Downrigger instal on fiberglass boat

Jdip83

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 21, 2011
Messages
43
I have a 67' 17ft Astro comet

I would like to install a remove-able downrigger or 2. One on each side or off the stern.

The sides where I could mount it are about 6" across
There is no support under the fiberglass to support it.
What fabrication would I do to put it in
I can do the work myself.

Sorry for the bad pic but the boat is at the my shop at work and I'll upload more pictures Wednesday.

Thanks
Jon




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LongLine

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
Messages
494
Re: Downrigger instal on fiberglass boat

You'll need to get a fairly heavy aluminum plate underneath the fiberglass. Look at the mounting plate/attachment/base of your rigg'r. What I would do is get two 3/8" plates & sandwich the fiberglass. If the rigg'r attachment unit is 6" fore & aft then make the plates same width but couple "s longer on each end. rigg'r mounting base then screws to plates.

Tom B.
(LongLine)
 

island mike

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
440
Re: Downrigger instal on fiberglass boat

I think that with backing plates you dont correct the flex that riggers can put on the fiber,I would suggest a long piece of resin sealed wood ply is fine,and try attaching it not only under the rigger base but also on the side of the gunwhale assuming you will put the rigger there.That way you elimate flex a bit better..You could do this with a p.b resin mixed with addhesive and of course the screws that come with the riggers.
Regards I mike
 
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