Hobie Rod Holder for Salmon Trolling

All these ideas are really cool.  There are things about each I like.  Gona try RAM tomorrow and ask about the new unit Skidplate found.  Really nice to have some options too.  Thanks everybody for taking the time to put your information out there.  The help is truely appreciated -

Alan

I checked into the RAM unit Skidplate pointed out.  The size of the space it would fill was the same as the RAM wedge mount which proved to be too small.  I think I'm gonna try to adapt a RAM ball to some pvc pipe that can fit in the front rod holder.  About the time I get this done I'm sure RAM will come out with something better.  Maybe the sooner I get it done so will they.

Thanks for the help everybody -

Alan

Hmm odd. Why would they come out with something different... If it isn't.
Did you get a chance to see one? Thanks for the report back.

Alan, I have an idea. Would it be okay if it can spin freely one way and lock in the other? For instance, spins freely if turned to the right, but locks in  solid if turned left.

Wobbler -> Steve. I get up at 2 in the morning to pee or go be a fireman. I wait till daylight for other activities. Does look good I have to say.

Wobbler - As long as the rod holder system is able to stand up to trolling for salmon I think it would work.  My main concern would be getting a solid hold between the boat rod holder and the adapter.

Skidplate - I didn't see one but confirmed the diameter fit was the same as the wedge mount via RAM specs and their people in Seattle.

I ordered a Ram Press-n-Lock rod holder from Austin Kayak for my Outback. Interesting that after I open the package the instructions say it is not suitable to be used for trolling with a rod holder. Would have been nice to have seen this in bold print in the specs on the product. I still think it could have some potential but will require some mods to prevent it from turning in the boat when pressure is put on it. I also am surprised Hobie and Ram or Scotty or whoever haven't worked out a great solution to use the factory rod holder tubes with their hardware. If anyone comes up with a clever work-around please post a photo and show us how it is done.

Allen, you ready for me to drill some holes in your boat and install a Scotty, or Ram base for ya?

Scottie flush mounts can be installed right over one of the front factory rod holders, eliminating the need to drill a big hole in the boat to make it fit low.  Just 4 small holes for screws, backed with SS fender washers and the holes sealed with Goop. 

Easy Peasy!

Allen, you ready for me to drill some holes in your boat and install a Scotty, or Ram base for ya?

Scottie flush mounts can be installed right over one of the front factory rod holders, eliminating the need to drill a big hole in the boat to make it fit low.  Just 4 small holes for screws, backed with SS fender washers and the holes sealed with Goop. 

Easy Peasy!

INSAYN - you just want to hear your drill rev up!  Don't worry - I'll keep you in mind...

Alan

I ordered a Ram Press-n-Lock rod holder from Austin Kayak for my Outback. Interesting that after I open the package the instructions say it is not suitable to be used for trolling with a rod holder. Would have been nice to have seen this in bold print in the specs on the product. I still think it could have some potential but will require some mods to prevent it from turning in the boat when pressure is put on it. I also am surprised Hobie and Ram or Scotty or whoever haven't worked out a great solution to use the factory rod holder tubes with their hardware. If anyone comes up with a clever work-around please post a photo and show us how it is done.

Another think about some boat brands' molded in holders is that they do not have a raised cross piece in the bottom of the holder like the after market ones.  The RAM and Scotty et al. have a slot that mates up with this raised area and keeps them from turning.  You can see it on the bottom of the one in this picture. I wish I would have noticed that sooner on the RAM one so I could have warned you.  Sorry.

These are such great ideas, I can't wait to get my outback to do some of these tricks of the trade