Downrigger mounting location

[Shark_bait99]

Hello All,

The ice is off Friday, I hope and I've got a new downrigger to install. I am not sure of the best mounting location so any advice would be appreciated. I have a Four Winns Sundowner 225 Cuddy, 25ft stern drive. I plan to troll using a Cannon Compact Manual Downrigger with a 24 inch boom.

I have marked three possible mounting locations on the photo. at #3 there is a metal backed hole which accepts a metal pole which can support a barbeque. A mount could be fabricated to attach here but I am worried about the short boom and the stern drive. #1 the high freeboard could turn the cannon ball into a wreaking ball... #2 doesnt have the existing pole mount but would give more clearance to the drive?

The sides of the boat do not have any good mounting locations as far as i can see.

Thanks!

ice of friday!!

 

[13crazyhorse]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

It doesn't look to me like there is any suitable location on this boat. Not every boat can be used for trolling with downriggers. If you do alot of trolling you should have a kicker motor too and that would be near impossible with this rig. You could use a longer boom and swivel base but that would probably look stupid especially with only one rigger. I'm sure you don't want to fish bad enough to get another boat so stick to bait fishing would be your best option. Hope this helps some.

 

[joed]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

I agree. Don't really see a suitable location for a downrigger. Consider using dipsy divers or jet divers and inline planer boards. Then you only need to mount rod holders

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

I agree. Don't really see a suitable location for a downrigger. Consider using dipsy divers or jet divers and inline planer boards. Then you only need to mount rod holders

If you can mount rod holders you can mount the down-rigger. A lot if not most have a down rigger mount that will fit in a rod holder. The bow is the last place you want it because the line can run under the boat fouling the prop.If you use the swim platform and have to install permanent mounts you will be stepping on them all the time.Do you have enough flat surface to mount a down rigger board (wrong terminology)?

Track mount is the word. Cannon makes them but so do a lot of others. Some people use a bolt/j hook and fasten the track mount to the cleats

mounting tracks - Traxstech
traxstech.com/Mounting_Tracks.html‎

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

Banging the side of the boat with the ball is almost just part of down rigger fishing, but with some practice you will avoid most of it. Most of the mounts I have used or seem offer a swivel to swing the arm in to the side of the boat to deploy. This is when you will see the 10 lb ball possibly bang your hull.

 

[Shark_bait99]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

Track mount is the word. Cannon makes them but so do a lot of others. Some people use a bolt/j hook and fasten the track mount to the cleats

mounting tracks - Traxstech
traxstech.com/Mounting_Tracks.html‎

Thanks! i like the idea of the mounting tracks. Traxstech makes a t bolt bracket that would let me mount to a smaller surface area. T-bolt bracket

The option of the j hook sounds interesting too, but I don't understand how the j hooks would hold the tracks securely to the cleats.

Regarding the mounting location, considering the shorter boom, higher freeboard and the stern drive, where would be the best location to mount to avoid avoid fouling the prop.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

Thanks! i like the idea of the mounting tracks. Traxstech makes a t bolt bracket that would let me mount to a smaller surface area. T-bolt bracket

The option of the j hook sounds interesting too, but I don't understand how the j hooks would hold the tracks securely to the cleats.

Regarding the mounting location, considering the shorter boom, higher freeboard and the stern drive, where would be the best location to mount to avoid avoid fouling the prop.

Back corner of the boat, have the down rigger pointing out to the side of the boat when deployed. Here in Michigan we use them fpor Salmon, many boats have 4 down riggers, one on each side (like mentioned above) and 2 straight out the back about 1-2 feet from the center of the transom. Might seem tight but it works, never had a prop issue, but then you never stop trolling when deployed. Good luck

 

[Shark_bait99]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

Thanks again

 

[icook4u2]

Re: Downrigger mounting location

try this:
V-Lock Universal Mounting System | Quick Release & Lock for Boats and Recreation