New FC4 owner, rigging question

[coreyva]

I just dropped for a FC4. I've had a 9' outcast tube that works well, but wanted something for lakes and slower waters. I've been looking over the rigging pics, but am wondering if the homemade PVC creations are being attached to the bottom somehow as well. I see the two D-rings on the side, and I know there are a few on the bottom, but haven't seen anything attaching them to the bottom. Is this needed, do the racks flop around if not tied down? Just looking for some guidance before I head off to home depot.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Welcome aboard. Good question on securing the bottom of the rod rack. You do not HAVE to anchor it down, but it helps keep the rods from flopping around and getting in the way of the rod you are fishing with. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have tried a lot of different options. Attached are a couple of pictures. One is of a piece of stretch cord attached between two of the bottom D rings and stretched up to fit into grooves cut into the bottom of the rod tubes. The other is of short lengths of stretch cord with S hooks attached to fasten to the D rings.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I currently use a modified version of the S hook design. I use caribiner type snaps on the end of the cord. They stay fastened better but are still easy to unhook for breaking everything down.[/#0000ff]
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[coreyva]

Perfect, that's what I was looking for. Now I just need to figure out what design will work best for me.
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[SHigSpeed]

Here's a pic of my first attempt. Only problem with this one is that the butts of longer-handled rods drag in the water. A length of PVC above or plugged below will solve that though.

Due to the design the weight of the rods always keeps them tilted outboard so no need for the lower strap.



Hope it helps!

_SHig
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[tlspyder13]

You may still want to add a bottom strap as everything will sit a little different in the water. The bottom strap also helps if you don't get your tube all the way filled up or it starts to loose a little air.

Looks great.
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[SHigSpeed]

Definitely couldn't hurt. I've never had any problems with my rig, but YMMV.

BTW, I use velcro computer cable organizer straps to hold the thing on.

_SHig
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[ATFISHING]

I use 27" velcro straps, easy to put on and take off and they have a very thin profile, less drag in the water.

[url "http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=40898-388-90441&lpage=none"]http://www.lowes.com/...90441&lpage=none[/url]


AT
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[tubeN2]

Hey there AT. Shoot me a PM with your #. I changed phones again.

I should have used your velcro instructions on my last phone. It may not have taken a swim.[cool]
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[Majja]

I just use some very thin cord I leave tied to the D-RINGs and than in a loop. I came up with some real cool looking frames, but when reality came to packing it all up in my car the simpleest was the best.
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[flygoddess]

Off topic for a second, but Shig, do you still have your pontoon?
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[SHigSpeed]

Yeah, these days I find myself doing more 'tooning than tubing...

_SHig
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[coreyva]

[quote ATFISHING]I use 27" velcro straps, easy to put on and take off and they have a very thin profile, less drag in the water.

[url "http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=40898-388-90441&lpage=none"]http://www.lowes.com/...90441&lpage=none[/url]


AT[/quote]

I like the velcro idea. I'll use that for my main mounting. It should be more secure. Then I'll use the mini bungee for the bottom connections. I've got my basic layout complete, just need to adjust the length some, then I'll glue it up and post some pics.

Thanks for all the help and ideas.
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[tubeN2]

I have had my FC4 for close to 5 years now. I have used everything from velcro to bungee and even the parachute cord. It is all good bro.

You can get the parachute cord in bulk or by the foot in many of your local sporting good stores that carry hiking/repelling equipment.

That would allow you to buy up some extra footage and get some carabiner clip from your local hardware or Home Depot and make up different lengths as tie downs for other items on the tube.[cool]
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[coreyva]

[quote tubeN2]I have had my FC4 for close to 5 years now. I have used everything from velcro to bungee and even the parachute cord. It is all good bro.

You can get the parachute cord in bulk or by the foot in many of your local sporting good stores that carry hiking/repelling equipment.

That would allow you to buy up some extra footage and get some carabiner clip from your local hardware or Home Depot and make up different lengths as tie downs for other items on the tube.[cool][/quote]

Hmm, that sounds interesting as well. I'm just not familiar with parachute cord. Do you have a special knot to fasten it to the carabiner? I found this site and it amazing what all the guy has done with it.
[url "http://stormdrane.blogspot.com/"]http://stormdrane.blogspot.com/[/url]
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