DIY Genz type boxes

[sinneD]

Greetings all-

Anyone have any thoughts on DIY Genz type boxes? I made version 1 a couple of seasons ago from some scraps of MDO plywood to fit in a 3 or 5 gallon bucket.  I am looking to build another, hopefully better one for next season. Pics below.

I biffed on a couple of measurements in the prototype. I had to extend the back to hole the transducer and the batter is hanging out the back. But it fits in the bucket just fine.

Then again- why restrain myself with a 5 gallon round bucket? The neighbor has cats and the 5 gallon pails that she gets he litter in a rectangular with a decent snap down lid. Though they are not as sturdy as my drywall buckets.  Anyone use them? How do they hold up?

My biggest issue that I am trying to work out is cable management. Right now I have stuff tucked between the bottom pieces and use a couple of pieces of RG6 cable as posts to trap everything inside. Not the best solution.

I think that the voltmeter and USB ports need to stay towards the top to stay dry.







I added a 12V outlet to put the cell phone charger cord I use in it so that I can charge the cell phone. I also have a surprisingly bright  USB laptop light which comes in handy sometimes.  I am thinking of adding one of these to my setup too- they are on Amazon and flea bay. Cheaper on fleabay, but Amazon is reliable.



I do not like putting this right on the ice- it spins around to easy. It would be nice if it would stay put when I put it down. I tried putting it on the lid of a bucket but there too, it spins pretty easy.

EDIT: #7X9/16 whaler screws for metal stud construction worked out really well to give the bottom some bite in the ice. Thanks Rip n Lips

What have you folks built and what advice might you have if you were building it again.

Thanks

sinneD

[hardwater diehard]

Then again- why restrain myself with a 5 gallon round bucket? The neighbor has cats and the 5 gallon pails that she gets he litter in a rectangular with a decent snap down lid. Though they are not as sturdy as my drywall buckets.  Anyone use them? How do they hold up?

I use one to store/transport a fan light combo ..not sure I would use for much more than that ..be sure and attach the lid via a rope or zip tie ...likes the wind .


Thread with a wooden Genz box

http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=70397.msg694861#msg694861

[hankthecrank]

Looks cool to me, I would personally Swiss cheese it to lighten it up some. Other than than that looks good to me.

[Spider1]

I built one a couple years ago for a fish finder. Worked ok but it was a bit over built and heavy. I have a 1" thick piece of closed cell foam glued to the bottom for insulation and I made mine sit lower instead of sitting up high so it doesn't catch as much wind. I got an ice45 so now I only take the wood box with me from time to time to lend to friends who don't have a flasher or finder.

[Rip N Lips]

Try a few Carbide race screws in the bottom to stop the spin. 

[rdhammah]

improvements? couple coats of polyurethane and a flasher

[JIMC_ND]

For cord management I'd look at closing off your compartments in your next build.



Jim Carroll NPAA #13

[Eddie Spaghetti]

Sinne, Very nice looking unit. Here's one I built a few years ago for my X67C. Nothing too fancy. I now use a foam float that fits in the space below the FF with the extra cable.



Around back, I have space for some jig boxes and other assorted goodies. The battery is stored below the jig cases.


To me, weight is the biggest issue. If I was to make a new one, I might try using Starboard or some other type of material that could be lighter.

[boss j]

eddie   why dont you use the bag that comes with the unit? i got the x67 and the bag dont weigh anything. to keep the zipper out of the snow/slush i tie strapped a old video cassette case to the bottom. it works great, and its alot lighter than any wood...

[Johnsonarcher]

I like these ideas, I've been wanting to make my own box that has room for two batteries, so I can experiment with accessories.

[Steellord]

Here's what my brother in law built for me to mount my fishfinder to. It was originally used with a Humminbird Pirahnamax 160 but I have modified it to use the HDS-5 from my boat.

[Jigmup]

I built one out of a cut down small 6 pack cooler. I used hanger brackets and a pvc sleeved rod for the handle and head mount. I still have it, I'll see if I can locate it and take a pic.

[BIGCREW]

In response to the kitty litter buckets if there the yellow ones with a red top they hold up well for me and the lid is tight they come in handy for a lot of things and pack better than round buckets

[BIGCREW]

In response to the kitty litter buckets if there the yellow ones with a red top they hold up well for me and the lid is tight they come in handy for a lot of things and pack better than round buckets