need help with modification

[jwmiller33]

I have an older 16ft Lund, some of you may have seen my boat modifcations thread a while back. I am very into doing minor modifications to my boat to make it more efficient and user friendly for fishing (rod holders, storage, wiring LED floor lights, cupholders, ram mounts, anchor cleets, etc).

I have decided that I am going to do something with the sidewalls that stick out from the side of the boat that is on the back half of the boat (on the right and left of where I sit to drive the tiller). Here is a pic of what I am talking about

What I want to do is use some sort of "L" or "U" bracket, whether it be metal, stainless, or even made out of wood, and mount to the side walls in a way that will support my plano tackle boxes. I want to do this so I can have 4 tackle boxes out at all times within arms reach (not having to reach into the bag or storage), and they will be tucked up on the sidewall taking up virtually no room). In the picture above, I have 2 plano boxes sitting in a potential position on the left side. If I mounted the brackets that would support the boxes (not too tight that makes it hard to get in or out and not loose enough where they bounce around) in the way that the plano boxes would stand vertical, they would kind of be in the way, so I am thinking about mounting them horizontally, but I would only be able to fit one big box, and then I would have to use the remaining space for one of my smaller plano boxes which I am fine with. Or, I could mount one verticle and one horizontal.

Do you guys have any suggestions on which way I should do it? Or a different angle to attack what I am trying to accomplish?

My main question is what can I use as a mounting bracket? Should I fabricate something out of wood? Or should I go to a store and try to purchase some type of bracket? Any ideas on what I could use for this? My ideas are flowing for this modification, I am just stalled on this one aspect. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

Jake

[MuleShack]

a simple idea would be to mount a few screw eyes and use 2 horizontal bungee cords to strap them against the upright. When not in use the brackets wouldnt be taking up any extra room and above all it is inexpensive.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I had a bit of a similar thing going on. I used strips of velcro to secure my Plano boxes to the side of the boat. I've seen other boats that used expandable cargo netting on the sides and they drop their boxes in the netting. Pretty cool stuff.

Quick and easy.

[CAMAN]

I would go to the hardware store and get a length of 1"x1/8" aluminum flatstock and bend a bracket to fit each box. _--------_ <<<shaped like this.

[DTro]

I guess garage logicians think alike Eric, I was going to suggest Velcro too.

[The Chemist]

A possible idea would be to have them mounted on individual pieces of sheet metal and attach them to the wall with hinges. Like a door hinge that can be seperated for removal. Then some sort of hook that fasten to the carpeted area. When you need to get into a box you flip it up, open it, and the use the hook to hold the box from tipping over. I would mount them facing towards you like your crank bait box is. Also if you use the same hinges you would be able to place your boxes in any configuration depending on what you were using at that moment. On a side note do you have pics of your LED floor lighting? I am in need to put some sort of in boat lighting is currently in the boat the person that did the electrical work claimed that the lights were not going to work with my new set-up.

[jwmiller33]

I had a bit of a similar thing going on. I used strips of velcro to secure my Plano boxes to the side of the boat. I've seen other boats that used expandable cargo netting on the sides and they drop their boxes in the netting. Pretty cool stuff.

Quick and easy.

could you post a pic of how you did this? sounds like a great idea

[Eric Wettschreck]

At the moment, no I can't post pics. My camera is a goner, and I'm technology impared....ie- not very bright.

There isn't much to it. You can purchase strips of velcro pretty cheap. Either staple or glue on side to your boat, and wrap the other around your Plano box. Voila, strapped in and simple. Or, you can stick one velcro strip to your boat, and the other to the back side of your Plano box.

Also, my bowmount trolling motor is secured with velcro. Works great for holding it in place and when I want to deploy, the velcro just peels right off and I'm good to go.

Another thing I just thought of......You could glue small magnet strips to the back of your plano boxes, and also to the side of your boat. The magnets would stick to each other and when you need your box, just pull it off.

[jwmiller33]

i really like the magnets idea. any idea on where i could go to buy magnets? would hardware stores carry them?

[FlagsDown]

i really like the magnets idea. any idea on where i could go to buy magnets? would hardware stores carry them?

Ax-Man or Northern Tool for the magnets. Get the super strong versions or your boxes will be bouncing everywhere running bigger waves. I like the cargo net myself. You can get them at GM or the big C.

[MuleShack]

actually I would second the cargo net, that way it could be multi purpose storage as well.

[jwmiller33]

ya i have looked at the cargo nets before but they seem pretty darn expensive for what you are getting. the cheapest one i have found is $30 and that one is 42 inches long which is wayyy longer than i need/want. trust me, i have looked into the storage/cargo nets before many times, but the 42 inch length is wayy longer than anywhere i could possibly use on my boat, and i'm not about to buy a $30 net and cut it and sew it back together.. the nets only come in two lengths, 42 and 50 inches=too long.

[walleyemaniac]

Here's what I'd do just to be different. I'd take the top off what they're leaning against (if there is nothing else under there) and I would cut two slots in the top big enough to drop the boxes in (vertically) then they're not sticking out and getting bumped around and you don't have to worry about them coming loose. That is if the top is made out of wood, looks like you would have room for at least three. Maybe make a false floor inside to hold up smaller ones if you cut smaller slots for them. IDK just thoughts running thru my head.

I added this after looking at it better and thinking more about it. If you could remove that metal lip that bends over the top you could make the slots right at the edge of the top then it looks like there would be enough room on the bottom for the width of the boxes and they would stand straight up against that wall. Or turn that into a compartment with a lid for your tackle, but I know you said you didn't want to have to get them out of storage. But it looks like they would fit in there under a lid laying on they're side.

[jwmiller33]

i ended up going with the velcro. found some industrial strength stuff at the hardware store and used that on my 5 tackle boxes. it works like a charm and i am not going to have to carry my big tackle bag in the boat anymore, which will be nice to have the extra room given my small boat.

[Northlander]

Miller I think that looks great by my concern would be rain.

[jwmiller33]

Ya Steve rain is something I thought about too. I guess I will just have to put them in the storage up front when it rains. I will probably fold the tackle bag up and put that in the storage as well, so if it rains, I will be covered. But besides that aspect, these puppies are strong. that industrial strength velcro is some serious stuff! i probably should have used half as much velcro as I did

[Eric Wettschreck]

Looks great, they're handy but out of the way.

Mission accomplished!!!!