Putting together a G-USA blank from Billy with Merrick painted slick butt, EZ tight reel seat, and gimbal. I got both sizes of Batson's gimbal just to ensure I got one that fit best.

The last slick but I put together, looked like it fit OK, but leaches salt from the cracks after fishing trips, which tells me the space is too big and water is getting inside. Piecing everything to the butt, I can't seem to get that quite seemless connection. Am I missing something? Are there pieces to go on the ends of the slick butt to make life easier?

Thanks,
Phil



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/10/2008 04:20AM by Phil Richmond.

Phil, I have built a few rods with slick butts. I have a few questions. What are you using for bushings and what size gimbal are you using 2,3,or 4. I always use a 4 and I use a full bushing made from the urethane foam and I make it complete from the butt where the gimbal goes on all the way to the tip side of the reel seat. I usually do it in 2 pieces 1 for the slick butt and 1 for the reel seat. I don't know how long your slick butt is. Mine are usually 8 inches. But doing it this way I have no water issuses, cause water can't go anywhere. Email me if you need further details. Thanks Scott

I was thinking the same thing, ordered some foam today from Mudhole. Also thought about a solid bushing made from 8lb foam.

Gimbal? Batson only has two sizes, I picked them both up. Before when I used the Aftco parts, I used a smaller one, not a four for sure.

Phil

Phil

I have found the Aftco fits a little better with the Merri!k sleeve. After I have the slick butt in place, (I use drywall tape), I put rod bond at the ends of the slick butt with my finger so no water can go up(I also do that to the reel seet )...After I wrap the rod, I install the gimbal and have never had water seepage issues..


I have not tried the long arbor method, but is sounds good...I just don't like reaming out that much on an arbor...takes forever and usually I am a hair off center..

Phil,
The correct size gimbal is a 4. If you want a nice edge where the gimbal and the slick butt join together that does not have any gaps where water can seep into the joint all you have to do is after careful shimming of the gimbal and slick butt is bond the gimbal and the butt on at the same time and use a cork clamp to force the two pieces together. After that sets up then install the reel seat and the foregrip. Just did one this week and the bond line is invisable and all the parts are in perfect alingment.

Michael A Taylor
Bluewater Fly Tackle