To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Kesh

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Oct 29, 2002
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We have a 21.5 ft open console, that unfortunately has not rold holders anywhere. I was thinking in drilling the borders of the hull to install 4 embedded inox rod holders, 2 on each side. My questions are: will that degrade the structural strenght of the hull ? should I instead install plastic rod holders that attach to any surface inside the hull ? ...If inox embedded are the way to go, how is the best technique to make the angled holes?
 

Mumblerone

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May 12, 2002
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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Not sure what you gunwale looks like or how thick. I also assume you can see under it? Therefore,if thick enough (let's dsay 1/4" or so) I would mount the new rod holder flush with the gunwale. It is important to be sure their exactly where you will need them. Lee is a good brand. I would not worry about structural problems; because in fact the rod holder base is 'kinda' replacing the fiberglass hole. The hole will probably be a litte oblong too. Take youe time, it'll look great. I have four on my boat, will mount two more in the spring. NOW, how about sending us up some OIL? ;)
 

crab bait

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

also ,, seal it well as so NO water gets in/down in an causes rot...
 

Kesh

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Hey, as usual these forums are the best places to find fast answers, thanks. Well, gunwale is more than 8 inches wide, so I know there is enough space to place the rod holders. The problem is I dont know how thick it is because i can not see under it ("walls" are closed type) ...is that a major problem to install ??? What tool do you reccomend to make the hole ??? I have been thinking in using my dremel to make a precision work, but I' afraid it will take a LOT of work...hehe....and about oil, forget it....we wont produce more until the crazy idiot called "Hugo Chavez" resigns to the presidence and calls for elections. We are sorry, but we are the most affected with this situation...we will pay the price until the damned idiot leaves.
 

Mumblerone

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

We'll just have to get our oil from Sadam in a couple of weeks, then. :D I would get the rod holder you will use, measure the diameter of shaft. I would drill a hole with a hole saw about 1/8th" or so bigger than needed. Put tape down to keep gelcoat from cracking. You will probably have to file or Dremel the hole to fit. Maybe you'll have to drill two holes next to each other with the center lines 1/2" apart; if you know what I mean. Now, if you could get under the gunwale I would suggest SS bolts with washers and Nylock nuts. If you can't do this, then use a metal screw, SS. Use the max size that will fit flush with rod holder. Start with a hole about the size of the minor diameter of the screw. If the screw goes in hard increase drill (hole) size. Did I say put tape around hole before screwing/drilling so you don't chip gelcoat? This should do it. You might want to angle (rotate) rod holders outwards a little so the rod tips are just a little outside the boat. Seal (caulk) before final assembly to keep water out. The reson for the bolts Vs screws is that a rod with a fish on it can put a lot of pressure on a rod holder. Let us know how it goes. Oh, be reasonably sure what in the gunwale, before drilling...wires, gas, little stuff like that.
 

Kesh

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Ok Mumblerone, thanks for all the details. I really appreciate it. The idea of drilling two holes next to each other with the center lines 1/2" apart sounds great to accommodate for the angled tube of the rod holder. I will investigate under the gunwale. As I remember there is a hole for a speaker which could serve as a inspection port. There is also a real inspection port but I dont remember the distance from the places I have in mind for the rod holders. I will take a look tomorrow. If I can, I will use bolts. If Sadam refuses, let me know. I will kick his ass badly !
 

Boatist

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Apr 22, 2002
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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Kesh<br />It really what you want but for me I would go with Scotty or Fishon rod holder inside. Here is a couple of reasons.<br />1: You can change the angle of you rod, how high the tip is.<br />2: You can change the direction your rod points, straight back or out to the side.<br />3: When there is lots of spray or when your are washing the boat water does not run in thru the rod holers.<br />4 Make sure before you drill or cut that there is not any wireing in the way.<br />For sure install what you want and enjoy it.
 

AndyL

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Hi,<br />When I put the ones into my boat I used a hole saw and set the pilot (centre) drill to extend as much as possible out of the saw. By copying and cutting a template of the angle of the rod holder onto a piece of plywood I could then hold the ply to the deck and angle the drill off the template. With the pilot drill extended it gave the drill better stability when the hole saw "bit". Do not use much pressure just let the saw work through the glass. If you are lucky you may find that there is a wooden backing which will be obvious as you get deeper. If so ensure you use a good quality silicone or polyurethane sealer when fitting the holder to seal off and prevent any water ingress. Also if you do find wood it will be quite sufficient to use good A4 quality S/S screws to secure. <br />You could always practice on an old bit of timber first to get the "feel" and to double check the angle is correct. Good luck.
 

Mumblerone

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Baotist...how do you keep water out when a rod is in the holder? Then I guess the next question is...why seal? :eek: I was thinking sealing, more for appearance and to cover water from getting into fibreglass, laminate, etc. You make a good point, if the others have caps, however, for cleaning. I guess I never gave it much thought. :rolleyes: ;)
 

Kesh

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

I think I saw wood when I replaced the anchor light (the one with a extensible pole near the transom corner). In fact, now I have to re-check to see if I sealed or not...I dont remember, but now I am worried.
 

Boatist

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Kesh

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Hey Boatist, I really like the Scotty rodholders. Thx for the links. Are they strong enough ? I like the fact they rotate and the angle is adjustable. When I fish in a buddy's boat (he has flush mounted inox tube rodholders) it is somewhat inconvenient the fixed position of the holders. They are good for trolling, but not for "standing" fishing.
 

SpinnerBait_Nut

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Kesh said<br />
They are good for trolling, but not for "standing" fishing.
Uhhh!!! What use are they if you are standing up fishing? :D <br />Just joking.
 

Hawkeye1

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

I would go 1 step farther and seal any raw wood edges up with some epoxy resin b4 you seal it up with silicone. If your liner is seal then you will need to run a drain from the bottom of the rod holder to the deck or someplace other then under your floor. You said you seen wood when you instaled a light. Make sure you get that seal up well also. I had to replace all the cores under the front deck of a boat I fixed up because water got in and ruined the plywood core. Again epoxy is good to seal the raw wood up Let it dry compleatly b4 using other sealers.
 

Capn Mike

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

My rod holders drain into the cockpit, so I don't worry how much water comes into them. It sounds like yours drain into the bilge, so I might be a little concerned. I agree with those who say to use the holders fastened to outside of the gunwale (i.e., inside the cockpit). It's not as neat & tidy as the others, but I suspect you'd be opening (bad pun) up other problems.
 

Captn Dave

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

You can get rod holders that are sealed at the end. The only drawback is that they will fill up with water if they're not capped. <br />Do as Andyl suggested. Experiment on a piece of wood. Especially if they are angled rod holders.<br />And seal all exposed wood prior to fastening the holder. And also seal the holder when installing.
 

Boatist

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

Kesh<br />I think they are strong enough. We use for bottom fishing with 2 lb weights, for salmon trolling and for Albacore tuna. For albacore you almost have to use them. We troll from 9 to 13 mile per hour and when they hit there doing about 30 mile per hour. If you holding the rod you must set drag loose and hold on tight or they will jerk the rod right out of you hand, if set it too loose can get pofessional over spin. Also use for Sturgeon fishing when away from rod, getting a drink or making room for another drink. Never had a problem.
 

Kesh

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Re: To drill or not to drill? Rod Holders Installation

OK Boatist, then I will go for scotty rod holders. Thx for the info.
 
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