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Post by fidusfish on Jul 21, 2020 18:58:15 GMT -5
I've got a 2004 Sailfish 218cc. I troll for salmon with gimbal mount downriggers that are inserted into the side rod holders near the stern of the boat. This can put a fair amount of torque on the holders, and they are getting loose. Does anyone know what the underside of the holders looks like (is there a metal backing plate) and how to obtain access to the underside? Thanks in advance.
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Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 21, 2020 19:39:10 GMT -5
No backing plate. Usually one through bolt with large-ish washer and two screws. Highly recommend 3 thru bolts and backing plates. Access, good luck. Tackle storage comes out. Speakers come out. Long arms help. Anything screwed into the fiberglass is a possible access.
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Post by fidusfish on Jul 22, 2020 10:14:59 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply abouttime2fish. I'll go to the marina and see if I can somehow reach it via any possible access point I can find. But if I cannot, would it be bad to cut open my own access point with a hole saw? Thanks again.
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Post by fishnfool on Jul 22, 2020 12:14:57 GMT -5
There have been a few members that have replaced their holders in these hard to access areas. Hopefully some of those will chime with their secrets.
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Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 22, 2020 18:12:50 GMT -5
You can expect it to be a two person job too. Not sure your boats layout, but I also have under gunnel rod holders close by, but I can’t get my hand through them. Bet my 12 year old son could though.
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Post by fidusfish on Aug 3, 2020 15:41:25 GMT -5
OK, just a follow-up here. I was able to get access through the tackle storage area on the port side of the stern and the symmetrically equivalent, livewell access on the starboard side of the stern. It's a good thing I have long, relatively skinny arms, and indeed it is a 2-person job. All 3 original fasteners for each rod holder were screws. I now have thru bolts and am confident that the holders will stay tight. Thanks again for your suggestions abouttime2fish.
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Post by hookedup on Aug 3, 2020 17:40:22 GMT -5
We need to pass a regulation or law about using screws only on rod holders. They're fine for holding rods, but almost useless if using them to hold rods while trolling. On my 245DC I'd have to cut holes to gain access as the entire gunwale is closed off. I did change out the screws on the transom mounts, but the mid-ships are unaccesable. Glad you were able to access yours.
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Post by fishnfool on Aug 4, 2020 16:57:07 GMT -5
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