I recently acquired a Bell Magic from another member here, and have done a couple projects to make it mine.
First up was a convenient way to store my fishing rod while underway, and possibly secure enough for portaging as well. Getting cues from previous threads, I purchased a golf club tube and 20 8" zip ties from the local Wal-Mart, total price, around $5. Test drilling in some wood determined the smallest hole the zip ties would slide through, some blue painters tape held the tube in place while I tried various positions. I cut the tube to the length I wanted using a hacksaw, drilled 2 holes about 1/2" apart in the tube at 3 points in the tube. This allowed me to thread the zip tie in one hole and out the other, insuring the tube wouldn't work loose from the ties. Measure one more time, then 3 holes in the gunwales. I then took the leftover piece and, using BDB's, attached it to the seat hangers. To use, I slide the rod tip into the front section farther than I need, then back the handle int the short section attached to the seat. Only testing will tell how secure it will be on the portages, but another BDB at the seat will secure it if necessary. I also will work on the seat attachment, but I will be raising the seat, so temporary attachment for now.
Now, pictures to explain all those words!




Next up was a rod holder for trolling. I found it frustrating to hold a rod between my legs, and control a solo canoe if there was any wind. So I ordered a tite-lock that screws onto the thwart. Of course, the thwarts on a Bell Magic are way too small for this mount. A quick glance and I made a backing plate to sandwich the thwart. Some stainless 1/4-20 screw head bolts, nuts and washers cost about $6. I did have to use a round file to give the bolts a touch of clearance on the thwarts, but it nicely keeps the rod holder from sliding side to side.




The clearance for the bolts was done on both sides of the thwart. I haven't used it yet, but it seems rock solid.
Thanks for checking it out, maybe someone else will get an idea from this thread, like I have from this forum!

Yup, drilling holes in your canoe is a great way to show it is yours. Always made me nervous! :)

Looks great! Seems like a solid idea to me.

Looks like a good secure quick access rod storage solution. Watch out for those bolt threads on the underside of your thwart. They can nick line or rods.