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 Post subject: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:54 pm 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
I recently made this rocket launcher for my Outback. As you will note, it simply slides down into the rear flush rod holders. Shortly, I will be making some minor modifications so that it will fit my PA 12. With the 12's build-in rod storage, not sure I will need this but after all the effort of putting this launcher together, thought I should go ahead and do the mod's just in case I wanted to use it.

Image


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:58 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:54 pm
Posts: 89
thats REAL nice 8)


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 2:00 pm 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
Probably more hours than it was worth :lol: I'm retired so time spent on a project doesn't count.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 1:53 pm 
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Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:44 pm
Posts: 3
nice!
What is it made of?
Do you have any other pics of the process to build?


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 5:35 pm 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
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Location: Amelia Island, FL
You will be surprised to learn that it was made from PVC pipe and fittings. I purchased some carbon fiber vinyl that is used to cover custom automobiles and covered the whole thing. Prior to the carbon fiber, it was painted.

Just about finished making modifications for my PA 12.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 7:07 am 
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Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:59 am
Posts: 606
The nice thing about rocket launcher is your reels will be way above the water and keep salt water off the reels in windy conditions or when the waves slap the sides of the yak. Also your reels will be subject to the drip of water off the paddle if you use it any. The built in reel storage system is nice to have but not good for reels in salt water. Just my opinion and 2 cents worth... Hopes this helps you consider options.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 3:27 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:27 pm
Posts: 731
I think I'd like to take on this project too. Hope you don't mind a few questions? :)
1. what size PVC are you using? does it fit the stock rod holders exactly?
2. do you think the assembly would be sturdy enough that you could troll with a rod in one of those tubes?


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 4:36 pm 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
1 1/2 PVC pipe and fittings. Would work for trolling but would keep drag on light side.

My primary use was to store rods up and away from saltwater. I fish mostly inshore and very seldom troll. Prior to getting my Hobie with Mirage Drive, I did lots of trolling as I want to have a line out when moving and paddling :roll: . With the Mirage Drive, I am able to cast (arties) almost 100% of the time :D

I am retro fitting the launcher for my Pro Angler but not real sure just how much I will use it since I have the rod storage system.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 12:43 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:27 pm
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Thanks for the info, I'll buy some materials this weekend and see how it goes.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 5:12 pm 
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Joined: Tue Dec 29, 2009 1:19 am
Posts: 113
Location: New Zealand
Very impressive set up.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:52 pm 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
Don't know if this will help. Here is picture prior to covering with the CF.

Image


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:11 am 
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Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:59 am
Posts: 606
I added small diameter bungie cords to the base post of the launcher so if I turtled I would not loose the launcher. Just one more thing to consider. I did loose one launcher on the first go round and I turtled and the rods and launcher slipped out of the rod holder while upside down. Learned the hard way. Experience is a great teacher. But not for slow learners. Good luck


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 3:47 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:27 pm
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Actually I also capsized and lost my rods earlier this year, an expensive lesson considering I could have saved my $600 worth of gear with $10 rod leashes :oops:

So yeah, when I build a rocket launcher like yours, I'll add some bungees to keep it all in.


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 1:45 am 
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Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:16 am
Posts: 22
What are the black accordion looking things near the elbows?


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 Post subject: Re: Rocket Launcher
PostPosted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 6:53 am 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
dwntwnall4u wrote:
What are the black accordion looking things near the elbows?


I used bungee cord wrapped around this section of the pvc. This brought the surface level the same with the T joints and the Elbow joints. Plus, gave it a neat look :shock:


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