C.E. Smith Flush-Mount Rod Holders: 70 vs 80 Series

When installing a stainless rod holder through a boat's gunwale, the tube angle and what happens at the bottom of the holder both matter. C.E. Smith's 70 Series uses a 1⅝-inch bore with straight, 15° and 30° options. Its larger 80 Series adds cast-bottom and swivel-gimbal models for heavier tackle, with different clearance needs.

Which type of flush-mount holder suits the installation?

70 Series — compact tubeThe 53670A, 53671A and 53672A share a 9-inch tube and 1⅝-inch bore. Choose 0°, 15° or 30° to suit the intended rod angle and deck position.
80 Series — fixed cast bottom53680CA (0°) and 53681CA (15°) have larger 1⅞-inch bores and 10½-inch tubes. Their fixed cast-bottom design differs from the swiveling versions.
80 Series — swivel gimbal53680SA (0°) and 53681SA (15°) allow the rod to rotate at the base. These need accessible space beneath the mounting surface for the swivel mechanism.

C.E. Smith flush-mount model comparison

MPN Series Angle Bottom Bore Tube length
53670A 70 Series 0° Fixed bar / gimbal 1⅝ in 9 in
53671A 70 Series 15° Fixed bar / gimbal 1⅝ in 9 in
53672A 70 Series 30° Fixed bar / gimbal 1⅝ in 9 in
53680CA 80 Series 0° Fixed cast drain bottom 1⅞ in 10½ in
53680SA 80 Series 0° Adjustable swivel gimbal 1⅞ in 10½ in
53681CA 80 Series 15° Fixed cast drain bottom 1⅞ in 10½ in
53681SA 80 Series 15° Swivel gimbal 1⅞ in 10½ in

All seven holders have stainless steel construction. For the 70 Series, the manufacturer's tube outside diameter is 2 inches, with a 4½ × 3⅝-inch cap. The 80 Series has a 2¼-inch tube OD and a 5⅛ × 4¼-inch cap. These outer dimensions are not a cutting template.

Check more than the opening: Tube inner diameter is not the cutout size. Measure the rod butt, mounting flange, deck thickness and available space beneath the gunwale. Swivel models also require access to their under-deck adjustment mechanism. Use the specific manufacturer's mounting instructions before cutting.

Plan the fitting before purchasing

  1. Choose the rod angle: select a straight 0°, 15° or 30° 70 Series holder, or the available 0° and 15° options in the 80 Series range.
  2. Match rod-butt diameter: the smaller 70 Series bore is 1⅝ inches; the 80 Series is 1⅞ inches. Allow for liners and any gimbal-end fittings.
  3. Measure below the mounting surface: the 70 Series tube is 9 inches and the 80 Series tube is 10½ inches. C.E. Smith specifies 12 inches overall including the adjustment nut for the 53680SA.
  4. Decide on cast or swivel bottom: fixed 80C cast-bottom holders have a ½-inch pipe-threaded drain connection; 80S swivel units use an adjustable gimbal clutch. Plan drainage and underside access accordingly.
  5. Check mounting strength: use the correct deck cutout template, fastener pattern, reinforcement and backing support for the exact holder. Never assume another model shares the same mounting holes.

Shop matching flush-mount C.E. Smith rod holders

The exact manufacturer part numbers below link to NewRVParts listings. Orders ship from supplier warehouses; in-person warehouse pickup or viewing is not offered.

Optional 53690A drop-in swivel

For a suitable existing non-swiveling in-gunwale holder, this separate accessory provides swivel action without replacing the entire tube. The manufacturer-specified minimum bore is 1⁹⁄₁₆ inches. Verify the actual liner, rod butt and available depth before ordering.

Other fishing-rod holder mounting guides

Prefer a holder that clamps to an existing rail instead of passing through the gunwale? Compare our clamp-on rail rod-holder guide and Attwood flush-mount holder comparison. These are separate mounting systems, not automatically interchangeable parts.

Bulletin des pièces de VR

Inscrivez-vous pour nos prochaines promotions !

À propos de NewRVParts

NewRVParts est une boutique en ligne spécialisée dans les pièces et accessoires neufs pour véhicules récréatifs, les équipements pour caravanes portées, les pièces de remorquage et de remorques, les accessoires pour camions et les produits nautiques. Nous servons nos clients partout au Canada et aux États-Unis, en expédiant des produits de fabricants de confiance via un vaste réseau de distribution nord-américain. Magasinez en ligne pour obtenir des pièces de rechange, des équipements et des accessoires livrés directement à votre porte.

Magasiner les pièces de VR