Mounting Downriggers

dan365 · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:48 pm Post subject: Mounting Downriggers

Hi All,

3 weeks with the boat and loving every minute of it. I will be attempting to mount two Cannon Uni-Troll Downriggers and am hoping to learn from your experiences.

I am concernd primarily about the thickness of the fiberglass. The instructions from Cannon state that if thickness is less than 1/4", an extra mounting plate is needed for support. This, with the swivel mount would mean three layers of mount and would be even more unsightly - I think. I was thinking that a plate on the underside might be beneficial but I would have to find a way to fabricate one. I'm not the handiest guy on the block so this is not a real desireable option.

Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Cheers,

Dan

Adeline · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Dan, Your post caught my eye because I installed 2 Canon Uni-Trolls on Adeline many years ago. I located them between the fuel fill and the blue non-skid.

The images are clearer in the photo album. Mine are on the older swivel bases(taller) which allows the booms to clear the Lazzarette lids when they're raised. The bases fit PERFECTLY in the space available. I did'nt use a backing plate, just fender washers. They're not too far forward to be a problem in turns. And, my generator is secured to the stbd. boom (nylon strap) when in use. Finally, when I converted them to electrics their location made the wiring a breeze. I strongly recommend that you keep the clutches backed off and have wire cutters nearby, just in case you snag the bottom. Pete

dan365 · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 1:30 pm Post subject:

Thank you both! Great information - I've hovered over my boat with a power drill a dozen times - can't seem to bring my hand down yet!

Cheers,

Dan

C-Bill · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:02 pm Post subject:

Dan...

Personally, I like to have options for when I'm not using a downrigger. It took a few years for me to realize that the rail on a 22ft CD does not offer many options. Cabelas sells Bert's Custom Tackle which does gives you some options without drilling and filling in holes Confused

when you want to make a change. I know it's not cheap, but it's good stuff! Here is the website to Bert's Custom Tackle.

And here's where to find the stuff at Cabelas.

Bill Wink

MOOSE · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject:

For another mounting option, check out the (Cannon) Mag 10 Beer Cooler photo in the MOOSE album. I mounted half of the swivel base through the fiberglass top of the lazarette, and the other half to a piece of stainless angle which was bolted through the side of the lazarette. This allowed me clearance for the lazarette hatch. It also keeps the base clear of our camperback canvas when that is attached, which mounting it directly to the gunwale would not have.
Al