Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Rod Holder Inserts: Water Ski Mounts

Posted by hallandrew on 09/19/18 - 5:55 AM
#1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ponad42tsvy...1.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xi3slek00sg...2.JPG?dl=0

I have devised a clever way to mount water skis on my Montauk utilizing already mounted fishing rod holders. The holders I used are West Marine models, though I tested them on some Perkos I have and they work in them as well. The inside diameter of the rod holder is 1 5/8 inches. Looking on-line, I found some 1 5/8 outside diameter stainless tubing. Check to see how much tubing can be inserted into the holder before either bottoming out or becoming a snug fit. Then cut to length allowing for how much will be required to include that amount to be inserted in the flange.

Note how the ski fingers are threaded and have mounting screws. I had to purchase stainless 6mm countersunk screws to replace the ones that came with them. The fingers need to be attached to a plate that then is attached to the flange. The mounting screws need to be countersunk to fit flush.

The diameter of the flange is around 3 1/4" inches. I could not find either an aluminum or copper plate in that except in 3 ½ inches. Be certain to get a plate that is ¼” minimum thickness. I ended up with a copper one. One can also use ¾” wood such as teak.

Drill four holes around the base of the flange to later use as attachment points for the 1 5/8” tubing.

Attach the flange to the 3 ½” diameter plate. I used ¾” stainless screws with nylon insert lock nuts.

Insert the tubing and carefully mark the four holes to be drilled for attachment. It seemed to work best to mark and drill one at a time. I then spread some JB Weld to fill any void between the tubing and the flange. Finally, I used aluminum pop rivets to attach the tubing to the flange.

You will need the water ski fingers seen here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEERWAKE-WA...SwP~tW2P6T

Order some 1 5/8” stainless tubing that will cut into two 9” pieces such as this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5-8-304-30...0290.m3507

Order two 1 5/8” inside diameter stainless flanges such as these:

https://www.lavi.com/en/product-detai...ge-510-424

Though sold out, these are the copper plates that I purchased:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-1-2-3-5-Di...2749.l2649

Edited by Phil T on 09/19/18 - 7:17 AM

Posted by EJO on 09/19/18 - 11:56 AM
#2

Thanks, good solution thanks for the detailed info as there is no storage on a Montauk.