New project - just completed

[gottaflylee]

All your work looks great Fred, this is no exception!

[clt_capt]

See, I was thinking you might want to part with it for a very "reasonable" price. So if Frank doesn't want it...

Your definition of very reasonable and mine are very likely a bit different - good quality rod holders (Lees) are $100 each - that's before finish.

I can usually get a good deal on slab lumber, but the rod holders add up quick...

[scattered_grass]

Nice work Fred! Looks great

[Avenger]

Your definition of very reasonable and mine are very likely a bit different - good quality rod holders (Lees) are $100 each - that's before finish.

I can usually get a good deal on slab lumber, but the rod holders add up quick...

I hear you. I've been accumulating parts to build my own, have some mahogany, and was planning on using old, but serviceable rod holders that I'm replacing on the boat. Problem is I don't think 30° holders will work well for a launcher. I didn't seriously think you were going to throw your old one away, but if you don't ask...

Anyhow, beautiful work on the new one. Thanks for sharing.

[clt_capt]

15 degree holders seem to work perfectly - for my boat at least - plenty of room to walk around the launcher without running into the rods on it.

What I've also found is that you need at least 10" center to center spacing for your rod holders (for 50Ws) to have room to turn the cranks... For us, a 5 rod launcher is perfect - long riggers run out of the outside holders, a gaff and 2 open holders to be able to clear rods when necessary.

[Avenger]

That's good info, thanks. I had figured on the 15° holders but was only going to do four. I'll have to find my notes, but my memory says that we had sketched out 12 inches on center for them which makes the launcher over four feet wide. How wide is yours with the five holders? Since our boats are similar size that will give me an idea of how big we can go. I was planning to mock it up in plywood before I commit the mahogany.

[clt_capt]

The new one is 56 inches and the old is 51 inches

The rod holders are 12" on center + 4 inches overhang on each side

The plywood is a good idea - with some double sided tape, you can use that as a router pattern for your mahogany.

Also to cut the holes for your rod holders, take a piece of 2x4 and using a drill press, cut the 15 degree angle with a hole saw or forstner bit. This will be your template. Just clamp it to your mahogany and it will help guide your holes.

[Avenger]

Excellent ideas! Thanks for the info. If I'm lucky I may have time to get it started for a winter project, but I'll definitely add your advice to my notes.

Thanks again.