Installing Smith Swivel Flush Mount on Rear of 1986 20 CC

[RickBomba]

Hi Guys,
I know I asked this before, but I'm going to install Smith swivel flush mount heavy duty rod holders about 2 feet forward of the rear cleat on my 1986 20 foot CC.

I'm going to put in access ports to adjust the tension on the swivel and also so I can use the heavy duty backing plate.

My question is this...since the top of the gunnel is not flat, has anyone tried this before? Is my best option to use a sawsall to flatten out where the rod holder will go? A hole saw and only cut a little bit?

I'm just trying to figure out the best way that will cause me the least custom fiberglassing afterwards to make the install look nice.

Thanks,
Rick

[Capt Chuck]

Build a wedge to conform to the angle of the gunwhale.
I know you have seen the process on antennas and downriggers.

[RickBomba]

Thanks Cap'n Chuck. I took a look around the net...I've got my antenna installed on the console, and every boat I've owned before has had a flat gunwale.

I'm going to be using pretty heavy duty rod holders with big backing plates. I think I get the idea of putting a wedge on either side of the rise in the gunwale...I'd kind of like them to fit flush, so I'd have to cut out the relative size of the holder and not go all the way through the glass.

Maybe I'll put in the access port first and feel what it's like under the gunwale, and then fab it from there.

Thanks,
Rick

[Capt Chuck]

I must be missing something here on your gunwhale config.
The wedge would be held in place with the rod holder bolts thru to your backing plates. I had to do the same for my throttle controls. See pic

[RickBomba]

I get it now. Thanks for the pic, Chuck. Your setup looks SWEET!

My gunwale top is dome shaped back by the stern. If I had the boat near me, I'd take a pic. It's not flat.

So, I was figuring I'd use a bigger hole saw to make room for the top of the rod holder, and only go down to the depth of the top of the flat part of the gunwale. I'd then use a smaller hole saw to punch through the whole thing, and then angle it after that to make the top of the rod holder flush.

Anyway, the mess that I'd make with like a 6" hole saw, I'd need to glass to make it look nice.

I've got a couple of buddies that do body work, so we may try it.

Thanks,
Rick

[Duxbait]

I don't know what your going to be fishing out of the swivel, but normally you want the area to be as solid as possible. Often you will have to add support to the area to sturdy things up. I wouldn't make the glass any thinner in the area by bringing it down to sit flush. If anything you should be adding glass to handle the stress on the gunnel. Good luck

[Bigshrimpin]

Rick - If you have plans to fight a big fish from a swivel rod holder in a 20 seacraft . . . consider moving the swivel rod holders to the bow.