Mounting a Downriger

[Pat]

Im attempting to mount a downriger and Im having trouble accessing the side of my boat. I dont want to just mount it with screws. Any sugestions on how to properly mount it so it does not get torn off.

 

[Jazzmanic]

Pat,

Welcome to the pub. I think I recall reading on one of these threads that one would cut out a hole for access to the top of the gunnels and then cover it with an access hatch. Do a search in the search box on the top left side of the page and you might find what I'm referring to.

Dwight (aka Chromer) owns a 19' Angler, Checkpoint II and he's quite a fisherman with downriggers set-up. Maybe he'll chime in.

**On Edit** I was right. Here's what Dwight did. Just as I described. (Nice linger Michael!)

 

[localboy]

Install a backing plate also. I go at least twice the surface area of the mount to spread the load. I used 1/2" Starboard w/ fender washers, but I've seen plate stainless ( :shock: $$$$!) and plate aluminum used too.

 

[Pat]

Pat,

Welcome to the pub. I think I recall reading on one of these threads that one would cut out a hole for access to the top of the gunnels and then cover it with an access hatch. Do a search in the search box on the top left side of the page and you might find what I'm referring to.

Dwight (aka Chromer) owns a 19' Angler, Checkpoint II and he's quite a fisherman with downriggers set-up. Maybe he'll chime in.

**On Edit** I was right. Here's what Dwight did. Just as I described. (Nice linger Michael!)
Thats great, thanks for the help and that is a great fish!

 

[rogerbum]

And if you're still having trouble mounting your downrigger, try buying it a drink and talking to it nicely first.

 

[Sea Wolf]

And if you're still having trouble mounting your downrigger, try buying it a drink and talking to it nicely first.

And if you do that, nice and all, and still no success, start working on another downrigger, you might get lucky(er) the next time! :smile

So many downriggers, so little time! :smiled


And on a more serious note, sometimes the mounting plate of the downrigger base is so large that the holes for the bolts/machine screws are up so close to the vertical gunnel walls that there's no room for the washers. This is where the full metal plate approach comes in handy. it can be virtually as wide as the gunnel, with the holes near the edge. Stainless is the best, but aluminum is easier for most folks to work with.

Joe. :teeth :thup

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I am not sure I want to get into the conversation on "Mounting a Downrigger", but below is a shot of a mount for my Cannon downriggers. When I used Scotty's, I had a rod holder through the gunnel that held a gimbal style mount. When I went to the Cannons, I covered the hole with the mahogany pad, then through bolted the Cannon mount with stainless machine screws and lock nuts. Just be careful that you are not drilling into wiring when you drill.