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Kevin,Why do your rods break when there are in the tube, it seems that if there are secure and don't move back and forth in the tube it would prevent the tips from coming in contact in anything? Cool idea with your sled, I like the rod holders on the back of the box and I'm going to make one (sled) this summer, one you can sit on and I'm thinking about making a metal tray to attach to the front and hold my sonar in place with a bunge cord.
With the tubes I have (I forget the manufacturer. it is a local guy. They are sold at Gander Mountain) you have to leave slack because the boot goes around the but and pulls the reel foot against the top of the tube. I have never had the problem you describe.
5 gallon bucket, works great. Never broke a rod and i've been hard water fishing a long time.
I use 4" PVC Rain gutter cut to the length of my shack and bolted one on the side and one in the front right under my seat. I can get 2 poles in each one by putting the reels on opposite ends. I put some Styrofoam on each end so it will hold the poles in position so that they wont slide and hit on the tips. I will take a picture ASAP and add it to the post.
Just another idea for a rod holder/saver. I've used the plastic tubes they sell for separating golf clubs in your golf bag. They're not as heavy as schedule 40 or s&d type pipe. I cut a small notch so the reel seat can slide past the end of the pipe. It's light weight and keeps all the rods with hooks from getting tangled. And they only cost about $.64 each at "Wally World." Lou