How to install surface mount rod holders

[cliffpaul2]

I'm getting ready to mount some rod holders that are similar to the ones I saw in macojoe's boat. *Id like them to be as high as possible, but in order to get a backing plate behind it It seems like *I would have to drop it down about an inch below flush from the top. *This keeps my rod holders from dropping into the mount like they are supposed to. *

The black line on the masking tape shows the highest point that I can put a backing plate. *I would like to keep the top of the bracket flush with the top of the gunnel trim as shown:


What is this rim made of? *Is there wood underneath that I could drill into? *Would the rod holders be strong enough this way? *


This is a bad picture, but It shows from the bottom what I'm dealing with on the back side


Thanks in advance! *Cliff