I am thinking about building a Gin Pole. I don't have a transom door and I think I can make a sturdy SS (or HD alum) pole that fits into the pilothouse without looking too ugly. Beyond being useful I think it would look cool, kind of old school.
Any thoughts?

Lots of them around. Make sure that its well connected to the deck and has a support about half way up.

got any leads on kits or should I just put something original together.

I'll take a picture of my newly installed gin pole this weekend.

Got it off craigslist for a steal. It's made out of galvanized metal fence posts but with some heavy duty welds. We had CMI in weymouth fabricate gunnel brackets for us and there is a mounting bracket for the base.

I'd be comfortable with a fish up to 800 lbs on it. Not that my boats ever seen anything bigger.

got any leads on kits or should I just put something original together.

I would try and just put something together using aluminum pipe and plate and fittings.

finally got some pics...brackets are by CMI in Weymouth. Makes a great harpoon holder as well.

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab110/amar1293/IMG_7328.jpg

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab110/amar1293/IMG_7327.jpg

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab110/amar1293/IMG_7329.jpg

kewl! I like the look... Looks good even if you never use it!!!

Seriously, it looks sturdy ...like the bracket on the top, should be able to haul up a giant.

Got one on my BHM.
If I think of it I'll snap a few pics and post them.
Andrew, where you find the block & tackle ?
Is it 3 over 3 ?

Got one on my BHM.
If I think of it I'll snap a few pics and post them.
Andrew, where you find the block & tackle ?
Is it 3 over 3 ?

Came with it when I bought it. Not a bad deal for the whole thing for $50 from craigslist

I know that Hamilton Marine has them.

BLOCKS (http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/blocks/2,829.html)

Ronnie, there's open slips at Taylor if you want to bring the boat down. Plus you can bring pogies with you. :D

Snapped a few pics of mine over the weekend.
This pic is in the down position. It extends higher in a few different increments.

I am taking the one off my boat this winter it's probably 7-8 feet tall. heavy stainless with a 4 foot swing out boom and an electric winch. Was goin to list it on craigslist
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/thefishingfreak/99448f37.jpg
you can see it hereIf you zoom in it's white powdercoated
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device