First attempt at a gaff modification

[tankerfly]

Took some inspiration from Kevin's videos and seeing Ponce's in person and decided to dress up ol' trusty. The gaff is nothign special-4' x 2" Sea Striker that came with the boat I had a few years ago. It has seen its share of blood and needed some tradition to go with it. I liked the way Kevin and Ponce put some relief in the handle for better grip (unlike AFTCO), but I am a glutton for punishment. I rememebred seeing all the dressed up rails on various ships and looked up coxcoambing to get some instructions. I settled on a St Mary's coxcoamb. It is a 3 strand job that is supposed to look like an overwraped larger cord. For the most part it turned out good. Some spaces and uneveness in the wraps, but I think it's due to the nature of tuna cord. 2 feet takes a LONG time and 3 strands of 32 feet each to do! Also tied my own Turk's Heads for the ends. Comments good and bad welcome.

Any suggestions for a final coating? I was thinking matte spray polyurethane.

If anyone wants the links for the turks heads videos and coxcaombing pages, let me know. Not sure if I can link them here.

Next up will be a 6' x 4" Mudhole build when I get around to ordering the stuff.

[clt_capt]

That grip looks awesome. I have been using West System Epoxy - Heavily thinned with acetone to coat my grips - IMHO it adds a bit more protection than polyurethane.

You can also thin rod finish with acetone the same way... Either one will fill the gaps and add some toughness

[FLATLINER]

Just go buy a pint of quick dry polyeurothane at the hardware store. Paint it on and let it soak in and it will lock everything in place!!

KK

[Ponce]

Matt, those are sweet grips. I just used satin polyurethane on my wraps I think I put 2-3 coats with them on my rod dryer.

We may need to sit down over a six pack and have a knot tying class when I'm up that way in June.

[tankerfly]

Thanks guys. I got some Helmspar spray varnish today to give a try. I'll report back with the results.

Ponce- PM me the dates so I can look at the OCS summer fun schedule and figure out when would be best.

[junkmansj]

Watched Flatliners Video, decided to try one. its only 36"

Thanks Kevin, Keep them coming

[tankerfly]

Nice work. The wrap looks good - how does it feel in the hand? I think the accent on mine is a little thick, but that may not be bad with wet hands and decent fish...

[junkmansj]

looks god to me! Its not like your gonna hold it all day. When you need it that grip counts!