Mounting a flag pole socket

I would like mount a flag pole socket aft on the gunwale. The only issue is my stern running light is mounted center (see pic). I recall reading that proper etiquette in this situation is to mount the socket/pole off centered to the starboard side.

Any recommendations/thoughts on this potential installation?

off center is fine for either one

With seating aft , use a tall flag staff and a wool flag (not nylon) as the flapping noise can be a PIA.

Appreciate everyone's recommendations. I picket up a 1" flag pole socket and a long teak mast at West Marine yesterday. Three 3/4" #10 screws and a bed of 5200 secured it nicely (and permanently). It really doesn't look bad off-centered.

I'll look for a wool flag--I can definitely see how the flapping of nylon can get annoying after an hour or two!

Three 3/4" #10 screws and a bed of 5200 secured it nicely (and permanently). It really doesn't look bad off-centered.

Screws into GRP?

Nuts and bolts with a large washer set will last longer.

At times boarding folks will grab your flagstaff to use as a hand rail.

The gunwales are a starboard like material. Unfortunately, there is no easy/ready access to the underside of that portion of the gunwale to tighten nuts. Longer SS screws (1"+) would go through the gunwale. Yes, bolts would have been ideal if I could get to the underside. I jokingly think the gunwales would rip off or the small staff break before the mount breaks loose, but I'll avoid using it as a cleat!

You had me wondering about lateral loads and "pull out" strength of screws into wood or equivalent. I came across an interesting article from the "Engineered Wood Association". The withdraw load of a #10 screw (3/4" depth) into plywood is about 400 pounds--lateral is close to 900 pounds. Of course this depends on torque and other conditions.

"Of course this depends on torque and other conditions."


Like the leverage from a 5 ft flagstaffand 200 lb guest?

Flag staff is not that long. I went with a 16"x24" Ensign and a 30" teak staff, which is right for my boat length (23') and looks good. I have to hope it holds and no one does pull ups from my staff--simply no access under that part of the cap. Not many alternatives. The math tells me it should be just fine; but I do agree bolting would certainly have been ideal.

Had a similar dilemma since the transom ladder/gate was in the center. After a bit of research, located the flag staff to starboard to follow recommended practice. Haven't noticed annoying flapping sounds from the nylon flag, however.

Same here, VT. No access from below, so the flagstaff mount is held in place with wood screws, stbd of the centered nav light. No adhesive on my mount, though. I suspect if anyone tried to pull from the flagstaff, the cast chromed base would split before the screws let go. Might be different with a SS mount.

I usually remove the flag if we'll be using the swimstep a lot since it overhangs the swimstep and impedes access.