I’m trying to decide how to rig my new ProV. I’m planning on using Scotty rod holders, and leaning towards using the flush mount bases. I like the fact that they will be out of the way, but I am a little hesitant about drilling those big holes. What does everyone prefer, the flush mounts or the deck/side mounts?
Also, should I mount them toward the inside or outside edge of the gunwale?
Welcome to IDA WadenaMan 
I prefer the flush mounts, put your hand underneath your gunnels and see where the ledge is for your wiring, this will determine if you mount them on inside or outside edge of the gunnel.
Welcome to IDA WadenaMan and GREAT question!
I just came in from the boat trying to figure that out myself…made the decision for flush mount already. My Angler SS is going to have to be towards the outside. The electrical wires run on the outside edge and the stearing cable runs on the inside….so if I can get my wife to hold the wires and cables out of the way, I should be ok.
I bought the bit/saw the other day and have been stareing at it ever since!
I have flush mount rod holders on my boat but on my next boat I am going to put rails on and attach the holders to the rails.
Gator Hunter
I agree with Gatorhunter, I have used rails on my last two boats. Inexpensive and gives you alot more options.
Don and Gator,
When you say “inexpensive” are you including the cost of the rail? Just trying to broaden my understanding here….why would you want rails on a fishing boat?
I can see the “more options” with rails…moveing the holder around more, but would you put rails on just to move your rod holders around?
I’m not real keen on drilling a 3/4 inch hole in my boat, but I can’t see tripping over a rail everytime I enter or exit the boat.
Again, just looking for the advantage here…if we all thought the same…there would only be one beer…Hamm’s!
By inexpensive I meant the cost of adding rails. I got mine for about 10 bucks for the pair. Instead of drilling 3/4 inch holes you can attach rails with a few small screws.
The rails do not run the full length of the boat, they actually help when loading and unloading people from the boat. Easy to hang on to and keep the boat from banging the docks.
A picture is worth a thousand words…not what I was thinking at all!
Do you have both sides set up the same for when you have 4 poles out? I’m betting you have a tiller.
I have the side consil steering with two transom mounted holders. When I’m trolling with the big motor, I don’t like looking back and walking that far (ok, call me lazy) to grab my rod.
That’s why I was leaning for the flush mounts next to the captain and first mate chair. Alone, I would fish with these two. When I had company, I would use the two on my side and the guest would use the two on their side.
But I still have two holes!
So, did you just run out and take that picture? 
I have both sides set up the same. Yes I do run my kicker motor from the back.
Thanks Don.
Wadenaman
Quote:
Also, should I mount them toward the inside or outside edge of the gunwale?
You are going to want to mount them fairly close to the inside. Because the walls are (comparitivly) large on a Pro V, you may have problems with your rod not swiveling as much as you like. The handle of your rod would hit the inside of the gunwhale if they are mounted out too far.
Thanks for the info guys!
Brian, how were you planning on drilling the holes for your flush mounts? Start with a big bit and finish with the saw? I’ll need a 1 3/8″ hole for the scotty mounts.
Don, your rail system looks slick as well. In the past I’ve had my holders much further apart, do you have any problems with tangles since the rods are so close together?
They make a hole saw/bit that you put a drill bit in the center of for a pilot hole. I just bought one but can’t recall the price…for the life of me. I know it was under $10. at fleet farm and I’m guessing about $4.
Once you get your Scotty holders, you’ll need to get some stainless screws from your friendly hardware store too.
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