Adding rod storage to a Sportfish, thoughts?

I have 2 little kids running around this boat and I have a problem with bringing WAY too many poles with me when I hit the water. Well my wife and friends says it’s a problem, I say it’s just being prepared

Here’s my plan, cut 4 – 2″ holes in the removable panel that allows the convertible seating in the front (marked by red dots in the picture), this would give me about 2′ of extra room to slide poles into. I could even cut more holes into the permenent panel that leads into the bow storage and then maybe have removale plastic tubes, that would probalby give me an extra 3-4′ to slide poles in.

Then possible as stage 2 of the project, add a plywood locker on top of the floor so the 4 rod ends/reels aren’t just laying exposed on the floor. That being if stage one works out as planned.

The bow cusions fold up inside this area I’m trying to access that’s why I might need the tubes to avoid running into those. If the whole idea goes down in flames I’m only stuck with the 4 holes I drilled in the plastic panel (which I actully could replace if I REALLY wanted to) and maybe 4 holes I drilled in the 2nd aluminum panel. What do you think? Am I crazy, anyone else ever try something like this?

I should have bought the Ranger Reatta

I know I got a new to me sportfish this year and thought the rod lockers would hold more. What I did for more storage when fishing or as my wife calls it “boating”, I got 2 of the berkley plastic rod holders, 3 each and mounted them on the back of the bench seat, so it is easy access when the rear platform is down and also when the bench seat is in position it holds rods and my net to keep them out of the way.

Good luck and if you find a better solution I will be interested in hearing about it.

I did that exact same thing with the rear vertical holders. Also just like you when I bought the boat I thought “ah this rod storage is not great but I guess I can live with it”. I CAN live with it but after trying to get a couple 8′ muskie rods in there I want more.

Yes if I do this and it works I’ll take photos and post on here about it.

thanks because I am struggling with what to do with non-telescoping trolling rods as well!

looking for something like this??? This is the floor locker my buddy added to his navigator sport also removed the passenger side dash. holds 2 rows of rods. 3 up to 10′ on top row and 4 up to 9’6″ on bottom.

Here is what I did on my Sportfish. The rod tubes I made from sink drain tubes, with tool dip for the top black coating. I mounted a couple cup holders and a magnet in the middle which works great for tool storage.

The angle was set up so I can put the rear bench seat down or leave it up and always have the rods in the same place. I have since removed the bench seat. I am able to tilt the engine up far enough so it is above the transom, but I can’t tilt it all the way up with this mounted. It can be removed in a matter of a couple minute as it’s mounted with bimini hardware, although I have never needed to take it out.

This obviously offers nothing extra for storage when trailering. I find that I can easily put 3 rods in each locker (after figuring out the best way to do so), but most are around around the 6.5′ mark. I have one 7.5′ rod that I can just barely fit into the lockers. I have considered some sort of tube system for the rod lockers to allow the tips to go through the forward most wall that closes off the front of the lockers. I can fit the tip of my longer rod under that wall, but I take a little effort to do so. 4 tubes in each locker and a support system for the butt end would be great. Maybe a good winter project.