Identify C.E. Smith 70 & 80 Series Flush-Mount Rod Holders

Replacing a flush-mounted fishing-rod holder when the original model label is missing? C.E. Smith's 70 and 80 Series are easy to confuse from above the gunwale. Look at the tube bore, angle and bottom assembly before selecting a replacement. Matching stainless finish alone is not enough.

Identify the original 70 or 80 Series holder

The 70 Series has a 9-inch tube with a 1⅝-inch bore: 53670A is straight, 53671A is 15° and 53672A is 30°. Its bar-bottom design differs from the larger 80 Series.

Among the 80 Series products, 53680CA and 53681CA have fixed cast bottoms at 0° and 15°, while 53680SA and 53681SA use swivel gimbals at those angles. The manufacturer specifies 10½-inch tubes with 1⅞-inch bores for this family.

Inspect these points on the old installation

1. Read the full MPN: check the underside, packaging or past service records. The CA and SA endings distinguish the cast and swivel versions in this group.
2. Measure the bore: 70 Series tubes are 1⅝ inches inside; 80 Series tubes are 1⅞ inches. Measure the actual opening and note any liner.
3. Measure the mounting angle: distinguish 0°, 15° and 30°. Deck slope can make a holder appear to lean more or less than its rated angle.
4. Look beneath the deck: a fixed cast 80 Series base has a drain connection. Swivel versions have a mechanism needing access for adjustment; the 53680SA measures 12 inches overall including its adjustment nut.
5. Check the flange and mounting holes: inspect the original hole, underside clearance and attachment hardware before making any changes. Different series use different cap sizes.
6. Inspect condition: bent gimbal fittings, cracked mounting areas, corrosion or damaged liners may affect which components need replacement.

Compare part-number listings and catalog images

These entries are classified as Brand New in UsedRVParts. Open each exact part number for current stock, condition and package information. Eligible local viewing and pickup in Kelowna are by appointment.

C.E. Smith 53670A

70 Series · 0° · Fixed bar / gimbal

1⅝ in bore; 9 in tube

Check exact listing

C.E. Smith 53671A

70 Series · 15° · Fixed bar / gimbal

1⅝ in bore; 9 in tube

Check exact listing

C.E. Smith 53672A

70 Series · 30° · Fixed bar / gimbal

1⅝ in bore; 9 in tube

Check exact listing

C.E. Smith 53680CA

80 Series · 0° · Fixed cast drain bottom

1⅞ in bore; 10½ in tube

Check exact listing

C.E. Smith 53680SA

80 Series · 0° · Adjustable swivel gimbal

1⅞ in bore; 10½ in tube

Check exact listing

C.E. Smith 53681CA

80 Series · 15° · Fixed cast drain bottom

1⅞ in bore; 10½ in tube

Check exact listing

C.E. Smith 53681SA

80 Series · 15° · Swivel gimbal

1⅞ in bore; 10½ in tube

Check exact listing

Recognize the separate 53690A adapter

If the existing holder is still serviceable, a 53690A drop-in swivel may be an option. It is a standalone fitting intended for holders with a bore of at least 1⁹⁄₁₆ inches; verify the liner, opening and available space before assuming suitability.

C.E. Smith 53690A drop-in swivel

Accessory for in-gunwale holders with a bore of at least 1⁹⁄₁₆ in

Separate component; inspect the liner, rod butt and installation clearance.

View accessory

Other fishing-rod holder mounting guides

If the old hardware clamps to a rail or belongs to a different brand, compare our C.E. Smith clamp-on rod-holder identification and Attwood rod-holder identification. These are separate mounting systems, not automatically interchangeable parts.