C.E. Smith Flush Mount Rod Holder - 15 Degree 10.5" Deep - 53681CA

The C.E. Smith 53681CA represents the pinnacle of offshore rod storage, engineered for anglers who refuse to compromise on strength. As part of the prestigious 80 Series, this holder features a larger, heavy-duty cap that provides superior stress distribution across your gunwale, preventing spider-cracking in fiberglass when under the massive load of a strike.

What sets the "CA" model apart is its deep 10.5-inch tube combined with a cast bottom end. The rounded, smooth bottom is "shin-safe," making it ideal for open gunwales where an exposed sharp edge could cause injury. For installations over dry storage areas, the bottom includes a 1/2" pipe threaded drain hole, allowing you to attach a hose barb and route water directly to the bilge.

Key Features & Benefits

• Maximum Strength: 100% welded cap-to-tube joint and an integrally cast gimbal bar that will not break under the pressure of downriggers or 130-lb class tackle.

• Shin-Safe Design: The beautifully rounded cast bottom ensures safety for passengers in open-cockpit boats.

• Advanced Drainage: Threaded 1/2" drain port allows for clean plumbing, keeping your storage compartments dry.

• Mirror Polished 316L Stainless: Provides an elite aesthetic while offering the highest level of pitting and rust resistance.

• Keyed Vinyl Liner: The white UV-resistant liner is keyed to the gimbal bar, ensuring it stays perfectly aligned and never twists when inserting or removing rods.

Technical Specifications

Installation & Maintenance Pro-Tips

• Drilling Angle: Because this is a 15-degree holder, your hole saw must be angled slightly during the cut. Using a C.E. Smith Mounting Template is highly recommended to ensure the three bolt holes align perfectly with the flange.

• Protect Your Core: If your gunwales are wood-cored or foam-cored, ensure you "oversize" the hole, fill with epoxy, and re-drill. This prevents water from wicking into the core via the rod holder cutout.

• Gasket vs. Sealant: While some use rubber gaskets, most pros prefer bedding the flange in Sikaflex-291i. This creates a permanent, watertight seal that won't dry out and crack like a thin rubber gasket.

• Freshwater Rinse: After every trip, spray fresh water directly into the holder to rinse salt away from the gimbal pin and the drain at the bottom.