Universal Rod Holder for Trapper Canoes

grabcad

This mounting is designed to be very simple to manufacture as well as durable. Nothing worse than breaking equipment when out enjoying yourself! Made of thin gauge stainless steel, laser cut and bent to final shape. Minor T.I.G. welding is involved. The base clips over the gunwale profile as shown, using the metal's spring action. There are no clamping screws to damage the canoe. The shape of the clamp ensures a tight grip. The red parts represent flexible holders that can be made from leather instead of the normal neoprene rubber. The idea is that the mounting is symmetrical to be used on either side of the canoe. Furthermore, it is shaped in such a way that should a rod be knocked out of the holder by for instance a wayward paddle, the rod will fall into the canoe and not be lost overboard. The holder swivels from horizontal to near vertical as well as from perpendicular to parallel to the canoe. The idea is to have the rods facing the stern when moving to protect them from damage due to getting snagged on objects. The holder is also shaped such that should you be trolling and get a strike, the rod can be very quickly snatched from the holder in order to not lose the fish. This is achieved by the flexible "clamping" parts (red on render) and the ample room for your hand. The adjustment knob that is used to set the vertical angle, also releases the rod holder to slide in such a way that the type of rod (spinning rig vs fly fishing rig) can be balanced and mounted for quick removal. The holders can also be manufactured from anodized aluminium in colours matching the Trapper products. As usual, thanks to Grabcad members for the use of components like rods, reels and knobs. A Rhino v5 file will be uploaded soon.