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Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=48521
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Author:  SRAces [ Wed Jul 17, 2013 7:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

I purchased a 2013 PA14 recently and have been slowly rigging the new ride. It has been an interesting adventure getting the feel for the new PA14 versus the 2012 PA14. The jury is still out in several areas. The two areas I felt I needed to change were where the tackle boxes were stored. On my 2012 PA14 I used the bucket under the cutting board to hold 3 medium and 2 small Plano tackle boxes. The boxes held the various supply items I carried. I also kept my scale, stringer and fishing pliers in the bucket until needed.

The new ride has the mechanism that flips up the 2 small Plano boxes. Not my "cup of tea". I purchased the white rectangle "bucket" tray that Hobie makes to use instead of the "flip up" tackle arrangement. That put me back in my comfort zone as far as those items I kept stored below deck. Not as much stuff, but I have a great arrangement where I can keep the phone and digital camera in the floor storage unit.

At first glance at the nylon strap that is used to secure Plano boxes (or whatever) under the seat, I knew it wasn't for me. To use that strap/clip arrangement, it's best suited if you stand up and lift the seat base to get to the release mechanism. If you pulled a Plano box out initially, you still needed to get up and re-secure it by tightening the strap or re-clipping it in.

I came up with the solution below that can have several variations depending on personal preferences. I removed the straps and used the existing screw to add a small j-hook to each side where the strap was attached. I then added 2 black "Deck Loops" on the middle ridge between the black pads. I decided to use a shock cord strap for each side utilizing black plastic deck hooks with the retainer mechanisms on the so the hooks stay attached to the deck loops.

This worked out to be ideal for me. To pull out a box, I just rear on the side and unhook the shock cord from the j-hook. To secure the box back under the seat, I just hold the shock cord up on the side it's going in and then hook the shock cord back on the j-hook.

Here are some shots of the installation.

Boxes installed. Usually just one level of boxes. Two levels do not get in the way if you're using the seat in the "Vantage" position.
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Close up of J-Hook
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Clean floor with Shock cords removed.
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With the seat installed.
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Author:  Elgeebee [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Nice and neat...great mod!

Author:  basskicker [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 5:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Great idea and a very nice job. Well done sir!! :D

Author:  SRAces [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Thanks! Maybe Hobie might incorporate a change in the future to go this route if they keep the under seat area the same. While I love the flat more open deck of the 2013 versus the 2012, we lost a lot of supplied tie downs. There are more "loops" on the floor for tie downs. Those are nice to have if needed.

The 2012 rails were forward a lot more and the front retractable retainer cord was ideal for strapping down the rods. The back ones were used more for items such as the large Plano boxes etc..

The new rails have one retractable retainer cord and it will not hold 2 large Plano boxes on the side like the 2012 model does as the length of the cord is just a little shy. Holding one box stretches it just about as far as it will go.

I hate loose items during transport, so I look to find a quick simple way to secure a lot of items. The next project is something simple for the rods and the stake out pole. Will post an update on that when completed. The Humminbird transducer kit came today in the mail. Got to get the fish finder installed!!! :D

Tight lines....

Author:  larrysg01 [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Hi,

Cool setup! Where did you get the j-hook and deck loops, and what kind of screws did you use to attach them? I would like to copy your setup and also add a few more loops here and there around the boat.

Thanks!

Author:  SRAces [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

larrysg01 wrote:
Hi,

Cool setup! Where did you get the j-hook and deck loops, and what kind of screws did you use to attach them? I would like to copy your setup and also add a few more loops here and there around the boat.

Thanks!


I just used standard 1/4 inch shock cord. I already had the nylon deck loops. Many kayak fishing supply companies online have the Shock Cord Hooks with the retainers ($1.10 each) and nylon J-hooks ($.50 each). They are inexpensive. I picked mine up from Austin Kayak as they had the Hobie Humminbird Transducer Kit I needed for my Humminbird transducer. Austin Kayak has the deck loops as well. They call them "Nylon Pad Eyes" ($.39 each).

Post pictures of what you make. I'd love to see it!

Author:  larrysg01 [ Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Will do - many thanks!

Author:  Hobie Angler [ Sat Jul 20, 2013 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Great move on your part to make those modifications... I agree with you on the use of the white rectangle "bucket" tray. Seems like you get more storage options that way.

Author:  Dr.SteelheadCatcher [ Sat Jul 20, 2013 8:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

This is a nice solution as long as you do not want to use the seat in the "lowered position" and keep your center of gravity (CG) lower.....in the lower position, stacking two tackle boxes means my 189# tush will rest/squish the tackle box unless they are first removed.

Author:  SRAces [ Sun Jul 21, 2013 9:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Dr.SteelheadCatcher wrote:
This is a nice solution as long as you do not want to use the seat in the "lowered position" and keep your center of gravity (CG) lower.....in the lower position, stacking two tackle boxes means my 189# tush will rest/squish the tackle box unless they are first removed.



I agree 100%. I'm about the same weight. Just one layer of Plano boxes seems to work fine. I was out this morning and had no issues.

Author:  jeffn777 [ Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Steve,
I love your bungee modification. I'll probably do that to my boat this week. On a side note, (and it's probably too late because I see this thread is about a month old) the 2013 P/A comes with Hummingbird transducer mounts along with the Lowrance mount. They are in the bag with the various plugs for the wiring. For some reason Hobie doesn't mention this in the owner's manual, or anywhere else for that matter. They only promote "Lowrance ready".

Tight lines,
Jeff

Author:  Jbernier [ Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Jeff,
It does not come with an adapter for Hummingbird - those parts that come with the boat are just for Lowrance. You can buy the adapter from any dealer to convert, but its not part of the boat.

Author:  SRAces [ Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

jeffn777 wrote:
Steve,
I love your bungee modification. I'll probably do that to my boat this week. On a side note, (and it's probably too late because I see this thread is about a month old) the 2013 P/A comes with Hummingbird transducer mounts along with the Lowrance mount. They are in the bag with the various plugs for the wiring. For some reason Hobie doesn't mention this in the owner's manual, or anywhere else for that matter. They only promote "Lowrance ready".

Tight lines,
Jeff


Hi Jeff!

Jacques is correct regarding the Humminbird transducer adapter parts for the 2013 PA. Hobie does make an adapter kit that is sold separately. If you do not have a dealer close or one that stocks the kit, there are a few online dealers that you can order it from. It works perfectly on my Humminbird 385ci DI setup.

Glad to hear you like my mods. I did start a separate thread titled my 2013 PA14 mods where I'll add more as I add something new. I love the bungee setup, but usually only carry one level of boxes as my primary fishing spot is fairly conquered and I do not need to carry a lot of tackle. If you haven't looked into the rectangular bucket that Hobie makes for the main floor storage area...check it out. I use that instead of the flip up mechanism that holds the 2 Plano boxes. A lot more flexibility.

Tight lines to you as well... I'll be fishing the whole holiday weekend! :D :D

Image

Author:  Dr.SteelheadCatcher [ Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

The Humminbird adapter kit is P/N 84505901....$8.19 list price.
It's a couple of plastic arms that allow easy connection from the transducer to the vertical arms on the cover.
Takes a couple of minutes to hook up and the convenience is worth the price.

Author:  jeffn777 [ Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tackle Storage Under Vantage Seat

Steve,
Maybe it's something Hobie is now doing on later production runs, but my P/A DEFINATELY came with the both sets of adapters. In the bag with the wiring plug adapters are the Lowrance mounts, Hummingbird mounts, along with the screw, nut and side plates to secure the transducer to the plate on the bottom of the boat.
No where in the owner's manual does it say what the extra plastic parts in the bag are for, but after doing a little research they are definately the adapters for Hummingbird transducers. Check that parts bag again, just in case. If anyone wants mine, I'll send them to you. I have a Lowrance unit.
I will definately check out your other threads on P/A mods. So far I've installed 16" Yakattack Gear Tracs and Ram balls on both mounting boards for my rod holder/ fish finder/ camera. The only other thing I might do is add some silent traction pads to the deck on the sides of the seat to eliminate noise from stored rods and reels. There isn't much that needs to be done with the P/A !!
Jeff

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