best rod holders?

Mark · #1 10-22-2002, 12:00 AM

What is the general opinion out there as far as who makes the best flush-mount rod holders? I've found cast stainless ones going for anywhere between $20 (dons salvage) to $90 (precision marine). I'm not trying for a deal on this one, I want the BEST there is. Your thoughts would be welcome.

SEAFARI · #2 10-22-2002, 12:22 AM

Hi Mark,
The Lee stainless HD or the Rupp stainless
with backing plates are some of the best
you will find. I've used the Lee's on both
boats without a problem.
chris

http://www.ruppmarine.com/rod_01.htm

oneshot · #3 10-22-2002, 01:47 AM

As far as rodholders go, lee are by far the best units made. I have had others that pitt and look terrible in less than a year. The lees I have now are the HD type. They are by far the best made.Make sure you back them up with plates or plywood undergunnels, oneshot

Mark · #4 10-22-2002, 09:40 AM

Thanks for the info on the rod holders, I'll give the people at Lee a call. mark

Billybob · #5 10-22-2002, 10:09 AM

Another one to look at is So - Lo, solomarine.com this is a local company here in Conn and they make a damn good product which is priced a little better than Lee.I know Bob, the owner but I haven't been able to get my complimentary holders out of him - yet .

Trayder · #6 10-22-2002, 02:56 PM

I am switching from Lee's to Pompanette on the Contender, it had the Lee's that are chrome plated, but plan on using the Lee SS on the SeaCraft 20 CC because the Pompanettes are too large for the deck Cap.

TUGBOAT · #7 10-22-2002, 11:05 PM

Lee's on My '83 Doing a complete.Restore took them out cleaned up like NEW !I could use new inserts Any ideas where ?

Miles Offshore · #8 10-23-2002, 01:09 AM

I also use Lee's stainless. Pick up a Perko or some other brand in your store, turn it upside down and compare the weld joints. Lee's are welded 360' where Perko's and other brands are only tack welded in a couple of places. I learned this the hard way several years ago when I lost an outfit overboard. (Tuna) . Live and Learn,lolol

[ October 22, 2002, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: Miles Offshore ]

Tom · #9 10-23-2002, 09:28 AM

Pompanette without a doubt. I've rigged boats with both, the Lees are top shelf, but the stainless is not quite to par with pompanette, and the fit of the pompanette backing plate (tapped for 1/4-20 bolts) is perfect. If it matters, the pompanettes are heavier (more material).

Miles Offshore · #10 10-23-2002, 02:55 PM

Brad, Ive seen the inserts at the local West marine here. Something I like to do also for rod holder that goes into bilge(center stern) is to get the Perko "plug" with gasket that installs between the rod holder and the boat. The gasket has the same hole set-up as the Lee's and the plug keeps the water out of the bilge. I know most of the outboard guys dont use this holder but for the inboard and I/O guys this works well for me. Craig