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.