Searay 175 rodholders install

CaptainJS

New Member
Apr 27, 2020
21
Boat Info
1996 SeaRay 175 5-series with a 115 hp Merc.
Engines
115 HP Mercury
Hi all. I have a standard bow rider with the normal benches in front. And I would like to install 2 or 3 rodholders somewhere on the boat. Do you have any suggestion ideas maybe with pictures. Tried Google without any luck.. (I know its not the best fishing boat but I do occasionally fish)

Thanks
 
Check out Berts Custom Tackle. They have a track system that you can add and remove rod holders without having to drill a 2 1/2 inch hole. You can also add an insert in the track when not in use to utilize it as a step.

If you look aft on the port and starboard sides you can see mine. I am using 6” tracks. They have the white inserts.
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SeaRay offers an OEM 30 degree stainless rod holder. I installed four of those and two 0 degree rod holders I bought from BOE marine. I drilled the holes and thru bolted them in with backing plates.

The 0 degree rod holders were easy to mount. The 30 degree rod holders were more tricky to drill out. I first drilled a 4x4 block of wood at the measured angle. I then used this as a guide when drilling into the boat.

I use the rod holders for many different things. I have a Magma grill with a rod holder mount. I have a bait prep table that mounts in the rod holder. I have downriggers which mount in the rod holders. I highly recommend the strongest rod holders you can get and have them thru bolted with backing plates.

I’ve seen many rod holders just screwed in get ripped right out of the boat. Also stress cracks can form in the gel coat if you don’t have a secure mount.

I don’t have any pictures but I will look for a thread I posted that has pictures.
 
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Thanks everyone, now I have something to look into. My only thing is that the gunwale is not so wide that I could even fit a 2½ inch hole. Do you know if there is an insert for the cupholders (which are easily removable), to fit a rod? I could take the cupholders out, but the hole is then too wide...
Maybe something like this... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VURGL2?tag=revabsworkout-20
 
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That’s certainly a solution but you won’t be trolling any big baits without stressing those plastic inserts.
 
Looks like you have it figured out. Can’t wait to see the follow up to this. Please keep us posted. So many threads never have an ending from the OP!
 
Hi guys. Just as promised a follow up. I did order one of the items below and i have attached some pics on how it fits. Overall it works good and the build quality seems ok. The color is a not quite white but seems to have a blue-ish tone in it. However the existing hole for the cupholder is wider than the rod holder, and the depth under the cupholder is not enough to fit the straight model. So one have to choose the 15° model. I think the 30° will be too much and the rods hitting the sidewall. Also since the hole is larger i have tried to put some duct tape around to make a snug fit and that seems to work (maybe some of you have other smart ways to add something to make it more tight?).

Another use we have of the rodholder is to put a cheap sun-umbrella (9ft) to give more shade on hot days on the front of the boat. This is only good while anchored or going idle speed..

I will order another one of them for the other side, and this obviously doesn't work for the cupholders in the cockpit since the windows will be in the way of the rods.

A large beer can also fits nicely in it (maybe the most important part!)...
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