Downrigger question

[df909]

I just bought a new Cannon Uni-Troll 10TS downrigger and am going to mount it in the boat. It telescopes to 53" and I'd like to mount it on the middle my engine cover- this way I can turn it to troll on either side of the boat. Here's my question: can I troll with the downrigger perpendicular to the boat? I know that there will be stress trying to turn the downrigger to point straight back, but don't most downriggers point out to the side anyway? I will use a 1'x1' piece of 3/4" plywood as a backing in addition to whatever the engine cover is made of, so is should be pretty strong.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Downrigger question

...prop

 

[jt57]

Re: Downrigger question

If it was me,I would reconsider mounting a downrigger on the engine cover. Isn't there some where else to mount the d/r? If I remember right,the uni-troll is one of the heaviest manuals on the market. Then add the weight and stress of the extended boom and your d/r weight,I see a cracked engine cover in the near future. If you use a light weight (2-6) lbs,it might work out for ya then. As Mark said your prop might be in the way also. We fish with weights up to 15lbs here,and mounting a rigger to the engine cover would never work out.

 

[df909]

Re: Downrigger question

The boat is a runabout, so there's not much room to mount anything. I can't get another boat, so I need to make this one work for fishing as well as playing at the lake with the family.

I don't think my original idea of mounting it in the middle so I can fish on either side of the boat will work. Do to the size of the mount, I have to put it on the engine cover. The cover has a cushion on top and plywood on the bottom. I was going to place a larger piece on the bottom of the cover to help disperce the wieght- I will go larger than 1'x1 to maybe 2'x2''. The cover is strong, I've had about 450lbs of people on it many times and it seemed fine with the weight.

If I mount it towards one side, then I can load it, put it in the water, then spin it around so it's facing 45 degrees from straight back. This way it'll easily clear the prop and it'll be facing rear much more. That sound like it'll work rather than having it straight out to the side? Thanks again.

 

[wvmedic]

Re: Downrigger question

df909, I do not have an answer for you but I would like to clarify. You are referring to the dog house I/O motor cover not an Outboard cover correct? It might make a difference to you're question and an answer.

I have no experience with down riggers, I've yet to use mine (hope that changes soon) but if you have to mount it to an I/O cover. I think you could use some sturdy latches, rated to a force at least equal to what the force of the cannon and fish will exert and latch the motor cover down. Then beef up the mounting point and be ok in that aspect, but as for its location I can not give you any info on that.

Remember invention is the mother of necessity.

Jeff

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Downrigger question

I personally wouldn't mount it to the engine cover. You don't mention what the boat is so I can't look for a pic, but I would simply mount it to the port side gunwale on a removable mount (cannon has these) and be done with it.
The port side is most visible from the helm, and the gunwale will keep you further away from the prop as well as make deploying your cannonball, release, tackle and perhaps sliders much simpler. My 2 cents

 

[rndn]

Re: Downrigger question

I fished with downriggers for 10 years in Lake Ontario. I never had a need to put it out one side or the other. Just mount it so you can fish out of the port side, and yes straight out the side will work. I made a plywood mount that clamped to my SS rails along each side. This allowed me to quickly remove them for boating time and never needed to drill 1 single hole in my Baja Force 216.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Downrigger question

There are many ways to mount a DR, post a pic of the area and you should get some good suggestions.

 

[df909]

Re: Downrigger question

I should've thought about posting a pic of what I want to do. I'll be able to post one this afternoon as the boat is having its transducer mounted. It is an I/O and the engine cover is probably 7' x 3.5' and has maybe 50-60 screws along the hinge that holds it to the transom. By the way, the hinge is probably 60".

I'll be back in a while with a pic.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Downrigger question

Mounting a down rigger in the center on top of a propeller is asking for trouble.Can you imagine what a down rigger weight will do to your propeller?What will happen when you have to back up?Or simpler how are you going to deal with having to remove the cover in the middle of the lake because of engine trouble?
If you want to mount something in the center,it should be a rod holder and you should built a board that goes all the way from side to side on the stern.then place your riggers and rod holders on that board

 

[LongLine]

Re: Downrigger question

If you mount a rigger in the middle of the doghouse with only a 53" boom, that means your cable is going to be about 8-10" off either side. It also means it's going to be forward of the lower unit quite a bit. Let's say you are fishing with it on the port side - whenever you turn to starboard, that rigg'r cable is going to get awful close to you lower unit & propeller. I've seen people out there with cable wrapped around their props and not having a lot of fun trying to unwrap it. Should be a canidate for the other thread - "S.H.Tricks."

You'd be much better off trying to figure out how to mount a rigger board back there & get the rigger on the end of it.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[FoxEd]

Re: Downrigger question

I had a Crestliner Crusader which was mostly for my wife and kids to have fun in. I did want to try some big Lake Michigan fishing.

I mounted a 2X10 (treated) plank from one side to the other. I used the deck cleats as the anchor points on each side. This came off easy for sking and boating with the family. Down riggers went out each side. The rest of the plank was great for mounting pole holders.

I would not mount to the dog house cover. First off, it will look very bad. The cover will have to be reinforced on the bottom also. Holes in the cover will not heal.

I just can not think of a good reason to mount a single DR there.

But if it works for your have at it. Let me know how that comes out after a year or two.

Best Wishes,
Ed

 

[df909]

Re: Downrigger question

I like the idea of a 2x10 or something like that. I can put the DR on either side and can take everything off when it's a family boat. I tried to take pics but the lame camera wouldn't sync with the computer so my wife is taking the camera to Office Depot tomorrow to burn them on a CD & then put them here.

I agree about putting it in the middle though- I set it up today and there just wasn't enough clearance on the sides. I'll put the pics here tomorrow and please feel free to let the ideas flow.

 

[df909]

Re: Downrigger question

Ok, finally I have pics of the boat. As you can see, there's not a lot of room for mounting anything. So, what would you do and where would you do it? Thanks alot.

Dave

 

[sstRobalo]

Re: Downrigger question

only option i see is the 2x10 mentioned above just no where on gunwales to mount it....Or forget the down rigger and use a Pink Lady instead harder to use but works

 

[LongLine]

Re: Downrigger question

I would make a couple gunnel brackets out of 3/8 or 1/2? aluminum and roughly 1 1/2" wide - like this:

And install them in as far rearward as possible in this area: (one on each side)

You?ll definitely need a backer plate underneath. Don?t know if you can get under there from inside or have to go thru vent on side of boat. Use Stainless flathead bolts. Board can then be screwed to them with thumb screws.

You?ve also got a rod holder placement question. They can go on the board or be mounted to the rigger. Another option is to learn the art of fishing with Dipsey Divers ? but then you?ve got the rod holder question again.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Downrigger question

...You?ve also got a rod holder placement question. They can go on the board or be mounted to the rigger. Another option is to learn the art of fishing with Dipsey Divers ? but then you?ve got the rod holder question again....

http://www.down-east.com/bolt-on.htm

These screw down to fiberglass with #10 stainless flat head screws and hold very well. Plus their use is simple and quick. I love them. They would be the solution I would suggest.

 

[WELLSLEY]

Re: Downrigger question

I used two treated 2X8 bolted the downrigger bracket to the top one then bolted both of them to the gunwales via an aluminium bracket use a backing plate if necessary. Using nothing but stainless steel bolts. Put the rigger on the Port side so you can watch it while you drive the boat. With alot of use the rigger will stress the top board and you may need to replace it after several years.

 

[puckepw]

Re: Downrigger question

I have a 14' runabout and I wanted to mount two downriggers. I built a downrigger board out of an 8' x 1" x 8" oak board. I put a seat cushion in the middle and mounted a downrigger on each end. I can operate my kicker motor from the seat and the board is long enough to separate the lines a good distance from the boat. I bolt the board to brackets mounted on the gunnels. The downriggers are mounted on swivel bases for ease of operation.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Downrigger question

I agree with Rolmops and Mark_VT...a board would be best.

It's tough to give a good recommendation...because it looks like mounting riggers was the last thing on the manufacturers mind when designing that hull's interior.

I like the idea of making it a trolling machine though

If you want to mount rod holders I'd make use of that rail in the center of your transom, they make rail-mount holders and that way you wouldn't have to drill thru the hull any more than necessary.

Good luck