BY MARK ROMANACK
Truth be told, there are probably as many ways to store in-line planer boards in and out of a fishing boat as there are people who use in-line boards. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of creative and useful storage tricks that help keep your boards not only within arm’s reach, but in perfect working order.
Proper storage options help to ensure in-line boards will last for years and years. In the case of Off Shore Tackle boards, you can expect these products to last for decades and decades!
STORING LINE RELEASES AND CLIPS
The rubber pads in line releases should not be stored while touching one another. Over time the rubber pads will fuse together and become ruined. The simple solution to this problem is to cut some small squares of paper and place the paper between the rubber jaws. A business card cut up into many little pieces works well for this chore.
This simple fix prevents the rubber pads from touching but doesn’t overly stress the release spring.
BOAT BOARD STORAGE OPTIONS
Thankfully a host of manufacturers have designed storage options for keeping in-line boards handy and ready for action. Just a few of the brands that excel in this category include Fishing Addiction Gear, RyTek Marine, Traxstech, Big Papa Sportfishing and Amish Outfitters all produce excellent products that help conveniently store planer boards in a fishing boat.
AFTER SEASON STORAGE
After the fishing season is over and boats get stored for the winter, planer boards will once again need to find a new winter home. Unfortunately, the manufacturing world hasn’t really addressed this issue. Boards end up piled up in crates, buckets and all measures of containers. The problem with this option is the flags on the boards tend to get damaged and the spring systems also take a beating when not properly stored.
Anyone who is handy with a table saw can make a pretty simple off season planer board storage rack from a length of 2 x 4 lumber. Simply cut a groove down the edge grain of the board deep enough to enable the nose of the board to rest upright in the groove. This board can in turn be mounted to any flat surface in the garage, work shop or basement.
Simple, yet effective, this storage option keeps the boards upright, allows the flags to extend and the spring systems to remain in the compressed position. To further ensure the springs on flag systems keep their tension, set the flags to the lowest spring tension setting for storage.
OFF SEASON MAINTENANCE
The time to do maintenance on your boards is during the off season. This is the perfect time to replace flags that have gotten bent or faded from hours in the sun. The same is true of flag springs that have taken a beating and need replacement.
Line releases that are showing signs of wear should also be addressed. If the rubber pads are getting worn, they can be easily replaced by carefully popping the old pads out with a razor blade or knife and replacing them with new pads. A single drop of Super Glue will ensure the new pads stay in place. The operative word here is “single” drop of glue. If too much glue is applied, it will squeeze out and make a mess of your releases.
The foam on the back of Off Shore boards may also need to be replaced eventually. Off Shore Tackle sells replacement foam pre-cut to simply drop right in. You can also find these foam replacements at select outdoor sportsman shows where Off Shore Tackle has a display and Pro Staff to help with this chore.
If your OST boards are old enough, they have lead ballast weights. They can be replaced with the zinc molded weights. Brackets can also be replaced if necessary.
Essentially every part of an Off Shore Tackle planer board can be sourced and replaced as needed, ensuring the investment in Off Shore Tackle lives on for years and years to come.
SUMMING IT UP
Off Shore Tackle products are designed and manufactured in the USA to provide customers years of trouble free service. Should your boards eventually need some maintenance or replacement parts, Off Shore Tackle has your back. Parts can be purchased from many dealers or sourced directly from www.offshoretackle.com. In short, you won’t find better designed products or products that last longer. While OST products may cost a little more, they more than make up for this in longevity and customer service.
