Install flush mount rod holder

[jackjax]

1997 17' BW Dauntless DC. I would like to install two 15deg flush mount rod holders on the gunwale, 1 each stern port and starboard, next to the stern seats. Not on the transom, but a foot from the cleats (see attached image). What I am afraid of is I might hit the wirings of the all around white light. Any advice? Thank you

[ferdinando]

Afraid of hitting any wiring? I'd be scared s---less of drilling into the side of a perfectly good boat with such a narrow and solid gunwale.
I'd rather attach a rod holder to the piping next to the seat then drill a hole in the side. And you have to drill at an angle which makes it more complicated. I would really re-think this before drilling. Good luck!

[macfam]

We had a 13' Super Sport. The previous owner drilled out the gunwale and installed a Perko all-around white light. What a disaster! It was never quite water-tight after many attempts with caulking, wires we always wet. The wires needed to be long enough to repair (all too often), yet compact enough to fit back in the hole. Was never right.....Just plain stupid.

I could never support doing the same with flush mounted rod holders. I would rather mount a small railing and get railing mounted holders.

[jackjax]

Message well received :-). So far the only hole I made is for the flush mount compass. In this case, I might just think of a way to expand the accessory table top with 2 rod holders on the transom. Or find an "arm" accessory that attaches to the motor railing and expand to both stern and port side.

And you made me think of the resale if I dont do it right. So on to the next project. Thanks!

[porthole]

Just a guess, but I 'm pretty sure there is a good reason rod holders are not in the boat from the factory.
The Dauntless boat is very similar to the same size and year of an Outrage, except for the width of the gunwales.
West Marine has nice stainless clamp on holders. I am using two of them on the same rail you show in your picture.

Which table do you have?
Cruising boats I've seen had the rather large folding table that dropped into the post (Dauntless).
Fishing boats had a smaller bait prep type table with two rod holders at the ends (Outrage).

I'll take a picture of the second version later today if you are interested in seeing what it looks like.

[jackjax]

I have the "...smaller bait prep type table with two rod holders at the ends" and interchangeable with the ski pylon. Thanks