Mounting rod holders

[Guest]

I was wonder if there are any tricks to mounting side mounts on my glass boat. Just wanted to get some hints befor I start drilling. Any tips will be helpful.
Thanks,
Mike

[PerchJerker]

I've seen guys use rail mount holders in glass boats. I would prefer that if it's an option for you.

[Guest]

I wish it was an option, because they would be mounted already.

[IFallsRon]

I like Velcro. No drilling and it gives you the option of moving them if they're in the wrong place.

[Guest]

Does velcro work? I would think the first fish or rock that hit that line it would rip right off the boat.

[RK]

Hiya,
Drilling into glass isn't all that scary, just have to prep things right before you do it...

First off, be darn sure where you want the things When you get the position right, cover the area with masking tape, then take a pen and mark the hole positions. Find the appropriate size drill bit - if you're going to use screws, it has to be pretty close to the screw diameter - if you crank in a screw in a too small hole you can cause stress cracking in the gel coat. The best option is bolts with nuts on the back, but that isn't always possible depending on the boat.

If you're using screws, mark the bit with tape to the right depth (screw length - mounting bracket) so you don't drill farther than you really want to. That's bad

Once you have the holes marked, take a reversible drill, and with the drill RUNNING BACKWARDS start drilling slowly. Running the drill backwards works the bit through the gel coat without cracking it. Seems goofy, but works extremely well. Once you're through the gel coat, you can turn the drill to forward if you want but it's not necessary really. Drill out the other holes and take off the tape. You should have 4 neat holes.

Now - an important step a lot of guys shouldn't skip but do. Take a chamfer (you can get one at a hardware store for 5 or 6 bucks) and chamfer each hole out a little bit. Chamfering prevents the gel coat from cracking around the holes...

If you're using screws, put a little Loc-Tite on the threads, and put the thing on. With bolts, use nuts with nylon lockign threads to keep them fron vibrating loose. Whether screws or bolts, for sure use stainless steel. If you want to protect the finish behind the holders a little, not a bad idea to put a piece of rubber cut to the shape of the mount between the mount and the hull.

Sounds like a lot but it's really pretty simple. Drilling the first hole is the hard part

Cheers,
RK

[Paul Waldowski]

RK,

Great post with a lot of great advice!

------------------
Paul
Drake Motel

[email protected]
Marcum
Otter Outdoors
JR's Tackle

[analyzer]

I have had guys tell me I shouldn't go with a flush mount because it lets water into my storage areas.

Most flush mounts have plugs, but apparently water still gets in their. I suppose when you're using the rod holder and spray hits it.

I'm thinking a guy could reach up underneath and slip a balloon over the end of the shaft opening on the underside. Then you could just occasionally empty the balloon... Yahh???

[Guest]

Thanks RK,
Great info.

[RK]

Hiya,
One thing I forgot to mention - use either forstner or 'brad point' bits if you have them handy. They won't 'walk around' as bad when you start drilling - regular bits can wander a little when you run them backwards... either way, go slow and be patint especially when you're first going through the gel coat.

Good luck,

RK