Newer and older gimbal rod holder compatibility?

NHAngler

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Wondering if anyone has had success with upgrading the older gimbal rod holders to the newer round style ones? Seems larger so should cover the footprint of the older one and then some. The measurements on the screws is 3.25 OC. The older ones measure just over 3.25.

Thoughts?
 
I went with the Burnewiin brand gimbal mounts on my 2004 Grady White 228 Seafarer and love them. I removed the two rear stock Grady White rod holders that came with the boat, installed the Burnewiin mounts in their place and they cover up everything. I did have to drill one new hole per side/mount, as the older ones I believe are a 3 hole mount and the Burnewiin ones are a 4 hole mount. But that was about all I had to do in order to make it work. Very quick, easy, makes the boat look nicer and the Burnewiin mounts are extremely versatile with just about whatever you may need them for.


Burnewiin.jpegBurnewiin 2.jpegBurnewiin 3.jpeg
 
Apologies... I read your question incorrectly. Per the Amazon link for the newer rounded Grady White rod holders it says that the "BASE IS 4" TALL X 3.5" WIDE. MOUNTING HOLES ARE 2 3/4" CENTER TO CENTER." I'd take a few measurements of the ones that you've got and see if the new ones would cover the old ones. You could also always make a template and see if that will cover up the old ones, or buy a new one, rest it sit on top of the old one and see if it'll cover up the entirety of the older ones? If it isn't going to work then you could return it, if they are going to work then buy whatever other ones you need?

 
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If you do order the Burnewiin mounts, I'd try to do it from their website as they offer a 10% discount on there. Not sure if other websites offer the same 10% off discount as well, but just a heads up.
 
If you're talking about switching out rod holders, I did mine back in '21 when I was upgrading stipes and logos. I don't remember any real issues with switching them out. I might of had to drill new holes on one of mine due to the original was pointed inboard to much from the factory. 20211106_102426.jpg20220128_104854.jpg20220128_104901.jpg
 
I refused to drill new holes and the grady standard ones are not round. The originals are made by Perko so I just bought those. I really wanted Gemlux.
 
If you're talking about switching out rod holders, I did mine back in '21 when I was upgrading stipes and logos. I don't remember any real issues with switching them out. I might of had to drill new holes on one of mine due to the original was pointed inboard to much from the factory. View attachment 39510View attachment 39511View attachment 39512
Thanks. This is what I was looking for. Now, the new holes you drilled, was that just for one or did the hole pattern from the new ones align with the old ones? Also, appears you did not have any fade to deal with, or did you?
 
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I refused to drill new holes and the grady standard ones are not round. The originals are made by Perko so I just bought those. I really wanted Gemlux.
I'm the same way with drilling. I also am considering a screwless versions of Gemlux. CE Smith also makes a version of this. Just a backing plate and giant nut to secure it to the mounting hole No screws.
 
What's the year and model of boat in question?
After searching for a while and seeing quite a few 209's with some being quite overpriced, I finally found a 2012 209 that worked out and I bought back into the Grady White fam bam last week. However, the rod holders have some funky chemical burn marks on them. Not rust, but either a chrome coating has faded or someone cleaned them with some kind of harsh acid.

Not urgent and I have a long todo list of things to get done on this boat well before the rod holders are a real concern but is on the list to replace them. Going through the outboard right now from top to bottom. I hate swim ladders, so that was torn off within the first 10 minutes of it sitting on the trailer in my driveway.

It's not exactly what I was looking for but it's mine and going to be my saltwater boat for a while.
 
Congrats on the new to you boat. I too was hesitant about drilling holes into the gunwales on my new to me boat when I first bought it coming up on almost 5 years ago now. With your boat being 14 years old now and it admittedly not being exactly what you were looking for, why the hesitation in drilling another hole into the gunwale? If your boat is anything like mine, each gunwale has two rod holders per side, of which each rod holder already has 3 holes drilled for the bolts to go through them, plus 1 large (probably at least 2" wide) hole drilled for the tubes on each rod holder. It would be kind of like upgrading old electronics yet still using the 10-15+ year old transducer because of having to drill a new hole or two in the transom. It's your boat, do as you want to do, seal things up appropriately if you do drill new holes and continue onwards. Just my thought process on the matter, of course.
 
Thanks. This is what I was looking for. Now, the new holes you drilled, was that just for one or did the hole pattern from the new ones align with the old ones? Also, appears you did not have any fade to deal with, or did you?
Maybe one of the three worked out, it's been a minute since I did them. As far as the fade, yes, it was there but was minimal after installing the new one's. As Mustang65fbk says above, drill another hole or two if necessary and seal them up during installation. I would be hesitant to drill holes in my new 2027 Marlin but for a 14 year old boat, do what's needed for modifications to make it yours and go on with life and enjoy your boat the way you want.