Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Monsoon on 10/01/07 - 4:42 PM

Well, I just purchased and received a nice piece of mahogany marine grade plywood. I've downloaded drawings for the under gunwale rod holders for my '89 18' Outrage and am ready to start working away with my shop tools.

Before I head into this project, I thought it would be wise to seek advice on how to procede before risking ruining over $60 of quality wood.

Tips would be appreciated.

Mike

Posted by kamie on 10/01/07 - 4:52 PM

The best tip I can offer is to go buy a cheap piece of pine and practice
layout the parts, practice cutting them out and make sure they lineup and look the way you want. Then use those as a pattern for the final versions.

Posted by ioptfm on 10/01/07 - 5:06 PM

Amen on Kamie's advice.............I screwed up more $$$$ when I was cutting for mine it made me sick............if nothing else at least get cardboard and cut a template, and measure 2 or 3 times and cut once. When you begin cutting the real mahogany pay close attention as to which side needs to be up to avoid the splitters edge on the finished side. Take your time....measure measure measure

Posted by Monsoon on 10/02/07 - 4:18 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I also have a solid piece of 1 1/2" teak that needs to be planed down to 1" and cut up into cooler cleats. My neighbor has a pretty good setup and is well equipped with the right tools. I will seek his assistance.

Mike

Posted by pjred71 on 10/03/07 - 6:17 PM

I created new rod holders out of solid 5/4 mahogany. They have worked out pretty well. I felt the solid wood made more sense than plywood. They are the two hook style original to the boat. But, after a season of untangling rods and lines from each other, I wonder if I should have done the three hook style. The 2" diameter hook is way big for just 1 rod. And I always ended up needing to put two or more in each hook. You can always put clips in the splashwell to hold a paddle or boat hook.

PS. A 2" or less hole saw in a drill press works great to make the hook cutout.

Edited by pjred71 on 10/03/07 - 6:21 PM

Posted by Monsoon on 10/04/07 - 4:40 PM

Yeah I saw solid teak rod holders for sale on eBay; however, was concerned that they would not be as strong as the plywood and would break as soon as my three little boys hit them (which will happen).

Thanks for the advice on cutting the 2" hooks.

Mike

Posted by pjred71 on 10/04/07 - 5:29 PM

Save yourself some time and enjoy the benefit of a beefier, longer lasting cooler cleat. Don't bother planing it down. Sand it, shape it, round over the edges and screw it down. Anyone that measures the height can and should be thrown overboard.

Edited by pjred71 on 10/04/07 - 5:42 PM