Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

[bruceb58]

Thinking about adding a downrigger to the pontoon. Anyone do this and have suggestions for mounts, either home made or purchased?

 

[BrianMc]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

This is what I done before my build.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

This is what I done before my build.


View attachment 223698View attachment 223700View attachment 223703

Looks good. I was thinking also that it may be necessary to build a mount that extends to the floor for strength purposes. Not sure I would trust something that was just mounted to the rails. I weld so I can do something similar to what you have.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

BrianMc,

Thanks for the advice. I copied your idea. I made mine out of stainless.

Took me a LONG time to build it. Used my plasma cutter to cut the plates to size. Glad I don't do this stuff for a living.

 

[BrianMc]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Looks good, made mine from stainless too. Worst part is drilling holes in it. Cobalt bits,tranni fluid,and let it eat.

That could be a handy rig where it's parked. Pull some cable out,drop the cannon ball in the gutter,and winch it clean. Or, winch the old fridge out the back door.

What are you trolling for?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Hey - that looks good bruce. Only one thing left - snag some fish. :joyous:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Looks good, made mine from stainless too. Worst part is drilling holes in it. Cobalt bits,tranni fluid,and let it eat.

Hmmm, thought your was aluminum. I guess hard to tell from the pictures.

Yes, high quality cobalt drills and lots of oil. Did ruin a couple of small bits I was using for pilot holes. I tapped the 4 holes for the mount on the top plate. One tap broke and I had to use my plasma cutter to cut it out and refill the holes with my TIG before retapping again.

Just fishing for rainbows and wanted to be at the exact depth for them.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Brian, did you use the same type of mounts on your new toon you built? By the way, impressive project.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Hey - that looks good bruce. Only one thing left - snag some fish. :joyous:

Boat is going in the water April 4th. Supposedly, good fishing in the spring on this lake.

 

[old jim]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Brian & Bruce, are your downrigger mounts attached to the rail as well to the deck?? thanks old jim

 

[BrianMc]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Hmmm, thought your was aluminum. I guess hard to tell from the pictures.

That was some leftover 3" schedule 20 stainless plumbing and flanges left over from another project. Just not polished out like yours.


I picked these up cheap online for mounting downriggers on my new rails.



Jim, yes they were also attached to the rail.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Downrigger Mount on a Pontoon

Brian & Bruce, are your downrigger mounts attached to the rail as well to the deck?? thanks old jim

Yes but a good deal of the force is transmitted to the floor. When I first mounted mine, I put the first two screws through the rail and pulled on the cable simulating a ball snag...it moved the rail quite a bit. Once I had it screwed into the floor, there was no more rail flex or very little.