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.

[Gunsmoke]

Someone must have brought up the ultimate milkcrate in a post recently. I had a buddy visit me today with a trade I couldn't refuse. I think I had about $800 in the project. I thought I made a good trade by taking four bottles of unopened Johnny Walker Blue Label for the ultimate milk crate. I'll try my best to drink it in a timely manner.

I forgot how heavy this monster was until we picked it up. For the heck of it we put it on a scale to weigh it again. I guess like the rest of us, it has gained a little weight. It's now 212 pounds empty.

It's going to gain some weight. The new owner is going to add more rod holders by having them side mounted off the non handle ends. As a gambling man, I'm almost ready to make a bet that another $700 will be invested into all that new custom aluminum fabrication. I just wonder if it's ever going to get used on a boat. This thing might have to be renamed ----------------
"The Ultimate Hernia".

[Uncle Russ]

This kind of hurts, Gunsmoke--I'm not lying. I have often fantasized about owning the Ultimate Milk Crate (UMC). Unfortunately, I am hopeless when it comes to fabricating anything on my own. Again, I'm telling the truth--I had actually thought about trying to buy the damned thing from you. Now I feel like I've seen the woman I wanted to marry get a divorce and immediately run off with another guy. I think I'm destined to buy an actual milk crate, glue on six rod holders, and fill it with all my deep drop weights. That was a great piece of equipment--the ultimate in overkill--kind of like tits on a boar hog, but a thing of beauty nonetheless.

Russ

[Gunsmoke]

Originally Posted by Uncle Russ

Now I feel like I've seen the woman I wanted to marry get a divorce and immediately run off with another guy.

Russ

That's funny. I've been the other guy a few times.

Don't worry, it's in good hands. I could borrow it any time as long as I have a helper to pick it up. It's probably no surprise to you guys who now owns it. Now that you mentioned it, I think I got screwed on the trade. He always gets the best out of a trade.

[Uncle Russ]

I guess the reason I get a little sentimental is that the UMC dates back to just after I got involved with this board--wandering over to ask my innocent questions about gearing up go offshore--here I had only been on this site for a while and everybody is giving me sound and very serious advice--then I come accross this post about the crate--construction pictures, material lists, God only knows how much time and otherwise usable cash--I mean, if you look up "hard core" in the Dictionary of American Slang, there is probably a picture of the UMC. It's good that your rights won't be termintated and that you have some visitation.

[DeepBlueGulf]

Oh HecK, Mr. Bill must be getting ready for the July 4th Big E trip!! Is he?


DBG

[STx Fisherman]

With rods and reels...the ultimate milk crate will weigh as much as a cow.

[Fishhead56]

First milk crate?
Well mine at least from when Elloits started their 3day Safari's in the early 90's
on the Capt Casey with Capt Frank. 3 days no bunks not enough inside space for the 28 {I think)anglers.
One Feb trip I just arrived back in town and took the last space and was located on top deck with a bed roll.
I had never seen one used before my brain phart idea
to improve rod storage. The rules then were 3 rod limit for the trip due to limited welded rod holders and I could not go with that count.
2 Ammo boxes were set in the center to hold tackle and it was bungied to the rail.

It's in retirement and kept away from UV light and still in fair shape last I checked.
Still Fuggly though.

[MrBill]

Originally Posted by Gunsmoke

It's probably no surprise to you guys who now owns it. Now that you mentioned it, I think I got screwed on the trade. He always gets the best out of a trade.

Like you said today.
"Those bottles are worth $200 each. That's 8 bills. I'll trade".

It was a fair trade. Now that it is a done deal, I bought a dozen of the Blue Label bottles for $96 each at the duty free store in Laredo.
It was a lot of trouble because I had to find eleven other tourist to bring one bottle across with me. That cost me $5 a head. I also had to pay $1.75 per bottle on liquor tax.

Originally Posted by DeepBlueGulf

Oh HecK, Mr. Bill must be getting ready for the July 4th Big E trip!! Is he? DBG

I have a lot of irons in the fire for that time. I still might sign up.

[Gunsmoke]

I had an idea I got the short end on this deal. I better drink all that BLUE before you want it back on another trade.!!!!!

[Bellyups]

The UMC would be great to see one day on the Big E. I would love to see the deckhands try to move it. It has the right to be placed wherever it darn well feels is ok.

UR, you may be able to make an even better deal on the UMC in about a year after the next $700 is invested. I think this thing should become a legend on 360tuna. Bigger than what it is now. How? Simple, we can keep trading high priced disposable sheet for it, taking turns to add several hundred dollars to the UMC. I might be up to it next year. I may be willing to trade some high end tequila for it and some ridiculously priced Japanese poppers and stickbaits.