Adding Gunwale Rod Holder to Starcraft Mariner?

[SLR102]

Hi all, jumping the gun a bit but hopefully will be picking up a 18' Starcraft Mariner this weekend. I was interested in adding some gunwale rod holders, but wasn't sure if there were any additional considerations needed given the aluminum frame.

Am I set to drill a hole in the gunwale and seal it?

Apologies if this is a dumb question, first boat and trying to learn. Will be doing a "build" series that will likely entail be breaking the boat, but follow along if you are in need of a good laugh

 

[MNhunter1]

I'd share some pics, but we are having some picture upload issues at the moment. I did this on my MR180. Just make sure your spacing is right between the gunnel inside/outside trim and whatever angle you decide to use works along the inside of the hull and your specific clearances. The tail end of the recessed rod holders still needs somewhere to go. I made some 3/4" ACX backers sealed with Spar to fit on the underside of the gunnels, then through bolted with stainless hardware. Tolerance can get a bit tight for us fat fingered folks, but doable. My model also had the rear side panels, so the rod holders/backers in that area had to be installed prior to securing the panels back in place. You might be okay without backers depending on the fish you are targeting/amount of stress anticipated on the rod holders, but I had mine all torn apart anyways and added the extra measure of security. Same holds true for the through bolts vs screws.

Of note, I used the Mate Series rod holder/cup holder combo. In hindsight, I probably would have just gone with the standard rod holders. The combo leaves a lot of room at the top and is somewhat dependent on longer rod handles for a solid/secure mount. The shorter handles allow for too much play at the top and the reels end up sitting against the side and/or gunnels. I've just dedicated those holders for longer handle trolling rods and dedicated cup holders. I have some flush mount Folbes along the gunnels as well.

 

[SLR102]

I'd share some pics, but we are having some picture upload issues at the moment. I did this on my MR180. Just make sure your spacing is right between the gunnel inside/outside trim and whatever angle you decide to use works along the inside of the hull and your specific clearances. The tail end of the recessed rod holders still needs somewhere to go. I made some 3/4" ACX backers sealed with Spar to fit on the underside of the gunnels, then through bolted with stainless hardware. Tolerance can get a bit tight for us fat fingered folks, but doable. My model also had the rear side panels, so the rod holders/backers in that area had to be installed prior to securing the panels back in place. You might be okay without backers depending on the fish you are targeting/amount of stress anticipated on the rod holders, but I had mine all torn apart anyways and added the extra measure of security. Same holds true for the through bolts vs screws.

Of note, I used the Mate Series rod holder/cup holder combo. In hindsight, I probably would have just gone with the standard rod holders. The combo leaves a lot of room at the top and is somewhat dependent on longer rod handles for a solid/secure mount. The shorter handles allow for too much play at the top and the reels end up sitting against the side and/or gunnels. I've just dedicated those holders for longer handle trolling rods and dedicated cup holders. I have some flush mount Folbes along the gunnels as well.

Thank you! Mostly fishing for big stripers and blues, but should I become dumb enough to try to target sharks/tuna on a nice day (don't worry, years out) might as well add in the backing for the hell of it.

 

[roscoe]

I mounted my rod holder on the inside edge of the gunnel.
The vertical part.
Used these :

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/scotty-power-lock-rod-holder

The base can be used on a vertical or horizontal surface. Just screwed them in with sheet metal screws 12 years ago.

And in my opinion, no need to seal it in.
If the water is that high, its coming in the boat anyway.

 

[SLR102]

I mounted my rod holder on the inside edge of the gunnel.
The vertical part.
Used these :

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/scotty-power-lock-rod-holder

The base can be used on a vertical or horizontal surface. Just screwed them in with sheet metal screws 12 years ago.

And in my opinion, no need to seal it in.
If the water is that high, its coming in the boat anyway.

Thank you, think sealing the wood everywhere is my go to assumption to be safe lol

 

[roscoe]

What wood? There is no wood there.

 

[SLR102]

What wood? There is no wood there.

Ah I'm going off memory from one I checked out, thought it was wood

 

[MNhunter1]

Starting on page 13 of my MR180 build in my signature, you'll see pictures of the rod holders I added to my gunnels. I guess I could have referenced those earlier, but now that pictures are back up, I can't seem to find where I saved them all...