The coaming actually flexes out, no flexing between rod holder and the cap. No trying to argue, but should not matter how many holes, leverage is same. BTW, the flexing was with a smaller/shorter holder, the new one is several inches deeper, so you might be on to something there. The new deeper seat may reduce the leverage enough so there is no flexing of gunnels. Think I will mount it first with the backing plate to see, before making the gusset
