Need some pointers on mounting downriggers and rod carriers

Beartrack · Last edited by Beartrack on Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:33 pm; edited 2 times in total

Well, the 2001 22-foot C-Dory (my first) just left Ohio tonight for the trip out here to Seattle, Washingon. However as soon as it arrives (scheduled for Thursday) I want to immediately get to adding a couple items. I was hoping some folks on the site might be able to provide some pointers. Already picked up 2 Cannon Uni-Troll HP downriggers with the swivel bases for the boat and was wondering if there are any tips or tricks I should be aware of in mounting the downriggers and ball holders. For example, are there particularly good locations, and do I need to mount some type of backing plates, etc? Any other pointers?

Also, I really need to get some type of arch to mount on the hard top to store the fishing rods when we're under way, as when my buddies and I go fishing we may have as many as 8 poles with us (fewer when it's the family and I but still several) and I don't want them banging around in the way down inside the boat. Any recommendations on models and/or sources for buying them - or tips on installing them?? I've seen some very nice pictures in the photo albums but haven't seen any reference to where the owners got them. If the arch is something like a double arch where I can mount pole holders on the back of it now and put a radar on the top of it later, all the better - but not required.

Lastly, the boat has an 80-hp Yamaha 4-stroke. Can this be used reasonably for trolling at Neah Bah for Kings and Silvers - or will it be too fast? The Dory doesn't have a kicker on it yet, though I do have a 20 hp short-shaft kicker on my other smaller boat... could that be used or will I need a long-shaft kicker?

Any info much appreciated folks as I'm HUGELY looking forward to getting this out in the Puget Sound for some trial runs, then on to Neah Bay for salmon and over in the Canadian waters for halibut, both during August. Thanks a million!!!

Beartrack

rogerbum

Valkyrie · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:27 am Post subject:

Beartrack,

I have the same riggers as you, but I didn't want to have the bases permanently mounted on Valkyrie's gunwales so I use the Cannon gimbal mounts (12" with the 25 degree shaft) which fit securely into flushmount rod holders that have a 30 degree angle.

The rodholders are mounted in the same location as Roger's. With the swivel bases that come with your riggers, it's easy to swing them out to run 90 degrees from the gunwale.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

gljjr · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:13 pm Post subject:

Happy Birthday!

Roger's setup really works well. If however you want removable mounts I highly suggest the "Offshore" mounts.

This picture is on my sled but they will mount on the side of the Gunnel or on a railing as I have in the picture. To remove the Riggers simply lift up out of the mount. The newer ones also have the ability to use locking pins if you want. I think 3 Rivers Marine carries these and Outdoor Emporiumn might have them as well.

I use mine with Scotty Electrics.

As for Kicker/No Kicker. I bet the 80 will do fine for Silvers. However I would still want to have a kicker out at Neah and Sekiu as a backup to the main. A Yamaha T8 would go nicely with the main! Add in a TR-1 and you would have the best of all worlds for fishing Smile

Beartrack · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:41 am Post subject:

rogerbum - Thanks for the photos, it looks very nice! Do you happen to have a picture from the top? I'm wondering about how it lines up with the molded-in diamond pattern non-skid surface. Also, I was curious about the nice switch panel - what are all of them for if you don't mind my asking? Nice setup!

Valkerie - that sounds VERY convenient. One question though - the owner over at Teds Sporting Goods said he'd be worried about any downriggers with over a 24" boom creating too much leverage for a mount like that in the rod holder... have you had any problems at all?

On those offshore mounts, slick setup, I just don't have any rails back there yet. But that would sure be convenient if I did.

Thanks to all who responded, this is very helpful info!

Valkyrie · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:59 pm Post subject:

Beartrack,

Quite frankly, I have only used them a few times so far, but it hasn't been a problem.

I know quite a few fishermen who fish a lot and love them and in a similar thread on this site, I remember they have a few fans here, too.

By the way, I'm going to install four more flush rod holders- two right behind the cabin for dispseys and two on top of the lazerettes, all the way aft for another mounting position for the riggers. Just looking for a little more flexibility, I guess.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

flapbreaker · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject:

I'd highly recommend using a cannonball snubber. Makes it easy on the hands to handle.

gljjr · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:02 pm Post subject:

Beartrack,

The slot mounts don't have to mount on rails. They can also be mounted on the vertical side just above the opening where Roger has his switch plate.

From Rogers photo gallery

flapbreaker · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:02 pm Post subject:

Another thing, instead of mounting the holder for the downrigger ball on the lazerettes I set mine on the shelf under the gunnel. I had to take a belt sander to two sides of the holder to make it fit though.

I didn't use any back plate. Mainly becuase there just wasn't room, especially on the starboard side. There's just too many cables running under it to fit a peice of wood there too.

416rigby · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 12:26 am Post subject:

You have the same year boat and same engine we have. Hope you love it as much as we love ours! Thumbs Up

The 80 will not go very slow for trolling. A kicker should be in your future. We recently got an 8hp and I can go as slow as 1.5mph if I trim the main engine all the way down and create max drag. With the main trimmed full up (prop out of the water) I can get over 6 mph so far, using only 1/2 throttle...still breaking engine in so I hope to get a couple more mph top speed when I can finally open the throttle all the way.

I mounted our downriggers back on the aft corners for a couple of reasons. I wanted to be able to have them installed while my camper canvas was up, and I wanted them accessible but out of the way. Works for me. I installed with a plywood backer and had to move the cleats outboard slightly. I just leave the balls hang from the boom hooks and there's 1/4" or so of clearance from hitting anything. We did this on our last boat with no problems.

Radar arch...we just bought a factory "low" arch. They are very pricey! They come with 4 rod holders welded on the aft edge...and I recently installed more clamp-ons on the sides. We also have a couple of Scotty Strikers mounted on the bow rail for extra storage or for dinking around when we're on the hook.

Good luck...you're gonna love that boat.

Rick

True Story · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:35 am Post subject:

Congratulations on your new boat Beartrack!

Noticed you hadn't received a response yet in regards to kicker shaft length so, if your going to mount on the transom, it should be a long shaft.

If your going to be fishing the areas you indicated in your initial post, it would be wise to have a kicker as an alternative means of propulsion. Considering the boat is used and new to you, I'd also consider bringing along a seperate source of fuel. A five or six gallon remote tank with connector hoses should fit nicely between your fuel tanks.

IMO, I wouldn't get hung up thinking a kicker is neccessary to fish for Kings and Silvers where you indicated you will be fishing. Fish prone to biting your bait, will be actively feeding, and capable and willing to chase baits up to five or six knots. While I can't attest to the lowest trolling speed for the Yamaha, my Honda 90 trolls plenty slow enough for both species. Typically, I'll troll with the tide to find fish. If I want to concentrate in a paticular spot, over a pod of fish for example, I'll turn around and troll against the tide. I do utilize my kicker occasionally when fishing in terminal areas such as Elliot and Commencement Bays and I wouldn't be without it on the Columbia River. Another good application for the kicker is to slow your drift while Halibut fishing.

Good luck and have fun with your new boat. Tim

Alasgun · Guest

A comment seemed applicable here regarding the length of you arms. I have heard the admonition for short arms as well but defied this wisdom last winter when I built the downriggers on Huda Thunkit. What started as my trying to use something easy to work with actually ended up being a great choice. I used 5/8 solid fiberglass rods and left them 4 ft. long! My engineer friends tell me the energy moment is long enough to cancel out most of the leverage which we have proven at this point to be true. 10 lb weights and all attached gear deflect the rods less than 6 inches and everything ride very smooth even in rougher conditions. The riggers are rail mounted and quite solid this way, even with only a large washer on the underside.
Using the boat pole simplifies bringing the clip on board to change gear or rebait and the whole system is pretty handy. An added benefit to length is prop protection.
Just some more rambling from Alaska.
Mike

Beartrack · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 4:46 pm Post subject:

Hi all and THANKS! The info is fantastic.

Greenie/newbie question on the cannonball snubbers: Embarassed

What do they do and how do they go on?

I did pick up a used Yamaha 8hp high-thrust 2005 kicker Friday; good thing. We took the boat out for it's maiden voyage yesterday after back flushing the carbs, replacing and upgrading the fuel-water separator, replacing the fuel filter, and putting in new batteries. Not good... or perhaps I should say, good thing we had the backup kicker! We made it from the moorage down the river about a mile and had to come back. Main 80 hp Yamaha 2001 motor never did come up off of running on just 2 carbs (or at least 2 cylinders.) I'm going to post some questions over on the "Outboards and Systems" forum as this has me baffled!

gljjr · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:22 pm Post subject:

The snubbers go between the end of the downrigger cable and the ball. They have many things they are good for.

They are easier on the hands than the cable so pulling in and putting out the balls is easier on the body.

They reduce shock on the gunnel if someone just drops the ball over the side (been there done that). If not careful you might actually lose the ball when this happens.

The lower breaking strength might save your gunnel when you get hung up on the bottom.

They are a great place to attatch the clip leads to instead of the cable as they won't move up or down on them.

FYI: I fished a lot for 2 years without them. They are NOT required but are nice to have.

Beartrack · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:46 pm Post subject:

Now I see what you mean on the snubbers being easier on the hands and the boat both, thanks!!