Factory Rod Holders - Fin Replacement

[blakinsmith]

Hey all - My downriggers mount into my rod holders and the fin at the bottom fits into the sleeve on the inserted mount and keeps them from swiveling. Well, two of those fins are broken- I'm responsible for busting one, snagging a downrigger ball while trolling for halibut. It pretty much renders them useless....

Anyone had any luck finding and installing a replacement - perhaps from perko? I found OspreyVic's post fromm 11/08/04 on removing factory rod holders - that should help with step 1, though it doesn't sound too easy based on recycle's experiences. Please let me know if any of you have worked this issue...

Barry - "Bite Me"

[seaslave]

I'm confused about your question. Did the tab or notches on the post for your downrigger bust or did the pin inside the rod holder bust. I'm not sure what "fin" you're referring to or did you mean "pin". I looked in mine and there is no fin, just a pin.
If it's the pin, try removing the rod holder like OspreyVic suggests. Then drill out the broken pin and replacing it with drill rod, tack welded or JB Welded in place.


Seaslave

[blakinsmith]

SeaSlave - sorry if I wasn't clear - I am refering to the pin inside the rod holder. I called it a fin, since that is what they look like on my rocket launcher (which is much easier to see!). Using a flashlight to peer into the Perkos, it does look like a plastic pin and the wall of the rod holder also seems to be cracked. But I'll try your suggestion. Seems clear I need to remove it first no matter what....Barry

[blakinsmith]

Got the Holder off last night - not too difficult, gently using a screwdriver to lift until I could get enough flange to twist. I cut and ruined the rubber gasket in the process but don't know how to avoid that. However I don't think I'll be able to repair - the hard black plastic liner seems glued in the rod holder and the bottom fin/pin is gone. So I've ordered a replacement flush mount holder (good price at Cabelas). I found a site with just the plastic sleeves but darned if I can figure how to get them loose and out.

Barry

[seaslave]

Glad to see you are making some progress. Are you gonna mount your downriggers to the gunnel or continue with the rodholder mount? I've done both and decided the gunnel mount was far superior. Depending on the style of downrigger you have, they can easily be removed leaving only the mounting plate for a clean look.


-Seaslave

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

if the replacements has a 3/8 hole in the bottom, you might want to consider screwing a thread x barb fitting there and running a piece of tubing out the side of the rod storage tubes to let them drain rather than fill up with water. with the holder out you just drill down or tap a rod thru the foam until you hit the side of the tubes the rods slide in for storage and slide the tube out the side. water will drain in the boat and not fill the holders. if i can get the new camera install disks done i will try to post pics of how i did mine
GGC

[blakinsmith]

GGC - thanks for the reminder on the drain tubes - I like the idea of draining into the interior of the boat rather than making a hole on the outside like I've also seen done. It has been a minor pain to siphon H20 out. Did you rule your tubing in or just rely on friction?

SeaSlave - I have Penn Fathomasters. I agree they are more stable and pretty clean permanently mounted, and have followed the associated posts in this forum. But the rod holder style works ok (as long as they aren't broken!) and I'm lumping the perm mount mod into the "nice to have" vs "must have" category. I will, however, shorten my mounting tubes (and cut new grooves) since they stick up about 2 inches off the gunwale and look rube goldbergesqe.

Got my wife into a nice local Salmon Sunday- certainly helps grease future purchases of more boat goodies! I will post some photos when I get a chance and master the associated process....adios and thanks....Barry