Need Suggestion; Small Boat Project

I am in need of some suggestions with regards to a boat project. I’ve just purchased 4 Scotty side mount rod holders. These are being mounted just below the gunnels of a 12’ open aluminum fishing boat. Sounds simple right? Not!

The problem I’m having is that the inside lip of the gunnel itself extends inboard just enough to interfere with the positioning of the rod holders in their bases. Consequently, I’m going to have to stand the bases out from direct contact with the side of the boat, about ½” to allow for this needed clearance.

The obvious solution to this is cut wood spacers to go between the side of the boat the bases of the rod holders. However, I do not want to use wood, as these bases will not be removed and will be exposed to the weather all season long.

I checked online for spacer material other than wood (aluminum, Plexiglas, fiber board), but some of these are very costly (for what you are getting). So….I’m seeking suggestions as to what I can use to accomplish this project.

I’ve thought about using stainless washers (around each screw) to move the bases away from the side of the boat, but I’m not sure if they will provide the necessary strength and integrity for the holders when in use? In other words, entire base would not be in direct contact with the side of the boat if I use some type of washers to stand them out. I do hope that makes some sense!?

If any of you have any thoughts/suggestions as to what I might consider using, I’d really appreciate it. The dimension of each base is only 4” x 2”, with 4 screws which will go through the side of the boat and connect with a Scotty backing plate on the outboard side of the hull.

Thank you all! :)

Aluminum tubing available in various sized in most hardware stores or big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot. Cut to the length you want.

Pictures, lol, and then pictures. Show the boat, and the mounts your going to use.

go to any thrift store{goodwill} and get an old cutting board thick white plastic works good

I’m like Dave, cutting board will last forever.

Thanks guys! The cutting board seems to be the key I've been looking for. As far as pictures go.....love to accommodate, but with still over a foot of snow & ice, getting to the boat is not an option. I'm familiar with how the gunnel is configured, so I do believe the cutting board route will solve the issue. Thanks again folks.....great bunch of guys here. God Bless!

They make clamps that go on the 1 “ round gunnel itself. But I can’t think who it is. Maybe Ram.

cutting boards work great..I've used 'em..also, if you have a plastic supply house nearby, see if you can get some scraps..maybe even free

Scotty also has 6-inch riser. Should work for your situation, but so does plastic shims.

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Originally Posted by fiveeyes

cutting boards work great..I've used 'em..also, if you have a plastic supply house nearby, see if you can get some scraps..maybe even free

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I have a plastic supply by me as well and that is what I did. Got some HDPE from them and made spacers for my rod holders. You can get it in various thicknesses, usually 1/4" or 1/2" increments. Works great.