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Flush mounts for sit-inside kayaks

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Gimbal mount (aka flush mount) rod holders are easy to install and help make a sit-inside kayak more angler-friendly. All you need are the holders (we bought them for $10 apiece at a sporting goods store), a hole saw, a Dremel rotary tool, stainless steel through bolts and a sheet of rubber that’s suitable for making a gasket.
Gimbal mount (aka flush mount) rod holders are easy to install and help make a sit-inside kayak more angler-friendly. All you need are the holders (we bought them for $10 apiece at a sporting goods store), a hole saw, a Dremel rotary tool, stainless steel through bolts and a sheet of rubber that’s suitable for making a gasket.
1. After sitting in your kayak and making sure you can turn around and grab a rod ­behind you, mark the spot both port and starboard where you plan to install the holders, then drill your hole.
1. After sitting in your kayak and making sure you can turn around and grab a rod ­behind you, mark the spot both port and starboard where you plan to install the holders, then drill your hole.
2. Carefully grind the hole with the Dremel tool to make it oval so the rod ­holder’s top will lie flat against the deck. Make sure that rods placed in the tube will point straight back; if they’re out to the side, they’re more likely to snag bank brush.
2. Carefully grind the hole with the Dremel tool to make it oval so the rod ­holder’s top will lie flat against the deck. Make sure that rods placed in the tube will point straight back; if they’re out to the side, they’re more likely to snag bank brush.
3. You probably will have to cut a section off the ­bottom of the rod tubes to make them fit.
3. You probably will have to cut a section off the ­bottom of the rod tubes to make them fit.
4. Cut a hole in the gasket to slide your rod tube in and trim the excess. The gasket compensates for any curvature of your rear deck.
4. Cut a hole in the gasket to slide your rod tube in and trim the excess. The gasket compensates for any curvature of your rear deck.
5. Drill the holes to fasten down your rod holder, and do so with the bolts and nyloc nuts. Riveting the holder down is an option.
5. Drill the holes to fasten down your rod holder, and do so with the bolts and nyloc nuts. Riveting the holder down is an option.

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