Rod Holder Mounting Question

[Boston]

I'm considering purchasing a used '04 17CC Triumph and I've just about made the decision to buy. I'm buying for almost strictly fishing purposes, other then entertaining the in-laws, and was curious to hear what people have done for rod holders on their 17CC models. I would like to have two, one on each side buy the CC seat and then one on each side near the back of the boat. The end game would be to have a spread where you have two adjustable holders on the side and then two adjustable holders in the back to fish four rods while trolling etc. The boat I'm looking at has the front bow rail and I thought I could mount the two side rods to the beginning of that, although they would be a little more forward then preferred. I'm stuck with the two for the back because the '04 doesn't have the pre-built-in rod holders there. I was thinking that I could install about a 3 ft. long grab rail on each side towards the back so I could then attached the rod holders to that and I think it would be a nice improvement to the boat overall. I want the hoders to be romovable so I'm not looking to do anything permanent other then adding the rails that I just mentioned. I would appreciate any advice or examples of what other people have done to their 17CCs to make them good fishing machines with efficient rod spreads. Thanks a bunch! Pictures would be huge!!!

[rkola]

Welcome, and good luck on the decision on the Triumph. We bought a 2003 170DC early this year, and have nothing but good things to say about it.

I have mounted 4 of the Scotty Flush Mount holders in our boat, and they've worked out great. There are some pictures of an installation of these by cagrove in the 170 Mods group in the Photos section, and I believe he has a write-up somewhere on the forum. His install was helpful in making my choice. I used a Fostner bit (1 3/8??) to drill holes in the gunwales, being very careful to center them, due to the slope of the sides. I sealed the bottom of the holders before mounting them, put Rule Elastomeric Sealant under the mount, and on all screws. I believe I used 3/4 x 12 Stainless Screws. They've worked out great, and I like the ability to be able to switch out the actual rod holders, depending on whether I'm using spinning gear or a fly rod. There are some neat accessories available for the Scotty as well. I modified a "unversal depth finder bracket" to allow me to mount my "Fishing Buddy" in the bow for use when Im alone, and using the trolling motor up front.

Ron

[mondo80]

good question. I have a 2007 170CC. I also have the front bow rail and have placed two adjustable rod holders there. one on each side. they sit about equal with the front seat/bait well. this i find to be a good location because while trolling for big salmon I can just look forward as I trole with out looking side to side endlessly while awaiting a strike. my periferal vission captures both rods. If like me your targetting big fish I would pre drill a hole in the rail and place a removable stainless screw through the bace of the rod holder into the rail. this will keep big fish from sliding your rod holder over the rail. again, if the rod holders are on each side at the cc your neck will quickly become tired. good luck

[jconstab]

I installed two stainless steel flush mount rod holders in the gunwale toward the rear of the boat and just ordered two of the clamp on rod holders that I plan on mounting to the bow rail.

[Mainer]

Another vote for the Scotty Flush Mount holders. Easy installation.

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by Boston

I would like to have two, one on each side buy the CC seat and then one on each side near the back of the boat. The end game would be to have a spread where you have two adjustable holders on the side and then two adjustable holders in the back to fish four rods while trolling etc. Thanks a bunch! Pictures would be huge!!!

As others have stated, that's exactly what I did on my 170CC...two on each side, towards the rear. That way I can troll four rods at once and keep an eye on them easily.

Here are a couple of pics:







Let me know if you have any questions.

[jconstab]

That's a nice setup Cagrove.

[Boston]

Well it looks like there are a few options for me to use. That's exactly what I was looking for. This will be my first boat and I don't want to jump the gun and do something permanent if it's going to stink. I live in Boston and will be hitting the seas for Stripers, Blues, Bonnito and hopefully some small Tuna so I will be trolling some pretty serious gear hunting some serious fish. This will also work good trolling for Salmon on Lake Michigan where I grew up learning to fish and I will hopefully make it back there in a few years permanently. That means dipsy Divers, Lead Line and D Riggers. Just the thought makes my blood boil. I wish winter was a little shorter...thanks everyone!!!

[cagrove]

I forgot to add the links to where I got these. Cabelas has a wide assortment of options to go with the rod holders. Here are the links:

Bases:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...300&hasJS=true

The QuickDraw Rod holders:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...300&hasJS=true

There's also a short video clip on the Cabelas site that shows these rod holders in action. Check it out!

I hope this helps.

[Jim Jenkins]

Have a Todd Adjustable Leaning Post with four rod holders on my 170 CC. Was told to avoid the installation of gunnel mounted rod holders by a factory rep. Obviously this has been done successfully by 170 owners.

Have used high grade SS rod holders on fwd grab rails with success. Also mounted a pair on the top of the windshield angled out for fishing at anchor. Could set six rods, two bow, two windshield and two from the leaning post. Trolling with the two bow and two on the leaning post with stern clips for flat line or planer works for me. Four trolling rods on this size boat is enough, sometimes too many when the Spanish or Blues come to visit. Have had doubles on Fat Alberts at least 5 times, FL & NC. Can be a fire drill.