If you use the port side storage box for rods you may want to check it.
I was looking around inside the front deck port storage box and noticed that the stern end of the box had a black cover plate installed vertically with 4 screws. This cover is 1/4” thick and just slightly smaller than the end of the box. I’m curious so I removed the 4 screws and set the black cover plate out and was pleasantly surprised to find a recess, approximately 10”w x10”h x7”d, that provides more room to store your long butt rods. This recess is factory finished with gel coat and looks great, no rough edges or unfinished areas.
I really cannot figure out why this would be covered so I have not reinstalled mine as it provides the perfect place with the extra distance needed to hold long butt rods on top of the elastic strap bar. My boat is a 2020 VX21 so I dont know if other year models are the same or not.
Just thought this may be of some help if yours is covered.