frustration with rod holder

[crappieseeker]

I bought me some new hi tek rod holders for the front of my new boat. I had trouble lining up the base in the front so that it leaves enough room to remove poles from the holder without being in the way or to close to the person fishing so that the holder and rods are bumped when moving around. I had to move the base all the way to the front platform to make it work. By doing this it was very close to being in the way of the trolling motor and when I lined it up I thought I would have enough room to barely raise and lower the trolling motor. I went ahead and drilled my base holes and mounted the base. I realized when I put the rizer bar in that I had the holder spun the wrong way and it blocks the motor, so every time I get ready to raise or lower motor I have to move the top rod bar on the holder to raise and lower it. I also can just barely fit the riser bar in the base to keep it clear of the motor. I am thankful the base was made long to allow for this. I guess it is something I will have to deal with now because I do not want to drill another set of holes close to those to try and fix it. Just more work for me now. I also could only use 3 of the screws to tighten the base down because somehow one of those were out of line too. Just my luck.

I guess I was so excited about trying to get them mounted that I got in a hurry and should have taken more time to try and figure it out better. The rod holders look like great quality and I think they will serve me well for many years. The product is good, just the issue with the trolling motor causes the issue and frustration.

[droptine]

Seeker, I had the same situation just to get leg room. Since I keep a wrench on the bow of the boat I just loosen the bolt and slide the holder from the base and lay it in the boat until I get to my next spot. Just takes a second to do.

[newly]

Sorry to hear about that. Got any pictures of how it's set up

[feelay]

Measure twice, cut(or drill) once. Doesn't pay to be in a hurry when doing something that is going to be permanent.

[Ranger690]

We have all been in a hurry and messed up. You can fix it. Plan. Get a thick piece of Starboard. Cut it and shape it like you need it. Make it bigger than the Hi tech base. Mount the starboard with the holes you drilled. Reposition the mount and mount it onto the starboard. You can make it work.

[skeetbum]

What they said. You'll like em once you get used to your boats personality.

[SteveJ]

Scott also has to move the top bar to raise and lower the TM but you get use to that part pretty easily.

[MePreach]

I just slide mine out of base and lay down and then pull trolling motor up! I have done it so much now its just routine and only takes seconds to do!

[rnvinc]

If you send a pic to Scott, he could possibly custom build you an offset base mount that would utilize your existing holes...

Call him and see...

Rickie

[yankee doodler]

Hey Paul I realize that diff trollers will change the plan, but here's a pic of my setup. I trailer the boat covered just about everywhere with everything broke down and troller locked in stow position. When I get to the lake I set it up and from that point the troller sets down on my Hi-tek rod holder. It's an '02 motorguide w/ the locking knobs, so it stays put fine in all kinds of water and at any speed. FYI.

Trolling motor in pic is not quite down on the rod holder like it would be on the water.