Installing an angled flush flush pole holder....

Trying to install my angled flush pole holder. I'm scared as he'll to cut a huge hole on my kayak. Any tips on how to now screw it up? Lol

DRINK A FEW BEERS AND CLOSE YOUR EYES!   Get a hole saw and get down!! Some guys use a dremel, and that works too, just make sure you got space in the hull for the angle and full depth of the tube! Good luck!

I'm afraid after a few beers my next post will be "how to repair a big hole?" Lol

I'm afraid after a few beers my next post will be "how to repair a big hole?" Lol

           Mark a hole at center of where you want to position it.    Make sure you have enough room below deck for the tube to extend into hull.     
    Pre drill a 1/4" hole at your mark.     Use a 2 1/8"  hole saw in your drill and hold it at the same angle ( 30 degrees)  as the flush mount.

  That will create an oblong hole which should allow a perfect fit.    Sometimes a little cutting with a knife to adjust is necessary.   Then drill your attachment holes ( three ) and either rivet or screw it in.   

    It wouldn't hurt to practice a first cut on a thin piece of plywood.. or cardboard .      Apply  Goop sealant to ensure watertight seal.   plus it bonds everything together.   
   Not so intimidating after you done it a few times.

    It wouldn't hurt to practice a first cut on a thin piece of plywood.. or cardboard .   

Templates can be a big stress reducer. Use a piece of cardboard (the stuff from the back of a legal pad works nicely) to get the hole dimensions you want, then you can tape it to different spots and see exactly where you want to make the hole.

Good idea, I'm going to practice on some thin piece of wood first.  Thanks everyone for help.

Measured 15 times, take a gulp of beer then measure again.... Still didn't drill yet. Lol

where are you at ?.... I have drill,  will travel.

We have a plastic template that we made at the shop.  If you need to borrow it let us know.  We are in Fremont and in Larkspur. 

We sell the four screw/rivet hole flush mount rod holders as opposed to the three hole ones and they come with a foam gasket that makes a perfect template.  If you are doing it freestyle (no template) here are some suggestions:

Place the rod holder upside down on the deck of the boat and observe the angle that is created in order to determine the direction you want your rod to face.  Make sure you have enough depth for the rod holder and remember that it goes in at an angle.  Trace the outer perimeter of the upside down rod holder in order to get an idea on where to place the big hole within the perimeter lines.  Remember that the hole is not a circle, but an oval since the round tube is mounted in at an angle. 

We always us a Dremel tool with a cutting drill bit, but when the bit is new be sure to hold it tight with two hands and keep your elbows resting on the boat because the bit may move quickly on you.  The Dremel also allows you to fine tune the cut and enlarge the hole in just the right spots in order to get the rod holder to fit just right. Be sure not to cut the hole too big because the screw/rivet holes are in close proximity to the large hole.  Often times kayak manufacturers do installs so fast that the screw or rivet holes merge into the large hole - not good.  If you take your time it will come out fine.  I've never used the hole saw technique, but it sounds like a good option, but to me cutting along traced template lines seems more accurate. 

Remember to use or make a foam gasket (we sell some thin closed cell foam) and/or use a sealer like Lexel or marine goop.  Sometimes Lexel is hard to find and is usually only sold in specialty hardware stores. Outback Adventures also sells it, but call us to make sure it's in stock.  Install the gasket and insert the rod holder into the kayak.  Using the rod holder as a template for the hardware holes, drill one hole then insert one piece of hardware and repeat the process rather than drilling all holes at once.  This technique will help in the accuracy of your hardware holes.  As for hardware, we recommend 10-32 stainless steel bolts and nylon lock nuts if you can access the inside.  Drill the hole slightly smaller than the bolts for a self sealing install.  If you can't access the inside, rivets work well.  Tighten the bolts or set the rivets.   

Beware of installing rivets on kayaks because they typically do not snap off where rivets are supposed to.  You may be able to see the score mark on the rivet post just below the rivet head and when you do, that is when you can whack the post and break it off.  Usually you are at the right point to whack the rivet when you do two and a half pumps with the rivet gun.

If anyone has any questions give us a call at one of the two stores or just ask here. If cutting huge holes into your kayak intimidates you or you just want a professional installation let us know.

Make sure you get the angle correct before you make the final install. I had my kayak lay on top of a cot, sat on it, stuck my fishing rod on the flush mount rod holder (do it on both sides) and did my paddle strokes to make sure my paddle did not hit my rod.

Measured 15 times, take a gulp of beer then measure again.... Still didn't drill yet. Lol

   will be in your shoes shortly...so maybe I won't be laughing!!!  pics plz...