Swivel rod holder install question

[CHANCE1234]

So I bought a swivel rod holder for the bow of my 20 for the super nice days I can chase tuna on the cape. The entire cap of my 20 is solid glass except for the bow area that is coosa or plywood (which ever is factory). I installed the rod holder with the supplied backing plate and also added a 12"X12" 3/8 piece of starboard for extra strength. When I put the rod in the holder and pulled on the line there is obvious flex in that area still. Short of pulling off the cap and reinforcing that area what are my options to strengthen that area. If I have to pull the cap off ill just return the rod holder. Thanks for any suggestions.

[pelican]

not much you can do besides "core" it with a suitable core material - use a much larger backing plate set up - usually a larger piece of aluminum,much larger than the back up plate supplied - thru bolt and be sure to use lock nuts

[CHANCE1234]

But how can I recore it with out taking the cap off? If I did it from the top, the bottom skin is super thin and I bet I'd go right through it. Anybody done this?

[pelican]

you need to gain access to that area - laminate a suitable piece of core material - a sizable piece of coring,and go from there - access can be made,it may not be easy,but it can be done

if the area flexes with you pulling on - think of the flex involved with the drag pressure involved with bent butt tackle,fishing 130's with 200lb braid - lots of pressure there huh ?

area requires suitable backing up - without it,you're asking for trouble...

[FLexpat]

Starboard is great for a lot of stuff but it is not very rigid or strong and 12x12x3/8 probably isn't doing very much. I suspect it is flexing a whole lot more than you realize. X2 on Pelican's comment about a good sized piece of proper core material 'cause that is a whole lot of torque for a long time if you have a good hook-up.
A pic or 2 of the area may get some good suggestions.

[dave s]

I epoxied 1/2" thick Coosa and glassed a large section of 1708 under the rodholders and then a backing plate; stiffened up the boat a lot in that area.
I use an LP electric reel with 80 lb. braid and even when I get stuck on the bottom and pulling lots of drag, the cap doesn't flex.
LP also makes a rod holder brace that attaches under the rod holder.

[CHANCE1234]

I can get acces by sticking my head in there and laying on my back but fiberglass does not like to stick very well upside down. Are there any tips to glassing upside down?

[FLexpat]

Originally Posted by CHANCE1234

I can get acces by sticking my head in there and laying on my back but fiberglass does not like to stick very well upside down. Are there any tips to glassing upside down?

Lay up the backing plate and finish it before putting it in (fit check it though). Slather it with thickened resin or cabosil. Vacuum bag it into place or use the bolt holes for the rod holder to pull it tight from the top. If you want another piece of glass on the bottom vacuum bagging will work for that too.

[otterhound]

When I have an area like that to do I dry fit everything and then when I do the layup I'll do it on a piece of wax paper in the reverse order. Then I'll have a piece of plywood ready, 1/4" would do with the appropriate size sticks to prop it up in place. Sometimes even a hot melt glue gun will be helpful to hold things in place.
The key to success with an operation like this is rehearsal otherwise it can turn into an ugly mess really fast lol

[dave s]

Let the epoxy tack up a bit on your surface and also wet out your glass before putting it on; give it a few minutes to start to kickoff slightly and then put it on.
Should stick but you can brace it with a plastic covered board and props.