We’re putting together some Plano Tackle storage options and are deep into the design phase. We have a few ideas but I wanted to share with the community some of our ideas for feedback.
It’s pretty basic in so much that it’s “just” a Plano tackle storage box. Built out of HDPE (white or black). This specific prototype fits a standard Plano 3600. The example in the pictures holds 4 boxes.
The initial intent is to be modular. You’d get a front and back, then based on how many boxes you want (we’re considering options from 1-6) You order the size you need. Then you can assemble the storage at home with all the hardware included.
Another option is we would assemble it all here and ship finished units to customers.
We’re thinking about optional adds ons like a handle divider (seen in the picture) so you can cary the storage box.
Also we’re working on an optiona mounting system. So you can mount the storage box to something but still be able to remove it for whatever needs you may have.
I first showed this product prototype at our location Casts & Drafts here in Charleston (y’all need to come out, never know what I’ll bring) and got some good feedback from folks. This is V2.
We really would like feedback from the community.
Is this something you’d buy? (no is a perfectly honest answer)
After looking at this would you consider buying it?
Would you want it preassembled or flat shipped like Ikea
Would you consider purchasing the optional mounting system?
Would the optional handle divider interest you?
The concept is the product is modular, so in principal you could order dividers and bottom to expand the storage in the future, is this enough of a UPS (Unique Selling Proposition) that would sway your choice to purchase it?
Are we missing anything?
We expect our pricing to be competitive with other similar solutions, but we really don’t want to make an “also” product. We like to bring innovation and new feature to our products for customers.
I’ll be candid here, but based on my needs, I am not sure this would add much value. A soft sided tackle box holds more of these for less weight/bulk, plus has room for tools/equipment. This limits you to only the tackle trays but I’m not sure how it would add value.
Having said that, one thing that would probably get my attention would be a tray holder that could be mounted to my cooler top - maybe with sea sucker cups. I rarely go into my cooler and I usually put my tackle bag on there for convenience -but it obviously slides off when running. If I could having a few trays mounted on the cooler top in a way that still lets me access it (even if limited) that would be useful!
Funny I may have a use for this. Unfortunately most boxes and bags don’t fit in my rear hatches. I have been toying with the idea of using a milk crate to hold plano boxes. This might do the trick depending on dimensions. Currently using a non fishing backpack that holds 2 plano boxes in one compartment and all my soft plastics in another.
If I were to “customize” that to my needs, maybe add a tool holder, and maybe some kind of leader holder in addition to slots for the boxes. I’m good with length, but the width of my hatch is the problem. Maybe an add on on the ends of the the unit would be cool to “expand” it and make it more modular. Just thinking out loud. I wouldn’t need to “mount” it but rather would lift it out of the hatches as an organizer.
As far as built vs needs assembly, don’t really have a preference either way. If it saves a few bucks, some would go that route.
I hate to say it, but it looks like a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Big, bulky, and cumbersome. A simple boat bag will suffice and hold much more essential items and keep them dry to boot.
I do agree it looks kind of bulky and heavy for what it is. Well for what I would use it for I would want the frame to have half that thickness. Its just holding plano boxes, but I can understand if it was mounted somewhere it would need to me more durable. I just need an organizer…
I like it better than a boat bag, as it would seem to offer easier access inside a hatch. And, would be easy to transport. I like the idea of shipping flat with excellent assembly instructions! YakAttack might be a good comparison–their crates are shipped that way and I’m sure it saves cost, so you should be able to offer the product at a lower price point. The materials are top quality–all stainless steel screws. Everything fits together as intended. I’d be happy to be a real life product tester for you if needed!
@rovster we absolutely can make a custom tackle storage for you. We do everyday. That would be a fun project. Let men know if you’d be interested.
This project came out of customer requests looking for a OTS (off the shelf) solution that has flexibility but can be purchased and shipped next day.
@Birdyshooter I realize that this not a perfect “skiff” storage solution. We build all kinds of solutions for OEM’s Here’s one we do for LTB.
I have my tackle in a bag in the front hatch, over the years the zippers fail, material distresses and then I’m buying another bag. I was a bit shocked recently how expensive a tackle bag has gotten.
The back becomes the challenge if we want to have an optional removable mounting system. Something that is requested quite a bit. The other consideration is manufacturing. To have economy of scale we are also looking at material usage, CNC time, etc. It’s “cheaper” to get full utilization of a sheet of say 1/2” to build the fonts and backs because of how we can gang the materials and cuts, vs. swapping 1/2” to 1/4” and back.
Yes the handle is interesting to be able to take the whole “box” out of the boat if needed. Is the handle possible to be removable?
Modular would be cool, can add or subtract trays as I need. Some days I have 1 small fly box, some days i have 3 trays of conventional tackle
Is the handle removable? What about if there are height restrictions in a hatch? Any plans for a 3700 size? Could get into the bass fishing boat market where guys have 10-15 trays all vertically stacked in their hatches?
My rear hatch is on the small side, I used a soft sided tackle box for a while but felt it took up too much space. I use limited tackle so wanted to keep 2-3 trays of conventional tackle and a fly box. I think a decent amount of guys are in the same boat where vertical tackle storage could save a ton of space on a smaller skiff.
I ended up buying a tray divider from AMPD marine and secured it in place. But now its in there and cant remove it. Also its real flimsy and hasn’t held up way it seems. Heres a pic of when I was messing with configurations and space. Originally I wanted one of the HDPE ones but couldnt find one to match what I was looking for.
I’ll echo what @DBStoots said that I love the easy access. Just lift it out of the hatch and go. No zippers. No fumbling in bags or sacks. I’m telling you, I 've thought of something similar for my needs as I like to keep my tackle in my rear hatch but most storage systems won’t fit because the hatch is narrow.
@iMacattack Let me think on it but something like you posted with a few additional bins and some kind of way to put in some leader spools would be right up my alley. Love the open concept and easy access. I’ve racked my head over solutions but milk crates don’t fit (I’ve tried) and can’t seem to find a suitable tray or container for my hatch.
Let me try to address the topics you brought up, these are all valid points and questions.
The handle, currently in the prototype the handle serves as one of the divider. If you look closely the you cans see it goes al the way across. In this V2 version the handle is much higher than we’d make for the final version, this is already in the design queue. I don’t know how tall it will end up but looking quickly at your pictures it may be close to not fitting.
Regarding modularity, the intent is to grow with the customers needs, not necessarily change sizes on a constant basis. HDPE is a great material but constant screwing and unscrewing into it will cause the screw holes to woller out. I would not recommend it.
In the picture you can see that we also included handles routed into the sides. This may be an option for your use case vs. a divider handle.
Since this is still in a design state I don’t want to quote weights. We’re still considering materials and thicknesses. Plus weight will be based on number of slots. We’re considering a range from 1 to 6 slots. I would expect that most folks will be in the 2-5 lots just based on custom boxes we build.
I find zippered bags with handles to fit in my storage, very easy to fit and handle. My wife’s conventional fits in the blue bag, my fly gear is the green bag, and it weighs practically nothing. The flexibility of soft materials and weight is a large factor vs hard tackle boxes. I think Skiff wise probably not get a lot of traction w folks that want to maximize performance.
That said there are folks that outfit their flats boats like Columbus on the Santa Maria, they should be a huge market!
