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I just bought me my first glittery boat, and am needing to install my rod holders (T-Bar). Do you just drill some screws into the deck (fiberglass)? What’s the best way to do it so they will be sturdy and not pull out?
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If it is backed by wood screws will be fine. I would be sure to use some sealant to keep water out. Otherwise anchors meant for hollow walls work well
Instead of drilling lots of holes in the boat, I put down a plastic material called StarBoard with just a few, then attached the rod holders to that.
A track system would be awesome as well.
May I ask what boat you have?
It’s a 1993 Hydra SportQuote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeCrappie
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If you choose to drill or screw to fiberglass, the holes will need to be chamfered to prevent the gel coat from splitting.
I actually cut square pieces of aluminum a little bigger than my bases (I have Millenium) to use as reinforcement plate under the bottom where I mounted them then used flatheaded bolts and nuts. I've done this on my aluminum and my fiberglass boats, and they defiantly wouldn't pull out as long as you can reach the underside and you might could even use fender washers also.
A big Striper or Catfish can pretty easily pull the screws out of fiberglass. I've personally seen it happen on an expensive new cuddy cabin boat at Lake Murray, SC. As Javelin said, if you can get under where you need to mount the base, use bolts and nuts, and reinforce with a plate or washers you will be good. Make sure you double check the location you choose for the base because you can't undrill the holes if it ends up being a poor placement. :dono
I absolutely recommend a reinforcement plate under the floor and if possible have a base custom machined to mount your rod holder bar to if the mfr. doesn’t sell one. Like Javelin I have Millennium products and use their base. Jm2c
Some aluminum, a drill, and some taps a fella could make the bases as he wishes
I ordered some of this…
Amazon.com
Not a bad price