Fishing Forum

[cool][#0000ff]Longtime BFT tuber and tooner "pa" is no stranger to the "Tubeatorium". I have helped him with several pimpin' projects on a couple of craft. This Saturday he asked if he could come over to work on "a few things" for his 4 year old red Fish Cat pontoon. No problema. Right?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When we put it up on the "operating table" he began to list the things he wanted. Turns out he wanted a complete "modular" system...with rod holders, utility tool rack, sonar mount, etc. No problema? Well, just a matter of time and materials. Thankfully I keep a well-stocked garage with all things PVC.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]We started by adding a couple of simple PVC oar holders to keep his oars up out of the way while fishing...and while using fins to maintain position. These make it much better than having the ends of the oars flopping around and either getting in the way or whopping you in the chops.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most of the other stuff we attached by screwing down the cut-down openings of 1/2" PVC T's. We drill a couple of pilot holes in the PVC, place the piece on the frame and drill matching holes in the right position. Then a 3/4" metal screw anchors it firmly in place. After that you simply use short 1/2" PVC connecting links between the base and the elbows to complete the swiveling modular connections...for rod holders or tool racks. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here are the pictures...labelled for easier understanding. Let me know if you would like further details.[/#0000ff]
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Very nice![cool]
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Thanks Pat,
I am really going to enjoy using my toon again.
This time of the year, the water is just to cold for my old knees in a floattube. Tweaked and adjusted just a little after I got home( sushi board, net rack). Can't wait to get it out. I did add a little sealant in a couple spots. This frame is of quality steel and a few small holes should not have any effect on it's strength at all. Super excited about this.
Enjoyed working with you yesterday. Delores
is a wonderful lady and I enjoyed the lunch she brung us , as well as the smell coming out of your smoker.MMM. Thanks for the fish also. See you on the water soon.[]
pa
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very clean looking and very functional, might need to clean my act up!
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[cool][#0000ff]Glad I had all the stuff necessary to get you properly tricked out...including the color coordinated sushi board.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I figured you would have to do a little customizing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Stay in touch for later in the week...weather permitting. I have some big kitties I want to introduce you to.[/#0000ff]
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I'm wondering what your reason is for screwing the PVC fittings together as opposed to gluing them? Is it so that you can disassemble stuff in the event the design doesn't work out?
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[cool][#0000ff]I do both. But whenever working on new setups I usually use the single screw rather than PVC glue. It holds just as well and if anything breaks...or needs adjusting...it is easier to reset the screw than to break apart a glued connection or make an entirely new one. Recycling parts is more efficient.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In most cases the natural friction of the PVC connections will hold everything together. But there are some that need to be kept in exact alignment...like bait riggers...with precise angles, etc. That's when you need glue or screws.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Other connections that benefit from firm fits are wherever there is weight or stress applied on a regular basis. Not good to have a rod or pair of pliers topple into the water because you forgot to check for tightness.[/#0000ff]
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After losing two rod holders to the depths of Starvation this year I came up with a way to hold the pieces together and still have the movement needed. I found that the friction did not hold well for he holders. I got the threaded pieces instead and all I do is give it one or two turns to hold it in place and walla, a nice moveable holder.[cool] no more lost rod holders to the bottom of a lake.
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Tue Wed or Thur are all good days for me Pat. Just let me know. Thanks
pa
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