I have consulted with four owners who had the gunwale caps on post-classic designed-after-1990 models severely damaged. The incidents I refer to include:
- corrosion of the support bracket led to adhesive failure in two incidents
- installation of a pot puller without necessary support.
- improper use of a rod holder to secure the boat to a pier led to gunwale cap separation.
- loose gunwale cap, cause undetermined by new second hand owner.
In the cases above, I advised the owners on the options, techniques, and materials to repair the boat and redesign the installation of rod holders.
I would be hesitant to install a large rod holder to the gunwales without some significant modifications.
In addition to an aluminum backing plate underneath the gunwale, I would also install additional L-brackets forward and aft of the rod holder to provide more support. Mechanical fastening may be more desirable over high strength adhesives.
[Moderator's note: salvaged and separated from a fanciful discussion on whether or not one person could land a 300-lbs tuna on a 19-foot boat in the open ocean without damage to the gunwales.]