Swivel Rod Holders in Transom

[Pitou]

Thanks Max. I'm still gathering info for next year. This year I'm below deck with a new battery tray, reconfigure battery banks, add a second battery charger and replace the original aluminum Luthers water tank with a custom polypropylene water tank including baffles.

[Pitou]

When drilling the holes for the holders what did you use to seal them up after?

For the rod holders, you will encounter wood core material. After drilling out the rod holder hole, I like to remove maybe an 1/8" of the exposed core and fill with 3M Premium Filler or similar hull and deck filler then coat with polyester or epoxy resin. This way there is no way that any water will infiltrate the core. Always remember that you can apply epoxy over polyester, but never polyester over epoxy. Almost all boats are built using polyester resins. You can put an allen wrench that has been sharpened on a drill to scour the core out. Most guys just coat the core with resin to seal it. Your choice. I prefer over the top. For the fastener holes I over drill and fill with West System Six-10 2 part epoxy in a tube then re-drill to the proper screw or bolt size and counter sink the top of the hole to prevent the gel coat from cracking and really seal the top of the fastener by filling the counter sink when you apply sealant to install the rod holder. This process will prevent any water infiltration and protect the core. Cutting corners will only lead to trouble later on. Hope this helps.

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[gfuller]

This is very valuable info, thank you!!!

[Jeremyvmd]

Not really related but when I replaced my transducer and cut away the coring (I used a bent nail with the head removed) I used the six10 thickened epoxy and it worked great. I also use high strength epoxy with micro bubbles and powdered fiberglass added if I need it really strong.

[RobS]

Not really related but when I replaced my transducer and cut away the coring (I used a bent nail with the head removed) I used the six10 thickened epoxy and it worked great. I also use high strength epoxy with micro bubbles and powdered fiberglass added if I need it really strong.

An allen wrench in a drill works very well for this too, they are very strong and the hex profile makes for an easy hold in the drill chuck.

[Serenity]

Back to the rod holders. I have four as shown in the picture. I use the two outboard holders for round wooden pegs to hold a large fender when docked up against a bulkhead.

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