1974 Chieftan 21' 165 Mercruiser I/O

[Weep'n Willy]

In my book the more holders the better. As of now with the new elec riggers I will have 25 on the boat so I can position rods almost any direction I need. As I don't have a rocket launcher built yet I have to keep the assorted rods in the cabin. As far as more vertical or laid back like you have them is a matter of preference. I would think as long as your fishing deck is clear and the rods above do not interfere when you are fighting a fish then the laid back is fine, otherwise I would elevate them up more.

 

[64osby]

Looking good.

Definitely more angle on the holders. The rods will be slipping out to the deep blue with a big hit.

Why paint it? Shine it up.

 

[cj8mule]

In my book the more holders the better. As of now with the new elec riggers I will have 25 on the boat so I can position rods almost any direction I need. As I don't have a rocket launcher built yet I have to keep the assorted rods in the cabin. As far as more vertical or laid back like you have them is a matter of preference. I would think as long as your fishing deck is clear and the rods above do not interfere when you are fighting a fish then the laid back is fine, otherwise I would elevate them up more.

Thanks WnW. I'm going to put the 7 holders on there... that'll only give me 11 total, but I'm thinking about adding a few across the transom.

Looking good.

Definitely more angle on the holders. The rods will be slipping out to the deep blue with a big hit.

Why paint it? Shine it up.

Thanks 64osby. I'm going to angle them up some. There's a very small window of getting them up high enough to keep my 6' 4" boys from banging their head..... and me being able to pull a rod on my tip toes

 

[cj8mule]

I'm a visual kind of fellow so I threw the rocket launcher up on the boat to see how she feels. I like it except it's just a bit tall for me to grab a pole out of the rod holder. I'm going to redo the base and cut a few inches off. The heck with my tall sons

While it was up there, I also measured for the side grab bars.

 

[GA_Boater]

I'm a visual kind of fellow so I threw the rocket launcher up on the boat to see how she feels. I like it except it's just a bit tall for me to grab a pole out of the rod holder. I'm going to redo the base and cut a few inches off. The heck with my tall sons

While it was up there, I also measured for the side grab bars.

They're young and still have supple backs. :lol:

That is looking really nice, CJ. A few inches shorter won't make much difference except easier reaching the rods.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

The coverage area looks like it will give you plenty of shade with the top on. Lowering it is not a bad thing, the capt has to be able to get to his gear.

 

[dozerII]

Looking real good cj. Are there any front supports in the plan?

 

[cj8mule]

They're young and still have supple backs. :lol:

That is looking really nice, CJ. A few inches shorter won't make much difference except easier reaching the rods.

Very good point GA. I cut 3" off today and made some new mounting bases. I also got some new canvas from JoAnn's today for 75% off. SCORE!!

Looking real good cj. Are there any front supports in the plan?

Thanks Glen. I plan on side bars by the seats that connect to the side of the cabin in the stock place. Also, 2 short bars from near the front hoop down to the top of the cabin by the windshield.

 

[laurentide]

That looks great! It really finishes the boat and compliments the lines. Nice job, cj.

 

[MNhunter1]

Nice fabrication work! Saw these and thought of this thread...might be useful to someone... http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Tackle-...736876&sr=1-13 One left at $191.52

 

[astor]

Really nice work! looking foward to seeing it covered.

 

[cj8mule]

The coverage area looks like it will give you plenty of shade with the top on. Lowering it is not a bad thing, the capt has to be able to get to his gear.

The bimini I built last summer didn't cover the dash completely and my electronics were getting rained on a little. This top should cover 'em up. I hear ya about getting to the gear.... and this capt'n seems to be getting shorter and shorter every year.

That looks great! It really finishes the boat and compliments the lines. Nice job, cj.

Thanks chem.

Nice fabrication work! Saw these and thought of this thread...might be useful to someone... http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Tackle-...736876&sr=1-13 One left at $191.52

That rod holder looks like stainless! If so, that's a real good price. Thanks MNhunter.

Really nice work! looking foward to seeing it covered.

Thanks Astor. I've got tomorrow off and am going to brave the cold. I need to get it back on the boat and get the last supports fabbed up.

 

[cj8mule]

The front uprights are done as well as the side handrails. I got some etching primer done yesterday as some primer done today. Hopefully, some metallic flake paint will get done tomorrow and I can start sewing up the canvas.


There's nothing like watching paint dry... but progress is progress

 

[dozerII]

Looking good cj, if it wasn't for paint drying time when would you drink beer

 

[GA_Boater]

Don't we paint to give us beer drinking time?

Are you planning on snaps to hold the canvas down, CJ This is another inspirational project for us :greedy_dollars:less bottom feeders. You're saving a bunch doing it yourself.

 

[Watermann]

That's quite the rocket launcher there, no way I would even attempt such a feat! Time now to wash down the paint fumes with some barley soda. :very_drunk:

 

[classiccat]

Top Notch fab work right there CJ!!!! :madgrin:

 

[cj8mule]

I'm not finished with the rocket launcher, but am getting close! I still need to mount the side arm rails and front supports to the cabin. I also need to make a couple of end caps for the side rails, wire up the anchor light and install a deck light.

Here are some pics:


Installing some grommets



Trying to wrap the canvas onto the top..... this is definetely the wrong way!


Now.... this looks right!

 

[cj8mule]

Some more pics:


Trying to stretch the canvas tight



It's harder to stretch than I thought it would be



Set it up on the boat and got the main bases bolted down. Sorry about the grainy pictures... it was snowing on us

 

[cj8mule]

Pics cont....