I put a post on here a while ago about rod holders, setting up my Smokercraft for fishing the big pond. I'm finally doing it, Well.... I bought a set of Big John shorty down riggers and 6 fully adjustable rod holders for along the rail to run dipsys and boards off of. My question is anchoring the holders to the rail (flat portion around edge of boat) I plan on Fabing an 1/4' thick aluminum plate about 18 to 24" long to mount the rod holders to using stainless machine thread screws. If I just anchor the plate to the rail by using self tapping screws, 3 sets of 2 will it be enough to hold in place with pull of trolling rods in it or should I fab a plate for underside of rail for support. the inside walls and rails of boat are enclosed and carpeted with rod holder compartments in side of boat so access to under the rail might...MIGHT not be too difficult but expecting it would be. It is an aluminum boat, I plan on running Dipsys, Magnum dipsys with braid and wire rods, Off shore trolling boards with 2 to 8 color lead core and 75 to 150 copper and super copper line off of boards to give an idea as to how much pull will be on holders. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks guys!
Trolling set up
- Thread starter euphoric1
- Start date
I will have to look underneath and inside where rod holding cavity is and see how hard will be to get under rail, was also way I was thinking, was hoping some one would reinforce, Thanks!
mezz
Well-known member
And large washers. Just a thought... however, I think a backing plate beneath would be the strongest if it is possible.
hybrid
Active member
I agree on the backing plate idea
SS bolts and nuts with fender washers could work if access is hard
this is a aluminum boat I take it ?
so the deck is just carpeted plywood ?
even if the deck is gelcoat with fiberglass I would still reinforce it underneath to prevent stress cracks
cant wait to see pics of ur catch
and ur boat set up
SS bolts and nuts with fender washers could work if access is hard
this is a aluminum boat I take it ?
so the deck is just carpeted plywood ?
even if the deck is gelcoat with fiberglass I would still reinforce it underneath to prevent stress cracks
cant wait to see pics of ur catch
and ur boat set up
Im not sure yet what is under the carpet on rail, im thinking aluminum. rod holders should be here today, have local shop making me 2 aluminum plates 18" long, which I will either drill and tap to mount holders or drill and countersink from bottom side and nut holders to plate ordered marine radio and whip antennae, invested in Helix graph last year. I have a 28' sea-ray I fished on lake with for many years but coon's got in cabin and did a number so setting up bass boat. I have like 30 rods and reels, box and box's of spoons and other tackle/gear. I tied my own trolling flies. Used to drag up to 12 lines. setting up boat with corner riggers and 3 holders up each side on the rail want to run 6 lines. I miss being out there and want to be ready by Coho run. Haven't been out since opened shop so might be a little rusty but sure will come back quick. Cant wait to see my catch either LOL!!!