Battery Access Door & Rod Holders

[Jim Gavin]

I have recently bought a 2005 191 FS and was wondering if any one has thought about a better design to the battery access door. When the back seats are flipped down over the fishing platform, the battery access cover is blocked, so in order to turn things on, you need to flip the seats down. I am thinking that it might make more sense to basically cut the access door into 2 halves use piano hinges for each door. Then the access door closest to the motor could then be opened allowing for battery compartment access without having to flip the seats up and down. Any body got thoughts on this?

Also, I need more rod holders and wanted to get some ideas on where to put them. I am thinking about the rear gunwale area, and wanted to see if anyone had any experience putting rod holders there?

[flatfishmoe]

Jim
You are right and the 08's are the same way. I have seen one boat done the way you are talking about and it worked great. In that one a support was installed between the two halves.
As for rod holders I have help installed them below the two that came with the boat and it can be done but removing the foam takes some time . I also have seen the in front of the fishing seat bases.
I have installed them along the sides that use the 1/2 in. screw in type, the 1/2 are alot stronger. Drift master makes a base that you drill out a 3/4 in. hole 1/2 in. deep and is held down by three screws and only sticks up 1/8 in. that works great. Just remember to seal the holes. I installed them on my 17CC and love them.
Todd

[Jim Gavin]

Todd,
Do you know if I can buy the latches from Triumph. I think in order to make it look right I would need to order 2 seperate doors, hinges and latches, and a support as you suggest. Seems like it should have been done this way in the first place.

I am a little nervous about drilling into my baby. Would you have any pictures so I can see how it would look. How would you do it in front of the fishing seat bases?

[flatfishmoe]

Jim
I will try and get the pics this week as it's pouring down rain right now.
I will try and check with the factory and ask Mr. Merritt at Merritt Marine if he knows tommorrow. I live only 7 miles from the factory so it's not problem for me to check for you.
Todd

[flatfishmoe]

Jim
What I was told is that the 05's were made of the light gray material and they don't have anymore. Checked with Mr. Merritt and he does not have anymore, but here is a good side, there is away to do it by cutting the panel you have and use the one latch and still hold down both halves. I think the only way I can tell you is by phone so if you send me a private message with your phone # and time to call I think I can tell you how to do it and it want be that hard. I wil try and send pics with this message of the rod holders I was talking about a point to a place on the back on the boat that I have seen rod holders.
Todd

[Jim Gavin]

Hello flatfishmoe,
Sorry it has been awhile since I checked in, I let work get in the way. You can reach me at 804-302-4286, from 8pm EST time on til 10 or so. Thanks.

For the rod holders, I'd like to know the make/brand to use, and what is the best way to attach, and where? I think I would like to have another set in the back near the existing rod holders, and maybe some upfront, but am pretty sure I wouldn't want to try to remove the foam.

For the back hatch, your last message seemed to indicate that you had a way to split the back hatch in half, control both sides with one latch, so that you can get battery access with the fishing platform down.

Thanks for your help.

Best regards,

Jim Gavin

[Gary Zofchak]

Jim, I solved the problem of more rod holders by going to a mount made by Tite-Loc. It is simply a mounting plate that accepts up to four adjustable rod holders that slips into the existing single rod holder. You can slip the unit out of the rod holder and stow it when not in use and when you use a trailering cover. I love it. Hope this helps. Good Luck, Gary Z.

[Gary Zofchak]

Jim, I tried to reply to your e-mail but your server didn't like my address. so heres the info on them. They are made by TITE-LOK and the no. is 5760G. I mounted 3 5710 rod holders on each and had to re notch the post on the bottom to make it parrell with the gunnel. Hope this helps. Good luck fishin!! Gary Z.