The Ultimate Milkcrate

[Gunsmoke]

Below are some pictures from my newly fabricated "Ultimate Milkcrate." It measures 21" x 24" x 12" without handles. 21" x 29 1/2" x 12" with handles. It weights in at 206 pounds. If anyone is interested, I can post pictures of it during the fabrication process.

It is designed to hold 7 rods. The back side with 3 rod holders will hold up to 50W's. The front side with 4 rod holders will hold up to 30's. I designed it to take on long range tuna trips. I figure I need one 50W, one 30W, two jigging outfits, two large spinning outfits, and one bait rod.

Stainless steel eye hooks are behind the rod holders to secure the rods with bungee cords. Stainless steel screws were used throughout the fabrication. It should not move or shift no matter what size seas it will encounter. The rubber feet are solid 1 3/4" thick rubber. Handles will support 500 pounds each. Lee 90 degree medium size rod holders were selected because they are the most proven holder on the market. It is completely fiberglassed and coated with five coats of white epoxy paint.

The core of the crate is constructed with a buildup of 1 1/2" of 12 ply plywood. The plywood core was filled with concrete to gain some weight. I will need someone to help me lift this beast onto the boat. It's one very well constructed heavy milkcrate that will not have to be tied down to the deck. It should not shift or move what so ever.

[MrBill]

Mcgolfer,
Hopefully Capt. Elliott's will give the trip an OK because of the weather forecast for the next few days. The Big E is an expensive boat, and if they don't want to take it out in rough seas I can't blame them. I've torn up a lot of equipment and fixtures on boats in the past. From what I've read, they will make the call 24 hours before departure.

I've have load myself. This crate plus 500 pounds of ice I volunteered to bring for all to use. In addition to that is all the fishing gear, fluids, etc. I'm probably bringing to much but better safe than sorry. My load will be around 1100 pounds. Look forward to meeting you and everybody else. I'll just pull up next to the crane your renting.

PS. Txseadog made me two new spinning rods. He just finished them and told me that the Oklahoma express would bring them to the Big E. I gather that is you, so if you are going by his house, don't forget my rods. Those are the only two spinning rods I plan to take. If you can't make it, let me know. I'll then go to Port A to pick up a couple and then head to Freeport.

[Bret]

Bill,
Seadog will be dropping the rods off at my pawnshop tomorrow evening... As long as Rick dont forget to come by and pick me up... your rods will be there.

[mcgolfer]

well as bret stated i am suppose to pick him up thursday evening. i will then head to the coast if the trip hasn't been canceled. everything is kind of up in the air at this time and i am not sure if they will let the trip leave later or what might happen. i am flexible and can do what ever the group decides.....rick

[Bret]

Bill, If the big E trip gets cancelled, I will be headed to Blanco to do some work on my land.. so We could meet up and I can get your rods to you.. Capt elliotts will make the call on moving the departure to sat.. this afternoon.... If they cant move it. they will make the call tomorrow am on if the trip will make at all.

[MrBill]

Sounds good Bret. I'll just keep looking at the boards every hour. Blanco is only about a 45 minute drive for me. Hopefully that drive to Blanco won't happen and we'll be fishing.

[STx Fisherman]

lol...that's an awesome looking milkcrate but you need to engineer one that is much lighter. When you add 7 rods and reels to that I bet you're getting close to 300 lbs. Carrying that upstairs would be one step at a time and would result in a pretty sore back. Mrbill told us that you were one hell of an engineer....he's not kidding !!

[Bret]

Bill, it looks like we will be meeting up this weekend afterall.
I will be heading down to Blanco friday morning and be there all weekend. So whenever its convenient for you, I can meet you anywhere in the area.
My cell is 817/821/7414 Give me call when you get a chance and we will figure out our logistics..

[STx Fisherman]

Hey Gunsmoke,

Where did you fabricate the plastic drawers and cabinet or did you find a kit somewhere...that's also very nice! I would love to take a project like that to my workshop and build something for my garage. (Oh, crap....the thought of cleaning out my garage just crossed my mind).

[Fishhead56]

I built my first for Capt casey safaris in the 90's.
It was a milk crate for sure with tye wraps and all.
But it was the only one I saw on those trips
But being from an Electrical (power generation) back ground
Using saw's. wood, screws and such are like tyeing a new leader knot.
I am now ready to try my new home built box.
As my previous info request on this board suggest I have been envolving into the sprectra options.

it's the 1st time attaching photos maybe they will upload.

Kevin

Big e 3-30-07

[Gunsmoke]

Fishhead56,

Where's the photo's. I'd like to see what you came up with in your design. By the way, my ultimate milkcrate is still collecting dust. I stumped my toe on it last week when looking for something. I'm not sure it will ever get used. I heard that there is a deal in the works with the purchase on the Big E.

I had a friend that was going to take it on a 3 day trip. Never Happened. I see you are going on 3-30-07. You better hope the closing of the deal isn't before that date. Otherwise, you made a milkcrate for Nada like me.