Posts: 3505
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I also have a navigator 165 console and apart from mounting a scotty on the starboard side, I have been leery of doing a flush mount on the port side. I have seen one boat where they drilled through the gunnel and installed the flush mounts and it looked really nice, but my concern is how much does that hole affect the strength of the gunnel at that point? It's a pretty big hole to drill and there is a support within the gunnel as well....
On the console version, you can mount right into the side since they put an aluminum cover over all the wiring and mount a holder from there that sits flush with the gunnel. I don't use my all that often, but I am able to change position with it to put a rod tip in the water without issue.
The other thought I have had with running holders would be to mount them on the back corners by the gas cap and the rear running light. Granted the rods would be in the back of the boat, but you could mount them to the carpeted metal that goes from the top to the main decking. Looking from above at the back corners, the plates look as though one corner has been cut off at a 45 degree angle. The carpeted area just below that would be a place to mount without too much trouble. This would also give you the option of running prop-wash baits as well.
My only other thought would be to run Down-easters, but on the port side, I would be unsure as to whether you could adjust them so a rod tip could be in the water....
Steve |
