Yakima Topwater

[dickenscpa]

Does anyone have some decent experience with the Yakima Topwater? I'm fishing with 8 rods and although the Hobie has on board storage that's strappable - 1) Don't feel comfortable stopping and eating with them so easily accessible and 2) You really have to do the rod socks and reel covers to keep them in good shape. The Yakima Topwater does hold 8 rods but they are separated and sit on foam. I'm also looking to shave some time when I finish fishing and have to load up. It's becoming a pain getting back and sleeving and reel covering all of them and putting them in the Hobie tubes. One of the reasons I left the boating world was it was becoming a hassle.

 

In my studies the only real negative I've seen are the springs on the hatch. I've done the Rod Pod in 6 and 8" and not really a fan because you have to sleeve and protect the reels in those too. Plus I sold my previous trailer with the rod pod on it and now even if I wanted to do another, finding 8" PVC much less PVC that I can afford is impossible. It's going for $356 plus 9.25% sales tax then the Reese cover is $179 plus tax. Might as well buy an already made.

[dgb79]

I have one I bought for my s10 pickup. Best money I've spent in a long time. I've gotten 10 fully rigged rods in it at once when going on a family trip. That included my bass rods, trout rods, trout net x2, wading gear x2 & extra tackle. I've never had an issue so far with it. 

 

[airshot]

My 16' boat has rod lockers, wouldn't be without them, another reason I graduated up from kayaks...but to each his own...have no idea where I would put 8 rods on my old kayak !!!!  Not sure I carry that many on my 16'.....

[Standard]

Year old thread, but I guess I'll chime in as I have one as well.

 

I normally carry 6 rods in mine, and even that feels a bit tight.  Couldn't imagine stuffing 10 rods in, unless you don't mind them getting a little beat up.  Although mine are 4 bait casters and 2 spinning setups, so maybe that makes a difference.  The box itself is a bit rattly, although I only notice it if I have the rear sliding window open.  If you drive a lot of dirt roads, dust will get into the box but it's not bad.  I haven't had any issues with the hinge springs or locking mechanism. 

 

It's not cheap, but neither are any of the other options.  For me, it's way better than stuffing the rods inside the cab.