Bass Pro Shops Gunwale Mount ROD Rack Installation Guide

: June 7, 2024
: Bass Pro Shops

Table of Contents

TOOLS / MATERIALS NEEDED:
MATERIALS LIST:
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
FOR ALUMINUM BOATS:
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

Bass Pro Shops Gunwale Mount ROD Rack

GUNWALE MOUNT ROD RACK/ 2 &4 ROD RACKS I INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR MODEL #54254 2 OD RACK OR MODEL #54255 4 ROD RACK

WARNING: Before drilling any holes check available clearance making sure that fuel tanks, fuel lines, cables, wires or any other obstacles are clear of the mounting area.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Read all instructions before installing this product. Failure to follow all instructions listed may result in serious injury or death and/or property loss or damage.
If you do not understand any of the instructions listed, DO NOT attempt to install. Seek the assistance of a qualified marine installer. The manufacturer is not liable for damages of any kind.

TOOLS / MATERIALS NEEDED:

Ruler/Tape Measure
Pencil or Marker
#2 Phillips Head Screw Driver
Electric Drill
1/8″ Drill Bit
Eye Protection

MATERIALS LIST:

QTY 2: Rod Racks (either 2 or 4-rod holder depending on model)
QTY 4: Rod Rack Mounting Brackets
QTY 12: #8 x 7/8″ Long Stainless Steel Oval Head SelfTapping Screws

Bass Pro Shops Gunwale Mount ROD Rack parts list

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Locate the desired mounting location for the rod rack model you will be installing. When selecting the mounting position consider the placement of the rack so that there are adequate fastening locations with no obstructions and does not have the potential for causing damage to your boat.
Orient the rod rack so that the bungee cord rod keepers will be deployed by pulling the tab downward.
When choosing the mounting location make sure that there is enough clearance for storing, retrieving, and placing your fishing rods onto and removing them from the rod rack.
Once you have determined the mounting location install 2 mounting brackets onto each rod rack by pushing them onto the back edge of each rod holder where they will later be mounted. DO NOT fasten them onto the rod holder at this time the brackets will stay in place without screws.
Hold the rod rack onto the mounting location and make any final adjustments to the mounting brackets until you confirm that each bracket is in the correct position for mounting.
Once the correct position of the mounting brackets has been determined using a 1/8″ drill bit to drill a pilot hole (no deeper than 1/2″) into the rod rack through the center hole of the mounting bracket.
Use 1 #8 screw to install each mounting bracket onto the rod racks.
CAUTION: Make sure that the mounting area is clear from any obstructions and that drilling holes in that location will not cause any damage. Also, make sure the alignment of both rod holders will support your rods properly and has the proper amount of clearance to load and unload your fishing rods.
Hold each of the assembled rod holders in the mounting position and mark the location of both holes on each mounting bracket.
Use a 1/8″ drill bit to drill 2 pilot holes for each of the mounting bracket holes.
Fill each hole opening with a marine-grade sealant before installing.
Screw the rod holders in place with a Phillips Head screwdriver.

NOTE: Your installation may require a different style fastener than those provided. If there is no solid mounting location appro private for the use of screws such as thinner-walled fiberglass, or other similar material, you should use a different fastening method. If so, it’s recommended that non- corrosive, marine-grade fasteners be used and that you follow the instructions below listed under Aluminum Boats.

FOR ALUMINUM BOATS:

Aluminum boats often have thinner-walled aluminum panels or support braces where your rod holder will be mounted. These areas are too thin for using screws and it’s highly likely that the screws would pull out over time. This may cause damage to your boat, your gear or can cause personal injury.
For these applications into thinner-walled surfaces where screws are not recommended follow all the steps above but then use either #8 stainless steel oval head machine screws with washers and nuts or rivets that are at least .164″ (5/32″) in diameter (drill pilot holes appropriate for the size fasteners that you are using.)
Note: If you have access and plan to use bolts, nuts and washers use fender washers if possible for additional backing support.