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.

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