Fishing Net Holder

Mounting Mechanism for Fishing Poles and T-Top Boats

Project Overview

This project was initially requested by my girlfriend's mother, who needed a way to keep their net from flying around their boat when they went out fishing. She didn't really have a specific idea of how she wanted me to go about it, but thought that somehow mounting it to the T-Top would make it easy to access in a hurry. I agreed, and set about designing some sort of latching mechanism that would also mount on the T-Top, and hopefully have some ways to adjust the angle to make sure the net hung upright, no matter where it was mounted on the T-Top. After completing this project for my girlfriend's mother, she happened to mention it to a friend of a friend who is a professional angler. Once was able to see and test the version she had on her boat, he ended up reaching out to me and contracted me to manufacture a second version, and expressed interest in initiating a partnership to mass-produce my design.

Initial Concept

My initial thoughts were to use an over-center latching mechanism, and I took inspiration from a mop/broom holder that I saw online. I added a different base and a mount for attaching it to a T-Top, and ended up with this initial prototype. I used some wire and nails to ensure functionality, and make sure everything fit together as planned.

Refinement and Simulation

The next steps were to refine the concept, and the first order of business was to cut down on unnecessary material. In my first prototype, I hadn't figured out how I was going to mount the device to the T-Top, but I settled on using stainless inset nuts and machine screws for ease of use and for corrosion resistance (Saltwater is not kind). I also chamfered some edges, and generally cleaned up the design. I also added some reinforcement to the over-center mechanism, and changed the angle adjustment system to sit flush with the T-Top side parts, and to allow for an inset nut to fit underneath the clamping mechanism, without coming into contact with the T-Top frame.

Final Prototypes

After refining the design, I manufactured a final prototype to ensure the hardware would fit, and to ensure the design would work on the T-Top as expected. 

Final Version

After ensuring the final prototype was working as expected, a final version was printed with a higher infill and perimeter count, for wear resistance and structural stability. 

Experience and Responsibilities