Key Performance Features

• Structural Reinforcement: Prevents "spider-cracking" of the gelcoat and catastrophic fiberglass failure during heavy strikes or while using downriggers.

• 304 Stainless Steel Construction: While the rod holder itself is 316L, this backing plate is made of durable 304 stainless, providing excellent strength and corrosion resistance for the underside of the deck.

• Polished Edges: The plate is deburred and smoothed to ensure there are no sharp edges that could chafe wiring or hoses routed underneath the gunwale.

• Direct Compatibility: Pre-drilled to match the 80 Series hole pattern perfectly, eliminating the need for custom drilling or fabrication.

• Increased Clamping Force: Allows you to tighten mounting bolts securely, creating a rigid, unified structure between the rod holder and the hull.

Technical Specifications

Installation Pro-Tip: The "Sandwich" Method

When installing, apply a marine-grade sealant (like 3M 5200 or 4200) to the underside of the rod holder flange and the top side of the backing plate. This creates a waterproof seal and further helps to distribute vibration. Ensure you use stainless steel Nyloc nuts and washers to prevent the assembly from loosening due to engine vibration or wave impact.

Do you have the 1/4" stainless steel bolts needed for this installation?

Backing plates typically do not include the mounting bolts, as the required length depends on your gunwale thickness.