Forward Deck Rodholders

[erg153]

Has anyone installed a rod holder on/through the forward deck. I am looking to create a mounting point for my planer boards and I need them to get off the water. A hartop or radar arche is out of the question right now due to cost but here are my thoughts on another way to "skin the cat."

I'd like to get the tips of these poles about 6ft off the water. First, I was going to drill through the forward deck, both port and starboard, and install flushmount gunwhale rod holders. I'd like to insert them just fore of the windshield. First I need to find holders that are not angled. Secondly, fab up some backing plates for additional support. I doubt the fglass is all that thick up there. Thirdly, get some inch or inch and a quarter round stock for the poles (probably cut in to 3ft sections). Lastly, attach a heavy duty eye screw to the tip of each pole and insert the poles in to the aforementioned rod holders.

Anyone think this skeem would work? I bought all the gear and planers just don't have a way of using them yet. Thanks.

[erg153]

Just thought drainage might be an issue but I found some w/ rubber caps.

[Cam]

Why don't you try to do what I have on my boat....look at the rodholders I have attached to the railings....very sturdy...no drilling...

[erg153]

Thanks Cam. I was considering them but 1) I need to get them around 6ft off the water to work properly and 2) I didn't think they could withstand the tug of a planer board. I'm thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of about 30-45lbs of force. Also

[erg153]

woops...I hit post before I came back and finished my though. I was going to say that I really dig the tackle storage you have there. Did you make that or was it like that when you bought the v?