[vantagefish]

So I’m changing the style of push pole holders on my skiff. As they are a different design it isn’t a straight forward plug and play swap. How much bend or “scope” is required to safely and effectively hold the pole while running and trailering? I’ve seen skiffs that have poles mounted like a piece of macaroni and I’ve seen some without much bend at all.

 

[Fishtex]

Will likely depend on the design of each “post” or bracket. Are they concave, how much, retaining cords, etc. it’s a significant question compounded by the deck of the boat, type of pole composition and overall length of pole and the distance between each “post or bracket “. Probably not the answer you wanted but I’m in design/engineering, and we can’t answer a simple question simply.....

 

[jay.bush1434]

I don't have much offset in my Vmarine pole holders and they keep my pole on just fine as long as I use the shockcord keepers on the front and middle pole holders. I think my middle one is about 2" out from the front and rear ones. 19' boat, 24' pole.

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

Will likely depend on the design of each “post” or bracket. Are they concave, how much, retaining cords, etc. it’s a significant question compounded by the deck of the boat, type of pole composition and overall length of pole and the distance between each “post or bracket “. Probably not the answer you wanted but I’m in design/engineering, and we can’t answer a simple question simply.....

I’m wondering the same thing. What would be helpful is determining the linear force required to keep it in place. Mount the front and rear holders, then use a clamp on the middle one, increasing the offset until it reaches “X” lbs on a fish scale when pulled from the foot end. Any ideas?

 

[Flatbroke426]

I have always used just enough to keep it solid. I feel too much bend and it will stress the pole. I always mount two brackets then hold the 3rd by hand with the pole in it and push and pull on the pole till it doesn't slide and feels solid then mark it and then mount. Just my look at it

 

[DuckNut]

I’m wondering the same thing. What would be helpful is determining the linear force required to keep it in place. Mount the front and rear holders, then use a clamp on the middle one, increasing the offset until it reaches “X” lbs on a fish scale when pulled from the foot end. Any ideas?

Every pole is different so X lbs won't work for that pole but might for this other one.

You need enough to keep it in place without too much effort and not to crush it on the holder.

It's a one off every time one is mounted.

 

[Flatbroke426]

Also depends on the pole your using. an old moonlighter that bends like #7 linguine needs a pretty good bend in it to keep it from flexing and bouncing out of the rack while one like a Stiffy Guide Series needs very little bend. It all boils down to what works for you is right

 

[Capnredfish]

I have always used just enough to keep it solid. I feel too much bend and it will stress the pole. I always mount two brackets then hold the 3rd by hand with the pole in it and push and pull on the pole till it doesn't slide and feels solid then mark it and then mount. Just my look at it

I like this approach. This can be achieved by mounting the front holder after moving further forward or backwards to achieve wanted tension on pole. Basically where it mounts along the curve of bow deck.
Early am spelling corrected.