Reinforcing Rod Holders

[JohnV8r]

Hey Guys,

When I have everything out, I want to reinforce my rod holders/gunnels. I have four quick questions:

1-A. Is there any advantage to making the reinforcement one piece running from the pilaster to the stern?

1-B. If no, how long should the reinforcement pieces be?

2. What material? Okuma plywood, Coosa board, steel, composite piece, composite piece sandwiched with steel?

3. Overall thickness?

Thanks in advance!

[Pete Fallon]

JohnV8er,
I've got 3 large Lee's rod holders on each side of the cockpit. I used 3/4" marine ply glassed into the under side of the gunwales. I fished 130 Internationals with bent bunt for years with no problems, each backing plate has about a 6" overlap on each side of the actual rod holder and as wide as will fit under the gunwale. If you've got everything out and have a clear shot I'd put a single long section under gunwale glassed in and then drill holes from above, with the large Lee's I had to cut the existing holes larger in the deck surface. I also have 24" florescent tubes under the gunwales for cockpit lighting. When you put the backing plates under the gunwales make a lip so the side panels have something to slide into at the top, I took out the old glassed in channel pieces because most of them only had one side of the channel left. Use a side grinder to cut the tabbing that holds the channels in place, just remember to put something back in for the top of the side panels to slide into.
Pete Fallon

[CaptPatrick]

1. No

1b. 12"

2. Plywood, well sealed

3. 3/4"

[JohnV8r]

Pete,

Thanks for that. That is a GREAT idea to put a tab on the backing plates!

[JohnV8r]

Thanks Patrick!