Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Rigging the cockpit of a modern fishing boat can lead to frustration as multiple pieces of equipment often need to be installed in close proximity. Accon Marine's 9814 Cleat/Rod Holder combines two critical components into a single unit. This eliminates clutter while still ensuring critical equipment is positioned exactly where it needs to be.

The Accon Marine Cleat/Rod Holder is constructed from marine-grade 316 stainless steel for maximum durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring a long service life. Available with a choice of a 0°, 15° or 30° rod offset angle, it measures a compact 7.57" L x 3.74" W x 8.38" D and mounts with just four 1/4" diameter bolts. An included stainless steel backing plate doubles as an installation template.

To install the unit, first apply painter's tape to the gunwale top in the desired mounting location. Use the supplied backing plate to mark the cleat's outline on the tape surface, then drill a 5/8" hole at each end of the outline to mark the ends of the cleat. A jigsaw is then used to cut the required opening.

Next, carefully place the cleat into position to check the fit, then use it as a template to mark the location of the four holes required for the retaining bolts. After drilling out the bolt holes, remove the backing tape from the deck and prep with a dab of silicone before carefully lowering the cleat into position. Place the backing plate below deck and tighten into place from below using nylon-insert locking nuts. An online video at bit.ly/2phUv6a demonstrates the entire procedure with simple, step-by-step instructions.

Once installed, maintaining this versatile hardware is simple. It simply needs a soap and water washing followed by a light coating of oil on all moving parts once dry. The Accon Marine 9814 Cleat/Rod Holder carries a suggested retail price of $96.41, making it an affordable solution to cockpit rigging challenges.

Contact local dealers or Accon Marine, 13665 Automobile Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33762. 727-572-9202; Fax: 727-572-7621. Tell them Jim & Carol sent you.