat is on the trailer. I carry two per boat.

They are easy to thread. The line from the fender goes through either the top or bottom hole, then back through the middle hole, and back through the third hole. The "tail" is then tucked back under the first loop, where the weight of the hanging fender cinches it tight. They are easily adjustable in seconds.

The whole idea is extremely easy to deploy, and anybody on the boat can do it, even kids, with no skill whatsoever required, no knots to ties, etc.. Just drop it in the rod holder, or if already there, just flip the fender to the outside. The correct height is pre-set for most conditions. Underway, the poles just sit in the rod holder, with the fender hanging on the inside of the boat. I have also carried them in the RPS seatback rod holders when underway, with the fenders hanging behind the seat.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...2336187513

The biggest issue most people have is the expense, because typically 4 rail mounted rod holders (if you don't already fish) are required, and if one uses the chrome-on-brass models, are about $100 each. I use either the old Lee versions (no longer available) or now the the Perko model, a very nice quality item. There are also cheaper SS versions available from West Marine, China, etc. I got into this idea because I used to do a lot of fishing, and had all these rail mounted rod holders on the boat anyway.

Recessed gunnel mount rod holder can also wrok, if they are the 90 degree vertical type. The 30 degree angled ones are not so good for this purpose, and look funny when used this way.

On the Montauk, I have one mounted on the aft stantion of the bow rail, and also the aft vertical (not curved) stantion of the side rails. It works well.

In this photo of my 21 Ribside, you can see them deployed for my approach to a floating dock. Even when alone in the boat, they are simple to use.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...9044003912