Fishing rod holders can be mounted on any flat surface that has enough room to stand the rods. On a boat, tube holders mounted to the side of a cabin or center console offer easy access to rods, and they provide more stability than spring clips. Tubes made from PVC pipe are resistant to the effects of sun and saltwater and they don't require painting or maintenance. The ideal place to size the tube rod holders is a workshop with a bench vice.
Tube Rod Holder
Step 1
Place the PVC pipe in a vice, measure and cut a 14 inch length with a hacksaw. Smooth the rough edges of the cut with a flat file.
Step 2
Drill a 1/4 inch hole about 1/2 inch from one end of the piece. Hold the drill vertical while drilling to ensure the top and underside holes are aligned.
Step 3
Insert the machine bolt through the holes and thread the castle nut at the end. Hold the head of the bolt with pliers and tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench. Remove the tube from the vice.
Step 4
Hold the tube vertical near the base of the cabin or console and mark the location of the top, bottom and one side of the tube. Set the tube aside.
Step 5
Align the upper pipe bracket with the side mark, about 2 inches down from the top mark. Drill 1/6 inch pilot holes for the screws. Repeat the procedure for the lower bracket.
Step 6
Attach one side of each bracket with wood screws. Hold the tube in place, making sure the stainless steel bolt is at the bottom and attach the other side of the brackets.
Tips and Warnings
- Several tubes can be mounted to a ledger board and the board mounted to a wall or bulkhead. Apply silicone sealer on the head of the screws to ward off rust.
- Check the backside of the cabin wall or console for wires before drilling or inserting screws.
Things You'll Need
- 1-1/2 inch PVC pipe
- 2-inch stainless steel machine bolt
- Nylon insulated castle nut
- 2 galvanized pipe brackets
- 4 wood screws
- Electric drill
- 1/4 inch drill bit
- 1/16 inch drill bit
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Tape measurer
- Pencil
- Hacksaw
- Flat file
- Bench vice
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