Jesse with Elite Rodholders made me a set of four Heavy Duty Crappie Pro units in 24” size. The build itself is both clever and simple. His welds are very well formed and these look like they will outlast me.
I used a heavy and dense plastic to mount to the boat, and then fashioned the bases to that. This will allow me to make continuous adjustments and flex the units firmly without wallering out the screws holding everything down to the aluminum boat floor. Mounting bases directly to the floor probably would work, but I feel the plastic is the way to go. Always room to mount other stuff as well.
I looked at all the rod holder designs out there to be seen and decided that I didn’t like T bars. I see how they can be effective, but I wanted singles. I went with four because not sure how things will go when I deploy. Can always add more holders if it turns out to be something I’m good at. When the 13 foot rods are in the holders, there is 11 feet in between the rod tips.
I was able to sit in the seat and bring the rod butts back to me, then bend down to water. I was also able to get the rod butts to almost meet for when I practice feeling for nibbles -two rods one hand resting atop fashion. Of course they lay down on the deck with just a quick easy pull. I was surprised to see how much force they can resist. Even a really large fish would succumb. Something might eventually break, but it wouldn’t be the holder.
I can post pictures later if anyone is interested.
Maybe they will bite this one……