mounting rod holders, and down-riggers

[angle-eyes]

Are stainless steel bolts, washers, and nuts prefered when mounting rod holders and other accessories, or would self-tapping screws work when securing to the top of the gun-wales?

I have a lund proV.

Thanks!

[RANGER]

Personally I use stainless almost exclusively. Galvinized and coated are my 2nd choice BUT, a FAR second. They will eventually rust and seize and get rust stains on the surfaces. I try to stay away from them, period.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!"

[Hawgeye]

Use Stainless steel bolts nuts and washers. Self tapping screws do not provide the support to handle the stress put on them by trolling etc. on rod holders as well as downriggers. I would hate to lose a $300 downrigger because of $5 worth of hardware. Just my opinion.....

[TJ]

Listen to RANGER and Hawgeye.

I mounted both downriggers and flush-mount rod holders on my old Lund Tyee. Only use stainless steel bolts. Use the largest size SS bolt possible that will fit through the mounting holes on the item you're trying to install. Use SS fender washers to spread the force and SS Nylock nuts so nothing rattles loose. If you don't use Nylock nuts, use Threadlock.

Try to mount everything where there is some plywood backing. If there isn't any plywood under the aluminum - Put some there, especially for the downriggers.

Remember, all that expensive equipment SINKS!

Good luck and good fishing.