Adding rod holders - need advice

[Ronnie]

My boat currently has a single flush mount rod holder (in the gunnel) per side. I want to be able to troll at least 2, maybe 3, lines per side. So, I need to add some rod holders. I like the track systems, but I don't really want to drill any holes. So, I'm considering using a portable gimbal mount (can be inserted into the existing rod holder) with a 2 or 3 rod holder system bolted onto it. This would be easy to use, and then stow away. If I'm trolling some combination of jets, dipseys, and inline boards, do you think the single flush mount that is holding everything will have any problems? Any other rigging ideas? I've looked at the hardware I need, and it's quite expensive. So, I want to make sure that this is the way I should go.

[Netminder]

Ronnie, You can see how I mounted my rod holders by clicking on this link, http://perchjerker0.tripod.com/Netminder.htm
The setup I used was a "Berts" base with a Cabelas 3-way quick draw rod holder system. It works great for all kinds of trolling, no problems in 3+ years of use.

Netminder

"Learn from the mistakes of others, because you won't live long enough to make them all yourself"

http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=101809

[Toolman]

Ronnie,

A track type system or one with a surface type base plate is the way to go if you don't want a bunch of holes. What type of holders do you want-tube or open/cradle type?

Tim

[Ronnie]

You guys missed my point - if I use a portable gimbal mount (actually a piece of Cannon downrigger equipment), I can insert it into the existing flush mount gunnel rod holder (Perko-style) and not drill any holes in anything. Then, I can attach a small track system to the gimbal mount (probably using tube style metal rod holders). This will raise the rod holders off the gunnel a tad, but should be tolerable. The question is - is the Perko flush mount rod holder suitable for handling all this hardware/equipment.

[Shep]

Should be OK. They put downriggers on those gimbel mounts, and they are plenty strong. Give it a try.

Tight Lines All,

Shep

[Ronnie]

bumped

[j9f]

I run a big jon triple mounted on a cabelas gimble mount on each side with no issues. I also used to use gimble mounts for my downriggers on my last boat. I did shear a pin in the bottom of my Lee's flush mount once. I was pulling 12# balls 5' to the side in 4 foot waves. I backed off to 10# balls and never had another issue. You will be fine.

[KP]

Look at the Drift Master Flush Mount T-Bar System. Looks like what you want to do has already been done by a compnay with a great rod holder.

http://www.driftmaster.com/Other.html