Does anyone know rod spacing specs for a 17' float rod or where to begin? I have other specs but this is a monster float rod. Thanks much...Paul

I built on a custom G Loomis IMX blank a few years ago in this length. I don't remember the spacing I used, but I do know that I had to do the static test...there's really no other way to go about finding the placement for a rod this long. Your best bet is to throw on like 15+(you may want to add or remove them as you go) guides and work out the spacing depending on the bend of the blank. Good luck.

Thanks Chris, thats what gut instinct told me too.

Paul
I would place my first guide 3- 31/2" from the tip and then add 1 inch to the spacing for each of the next guides. Tape them on and then static test the layout and tweak from there.
Are you using a spey blank for this? I have not seen a 17 foot blank for a float rod. Must be some prety big water you are fishing.



Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

Don't feel bad, I am going to do a 20 Footer. parts are coming from half way around the world.

Don't feel bad, I am going to do a 20 Footer. parts are coming from half way around the world.
Watch the spacing between the guides as you add an inch and go along. I get nervious when they start to get about 9-10 " apart.

You're going to have to static test the blank and move the guides around like everyone else has said.

Bill,

Where did you end up getting the blank from? Was it Harrison's ?

Randy

Thanks for all the input you guys-it is MUCH appreciated! It is a "Damon" does that sound right? Maybe D+M? I will find out from the guy that I bought it from. He said it was similiar to a "Colemans".

Rolley...I will start with what you said as the foundation and do the static tests from there....

Thanks Gents,
Paul

Rolly...
It's a true float rod blank...

Paul

Rolly,

(Sorry you guys for so many meassges not lumped into one) Clear the air for this rookie...I place the first guide 3-3.5" away from the tip, then add an inch to that? I'm just a dumb firefighter and trying to figure what I add an inch to. Would the next guide be 4-4.5" away from the tip then? Yes, big water here and in B.C. Thanks...

Paul

This should help
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Paul
From the tip 3.5 7.5 12.5 18.5 25.5 and so on

Hope it helps



Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

You can add an inch or so for the first few guides, but at some point, you'll have to stop and just stay with the same measurement for the remainder. On a rod of that length, if you keep adding one inch for each additional guide, you're going to wind up with guides 2 feet and more apart on the mid and butt areas.


...............

Rolly...Now I understand...Thanks very much. Tom, you are right at some time the spacing would be the same...I found out the rod blank is a "SAXON", mainly sold in Canada. The blank is matte black and about a 10# rod. I have a 15' Saxon with the same line rating, and like it for AK. SOme of the rivers here are huge, and then we have lots a of small streams too. I will let ya guys know, and will share the "final" guide spacing I used after the static tests, and when she's done. Thanks much gents, and enjoy the day.
Paul

Paul,

Do you have a web site you could forward me?

Thanks,

Randy

bbcustomrodsathotmaildotcom - gotta keep the spammers at bay ;)

Randy,

I do not have one now, but when I talk with the gent who sold it to me, I will let ya know...Take care.

Paul

Hey guys...

Got some guide spacing measurments...Do thses sound right for the 17' er? These are based on the first guide from the butt being 41 inches and using 16 guides. The guides will be Pac Bay Match, hi-frame or the new Batson match guides.

4, 8.83, 14.48, 20.95, 28.25, 36.38, 45.33, 55.1, 65.7, 77.13, 89.38, 102.45, 116.35, 131.08, 146.63, 163.0

Any input from you experienced builders or is this rookie on the right path.

Paul

Randy
Yes it is a Harrison blank. A GTI 20 ft 4 PC float. Think it will work out nice for the guy. Has all the specs.
Going to cost a small fortune from the UK.

WOW... 20' is huge-MAGNUM FLOAT ROD!

It was a pain just to find one also. Most spey or float blanks are only up to 15-16 ft. Now I have to figure out how to do a static test for guide placement. Ain't going to fit in my building area. Got to do it outside.