Q: What Size Hole Saw Should I Use?
A: We recommend using a 2-1/4" diameter hole saw.
Q: What Size Drill Should I Use For The Mounting Bolts?
A: We recommend using a 3/8" diameter drill.
Q: What Is The Bolt Hole Pattern On L.T. Marine Rod Holders?
A: The bolt hole pattern measures 2.750" x 3.625"
Q: Which Size Rod Holder Do You Recommend The 9" or 12"?
A: When it comes to the size it depends on several factors. Clearance underneath your covering boards, freeboard (the height of your gunwale above the waterline) and the angle of the inside of the hull, are all major things to take into consideration. On some center console boats, due to the flare of the hull, especially mid ship and more toward the bow, you can only fit a 9" deep model. As you move toward the transom and port and starboard quarters you can install a 12" with no issues. On Down East style, and sportfish boats, typically the hull flare does not interfere with the clearance of the underside of the covering board so 12" deep models will have no problems.
Another factor in deciding which size rod holder to use depends on what size rod butt you have on your fishing rods. Rule of thumb, if your using a #2 bent or straight butt, use a 9" deep model rod holder. You can run #4 or #6 butts with 80 and 130 size reels in a 9", but your rod and reel will sit higher up and away from the top of your gunwale. This can exert more pressure on the covering boards especially at higher drag settings. If your going to use a combination of #2, #4, or #6, butts you can use the 12" deep model. To help in situations like these we sell a drop in swivel spacer which when installed turns your 12" deep swivel rod holder into a 9" deep when using #2 short butts. If your using exclusively #4 or #6 sized butts then run with a 12" deep model! There are many ways to outfit your boat and we have the options to accommodate your needs! Our rod holders accommodate every brand rod butt on the market with no fitment issues.
Q: Do L.T. Marine Rod Holders Come With Bolts And A Backing Plate?
A: Yes, we supply a 316 stainless steel backing plate measuring 4" x 5" with 316 stainless steel 2-1/2" long 5/16-18 bolts, nuts, and lock washers.
Q: Do you have a hole drilling template to mark the hole locations for installation?
A: Yes we do. Click here for a PDF copy you can print out. Make sure your printer settings are set to print at 100% of file size in order to ensure scale is correct!
Tips to help you with your installation
- When installing the rod holders it is advisable to use 3M 4200 Sealant. Apply liberally underneath the top plate and underneath the heads of the bolts to seal everything. Preventing water intrusion into the coring material of the gunwale is imperative.
- De-Coring the hole surrounding the rod holder tube is advisable as well. On some boats covering board coring material can be made of wood like Balsa, or foam, or Coosa. When exposed to moister wood will absorb water and weaken the covering boards if the fiberglass laminate schedule is not thick enough, which is a common problem on factory production boat brands. To de-core the hole around the rod holder tube, you can insert the long shank end of an Allen Wrench into the drill chuck of a cordless drill, and use the short end of the wrench like a router and knock out the coring material around the hole. After de-coring is complete, it is advisable to fill in the sides of the hole with some hull and deck putty to prevent water intrusion.
- If you feel the covering boards on your boat are not strong enough to stand up to higher drag pressures of big game reels, you may want to install an extra large backing plate to help reinforce everything. Measure the underside of the covering board. If you have room, it is advisable to cut as big a piece of 1/2" thick Marine Grade Starboard Material as you can fit underneath. You can use the rod holder backing plate as a template to drill the holes. Sandwich the X-Large backing plate up between the stainless steel backing plate supplied with the rod holder and the underside of the covering board.
- Each L.T. Marine rod holder is supplied with rod & reel safety leash bracket. While most brands integrate this into the backing plate we decided to make it adaptable to any position underneath the covering board. You simply install it to any of the 4 mounting bolts between the backing plate and the lock washer.
- Caring for your rod holders is simple. Rinse them down with fresh water and boat soap after each trip. To keep the finish bright and shiny it is advisable to apply boat wax to them once or twice a season.
- To set the drag of the swivel mechanism all you need is a 5/8" socket or wrench. Place your rod into the rod holder. Have someone hold the rod while you tighten the swivel nut on the underside of the rod holder. Our drag washers are made from a material that is perfectly suited for friction applications but over time re-tightening will be necessary.
