Mate Series Flush Mount Rod Holders

Mate Series Flush Mount Rod Holders: The Original Dual-Purpose Innovation

When it comes to flush mount rod holders, few brands have changed the game the way Mate Series has. Mate Series pioneered the combination rod and cup holder, becoming the first company to offer a truly dual-purpose solution that meets both recreational and professional needs. That innovation earned them serious recognition: the Mate Series Combination Rod & Cup Holder is a winner of the 2010 IBEX Innovation Award.

One Hole Does It All

The core concept behind Mate Series flush mount rod holders is elegant in its simplicity. Why cut two holes in your boat when one will do? Mate Series Combination Rod & Cup Holders function exactly like a standard cup holder and fishing rod holder combined — meaning a boat equipped with four cup holders and four rod holders would only need four Mate Series units to do the same job, resulting in a vessel with a less cluttered appearance that is easier to maintain.

The combination holder's flush-mount design means it sits nearly flat against your boat's surface, reducing trip hazards and leaving you with more room to move around — an underrated advantage when fishing narrow channels or anchoring near riverbanks.

Built for the Marine Environment

Mate Series doesn't cut corners on materials. Mate Series flush mounted Rod & Cup Holders are made of the highest quality 316 stainless steel and feature a cast-in heavy duty gimbal bar. For anglers who prefer a more budget-conscious option, plastic parts utilize impact-resistant ABS material similar to that used in the most demanding automotive applications — unlike most plastic rod holders, which are made of less durable vinyl materials. All parts are "over engineered" for maximum durability under heavy use.

The stainless steel lineup comes in two distinct tiers. The Elite and Stainless models are made of 316L stainless steel, which provides extra strength when fighting larger fish. The Elite Screwless series takes the design one step further with a clean, fastener-free exterior finish that enhances the look of any gunwale or leaning post.

Flexible Configuration Options

Mate Series Combination Rod & Cup Holders are available with 0°, 15°, and 30° angles and are suitable for installation anywhere along the gunwales, on leaning posts, and more. For many anglers, a 15° or 30° option works perfectly — these angles keep the rod tip elevated enough to avoid snags, yet positioned for a quick grab when a fish bites.

The rod holders are offered with two different drain types: open or NPT. The open drain allows water to simply pass through, while the NPT drain uses fittings to connect to drain lines. Both round top and oval top configurations are available, offering flexibility to match any boat's aesthetic. An optional backing plate is also available for added structural support.

Easy Installation

Installation is easy because the cup holder portion at the top of the unit is not angled, unlike conventional rod holders — a simple right angle hole-saw cut makes retrofits and OEM installation a breeze. Whether you're upgrading an existing vessel or spec'ing out a new build, Mate Series flush mount rod holders integrate cleanly without specialized tools or complex modifications.