Mounting Rod Holders: Aluminum Boat Installation Guide

There are several ways to mount rod holders to an aluminium boat. One way is to use self-tapping screws. Another is to use rivets and adhesive. A third option is to use rivnuts, nutserts, or toggle bolts. If you don't want to drill holes in your boat, you can use industrial-strength Velcro or an adhesive like JB Weld.

Using rivets and adhesive

First, decide on the placement of your rod holders. You can mount them along the gunwales of your boat for the ultimate casting setup, or at the transom for vertical jigging and trolling.

Once you've decided on placement, clean the area of the boat where you will be mounting the rod holders. This will help the adhesive stick better. Next, apply a strong adhesive or glue suitable for use on aluminium, such as JB Weld, to the back of the rod holder. You can also use industrial-strength Velcro with a self-adhesive backing. If using Velcro, consider cutting a thin aluminium plate that is larger than the base of the rod holder and screwing this to the holder as a backing plate to increase the surface area for the adhesive. Firmly press the rod holder in place and allow the adhesive to dry completely before use.

As an alternative to adhesive, you can use rivets to attach the rod holders to your boat. To do this, you will need to drill holes in the boat and the rod holder. Make sure to use the correct drill bit size for the rivets you are using. Insert the rivets through the holes and use a rivet gun to secure them in place. You can also use pop rivets, which are inserted into the holes and then tightened with a pop rivet gun.

Drilling holes and using stainless steel screws

Before drilling holes, it is important to decide on the exact placement of the rod holders. This can be done by sitting in the boat as if fishing, using a C-clamp to position the rod holder, and then adjusting until the ideal position is found. It is also recommended to test the rod holders by clamping them in place and using them for a while before drilling any holes. This ensures that the holes are drilled in the right place and prevents the need to fill in any unnecessary holes.

When drilling holes, it is important to use the correct size drill bit for the stainless steel screws being used. It is also a good idea to use a backing plate or block on the inside of the boat to provide extra support and spread the load. One user recommends using a 1" wide x 1/4" thick aluminium bar that has been bent to the contour of the side of the boat. Another user recommends using a 3" x 3" aluminium angle to provide a horizontal surface to mount tracks to and a vertical surface to run bolts through.

When attaching the rod holders, it is important to use the correct type of screw. Self-tapping stainless steel screws can be used, but it is important to use the correct size and coat them with thread lock to ensure they stay tight. It is also possible to use rivets and adhesive, or rivet nuts (also known as rivnuts, nutserts, or nut-serts) to attach the rod holders. Rivet nuts provide a stronger hold than screws alone as they spread the load over a larger area. They can be installed using a DIY tool or a specialised rivet nut tool.

Clamping rod holders temporarily to test positioning

Clamping rod holders to your aluminium boat is a great way to test out different positions before committing to a permanent installation. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:

First, consider the type of clamping rod holders you want to use. There are many options available, such as adjustable clamp-on rod holders, 360-degree rotating clamp-on rod holders, or even clamp-on beverage holders to keep your drink handy while fishing. Choose a style that fits your fishing needs and the size of your boat.

When clamping the rod holders, it's important to ensure they are secure and won't move around. Look for clamp-on rod holders with a strong grip and, if possible, a rubber inner liner to protect both your rods and your boat from any potential damage. You may also want to consider the angle of the rod holders. Some clamp-on rod holders allow you to adjust the angle, which can be useful for different fishing techniques.

Before clamping the rod holders onto your aluminium boat, take some time to plan their placement. Consider the type of fishing you'll be doing and the number of rods you'll need. For example, if you're trolling for pike, you may want to have multiple rods per side. Position the rod holders accordingly, ensuring they don't obstruct your movement or the boat's functionality.

When you're ready to clamp the rod holders in place, clean the area on the boat where the clamps will be attached. This will help ensure a secure fit. Carefully attach the rod holders, making sure the clamps are tight and secure. Test the stability by gently pulling on the rod holders to ensure they don't move.

Once you've clamped the rod holders in place, take your boat out for a test run. Try out different fishing techniques and movements to ensure the rod holders are positioned correctly and comfortably. If you need to make adjustments, simply loosen the clamps and reposition the rod holders as needed.

Remember, this is a temporary solution, and you may need to adjust the positioning of your rod holders over time. Enjoy testing out different setups and finding the perfect configuration for your aluminium boat!

Using industrial-strength Velcro

If you want to mount rod holders on your aluminum boat without drilling holes, one option is to use industrial-strength Velcro. This method was suggested by a user on Walleye Message Central, who used it to attach rod holders to the inside of a basic aluminum rowboat with single-wall aluminum sides.

The user recommended using actual Velcro rather than generic "hook and loop" fasteners, as they found that the latter does not hold as well. They also suggested cutting a thin aluminum plate that is slightly larger than the base of the rod holder and screwing this to the holder as a backing plate, which can then be attached to the hull with a larger area of Velcro.

Another user on the same forum advised against using Velcro, arguing that it is not a secure enough method for holding a rod and reel, especially if a big fish is caught. This user recommended drilling holes and using screws and nuts to attach the rod holders instead.

It is also possible to use industrial-strength Velcro to attach a piece of plywood to the boat, and then mount the rod holders to the plywood. This method was suggested by another user on the same forum.

Using rivetnuts

Rivetnuts are a great option for mounting rod holders to your aluminium boat. They are ultra-handy for installing anything in your boat cleanly and they are removable, too. You don't need to access the backside of the nut, and they are available at Menards.

To install rod holders, the first step is to carefully apply protective tape to the area and drill a pilot hole in the intended location. Next, use a straight edge to ensure the rod holder is squarely in the middle of the gunwale, and then drill out the hole for the rod holder. Place the rod holder in the hole to ensure it fits. Using a side-cutting bit, notch out the desired angle and replace the rod holder. Ensure it is flush with the gunwale, then install the spacer and the backing nut. Tighten them securely. Finally, remove the protective tape and clean the area with a rag and rubbing alcohol.

When choosing rivetnuts, stainless steel is a good option. You can also use aluminium rivetnuts, but be aware that they get loose easier and can gall/seize more easily, especially if they are older or slightly corroded. They can be very difficult to remove, so stainless steel with stainless bolts is recommended. You can also apply some 5200 to the area before setting the rivetnut in place to act as a barrier between the direct contact of the stainless and the aluminium.

Rivetnuts are a great option for mounting rod holders to your aluminium boat, providing a strong and reliable hold.

Frequently asked questions