Installing swivel rod holders

[Surf Toss]

I'm planning to install a couple of swivel rod holders to the front on my boat in the next few weeks. They will primarily be used for heavy action bent butt rods. Hoping to get some advice from people that have experience and are willing to share some advice on location, angle, and length (depth rod is seated). Maybe some "if I do this again" thoughts??

My boat current has Lee's rod holders all the way around, so the plan is to use the Lee's swivel rod holders.

I'm pretty squeamish about drilling two giant holes in the top of my boat so any information may build some confidence.

Thanks!

-ST

[Bogart]

Pics please i really want some swivels as well

www.tigerlilysportfishing.com

[SNAKE EYES SPORTFISHING]

no difference between regular rod holders and swivels. [installation wise] just make sure to use a backing plate. not sure if the holders you have will interchange with the swivels you wish to install.

[AT Grimaldi]

So I am in a similar boat, no pun, as you this year. Last year I had mostly fixed pin 30 deg rod holders mounted in my gunnel. After some much valued consultation by Greg Sears, I shall be adding four (4) 90 deg swivel rod holders for the shortie bent butts that will go to each of my long and short riggers. I, too, have the Lee rod holders and will continue with their line.

Based on how I saw my boat builder install the other fixed pin rod holders, this is how I am going to do it.

I have four(4) 90 deg swivel rod holders and the appropriate backing plates.

On the gunnel, I put the rod holder upside down to insure that the flange footprint will fit correctly and centered on my gunnel. I then reach under the gunnel and move or at least note where there may be rigging that could get in the way.

I mark the center of the hole to be drilled for the shaft of the rod holder.

I then mark each of the bolt holes on the rod holder.

I move the rod holder and reach under the gunnel and move the rigging to the side.

Have your buddy drill the center hold with a hole saw.

flip over the rod holder and dry fit it into the hole you just cut.

It should fit perfectly. Mark the four (4) bolt holes, drill them and dry fit the backing plate.

Remove all the components and put a bead of 3M 4200 UV under the entire underside of the flange of the rod holder.

place the rod holder in position.

From under the gunnel, load up the small gap between the hole you cut for the shaft of the rod holder and the shaft itself.

Put a dead of 3m 4200 UV on the entire underside of the backing plate.

Feed the bolt through and tighten them.

the excess 4200 should squeeze out at this point.

Take a rag and wipe the excess off.

Take a second rag, soak in acetone and wipe away any and all unwanted 4200.

Let bake in sun, have an iced tea and admire your handywork.

or......

bring it to a yard and have them install them for you.

- ATG

[foley10]

dont tighten the bolts all the way the first time with the 4200 wet. you dont want to squeeze all of it out. just cinch them down until a little oozes out and let it dry. go back a day or two later and really tighten them down. that way you have effectively created a gasket of 4200 so no water can get in.

[Goodnyou]

Might as well seal all the wood in those holes with epoxy and even the bolt holes. Also use good stainless bolts with nylok nuts.

[KAISER]

Might as well seal all the wood in those holes with epoxy and even the bolt holes. Also use good stainless bolts with nylok nuts.

Sage advice! always 316ss hardware.

I was taught fill all fastener holes with calk(5200), even wood screw pilot holes

[Surf Toss]

Bogart,
Here's the plan, though I'm looking for feedback before I start drilling:



For the access hole I was planning to block the hole with either speakers or a deck plate. The speaker requires a 5 1/2" hole which may be useful while trying to install the backing plate and the drain. Deck plates allow for a little bit smaller hole but I may just take the opportunity to improve the tunes situation on the boat.

I plan to drain water into the rod holder to the deck as shown.


Foley10,
Good tip. I like the idea of making a gasket out of the 4200.

Goodnyou,
I'm not sure if my gunnel has a wood core up top yet, but if so any recommendation on a wood sealer?


Any more feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-ST

[BFThunter]

Careful with the flare of the hull up there. Measure 4 times and drill once. If you can, drill the access port first and put the rod holder in from the inside to check clearance, sort of imagining that it is in there. Done this many times with customers boats just to make sure before drilling a 2.5"+ hole in the gunnel non-skid.

[Goodnyou]

A 130 swivel is deep. It may not fit as stated. How are you planning to fish this boat? That is the question I would ask before drilling. West systems has good epoxy.