Fitting RAM mount to a Prowler 13

[Jeff S]

Sorry! The title is supposed to read Fitting RAM mount to a Prowler 13

 

I finally received a few of the things I ordered from Cabelas. Namely a RAM mount rod holder. I found during my last paddle that I needed to create something to help reduce my reach if I was to use the factory threads for the Scotty mount.

 

 

This is how I did it:

I bought a large plastic cutting board and cut to size using a skill saw after making a template of the console.

 

I cut the full length of the cutting board after plotting the layout of the mount base incorporating the template for the console at the other end. After I drilled the holes for the mount I counter-sunk the nuts underneath and cut off the excess thread.

 

 

I then drilled the holes and used a larger counter sink in order to recess the bolt heads. (25mm M6 Bolts) It was necessary to use the counter sink as the thickness of the two cutting boards was more than 25mm.

 

I took it out to attach but found that if I left it straight I wouldn't be able to use the small tackle box with the new addition. In order to remedy this I used a heat gun and put in an slight angle making the mount almost (but no quite) horizontal to the kayak.

 

 

I effectively reduced my reach by about 18 inches.

 

 

It took about an hour to fabricate, and can be removed and attached in about 30 seconds. I can post more detailed pictures if needed but I am afraid I haven't figured out how to post a reduced size photo or make them larger.

Edited February 13, 2010 by Jeff S

[essexbuoy]

  Jeff S said:

Sorry! The title is supposed to read Fitting RAM mount to a Prowler 13

 

I finally received a few of the things I ordered from Cabelas. Namely a RAM mount rod holder. I found during my last paddle that I needed to create something to help reduce my reach if I was to use the factory threads for the Scotty mount.

 

 

This is how I did it:

I bought a large plastic cutting board and cut to size using a skill saw after making a template of the console.

 

I cut the full length of the cutting board after plotting the layout of the mount base incorporating the template for the console at the other end. After I drilled the holes for the mount I counter-sunk the nuts underneath and cut off the excess thread.

 

 

I then drilled the holes and used a larger counter sink in order to recess the bolt heads. (25mm M6 Bolts) It was necessary to use the counter sink as the thickness of the two cutting boards was more than 25mm.

 

I took it out to attach but found that if I left it straight I wouldn't be able to use the small tackle box with the new addition. In order to remedy this I used a heat gun and put in an slight angle making the mount almost (but no quite) horizontal to the kayak.

 

 

I effectively reduced my reach by about 18 inches.

 

 

It took about an hour to fabricate, and can be removed and attached in about 30 seconds. I can post more detailed pictures if needed but I am afraid I haven't figured out how to post a reduced size photo or make them larger.

 

Thats an innovative idea Jeff - very neat. How stiff is it if you don't mind me asking...........

[Jeff S]

  essexbuoy said:

Thats an innovative idea Jeff - very neat. How stiff is it if you don't mind me asking...........

 

Hi Steve,

 

I can't say yet. I plan to test it out tomorrow. It hasn't had a rod in the holder but doesn't seem flimsy without. I am hoping that with a bit of tension on it from trolling it might suffice.

[essexbuoy]

  Jeff S said:

Hi Steve,

 

I can't say yet. I plan to test it out tomorrow. It hasn't had a rod in the holder but doesn't seem flimsy without. I am hoping that with a bit of tension on it from trolling it might suffice.

 

 

Nice one mate - you could always brace it from the cup holder if you need to - you won't get much coffee in there

[Jeff S]

  essexbuoy said:

Nice one mate - you could always brace it from the cup holder if you need to - you won't get much coffee in there

 

Funny that! I was just thinking that myself or alternately I have a larger 'tackle' box coming. If I stack them I can support it that way as well. I like coffee though

[Elton]

  Jeff S said:

Sorry! The title is supposed to read Fitting RAM mount to a Prowler 13

 

No problem - I've amended it.

[Jeff S]

  Elton said:

No problem - I've amended it.

 

Thanks Elton

[essexbuoy]

  Jeff S said:

Funny that! I was just thinking that myself or alternately I have a larger 'tackle' box coming. If I stack them I can support it that way as well. I like coffee though

 

Just a thought you could buy a pool noodle Jeff, cut it to apporoximate size and shape to angle set out by mod, you probably need to use the connector piece to pad it out for a tighter fit, that'd be easily removed too..

Edited March 6, 2008 by essexbuoy

[Jeff S]

I'm a cheap barsteward and because of this I HAVE to buy a pool noodle to plug the scupper holes. 10 quid for scupper stoppers? I think not!

[richi]

  Jeff S said:

I'm a cheap barsteward and because of this I HAVE to buy a pool noodle to plug the scupper holes. 10 quid for scupper stoppers? I think not!

 

 

I made some from pool noodle for my prowler 13

 

 

 

 

I used the plastic lid of an aerosol can,slightly larger than the scupper hole.Sanded the lid till it was sharp and used it to cut the noodle to size,they work really well but I don't bother with them anymore as I now paddle a Trident