New to me Key Largo

[rxl650]

I mentioned in another thread I had purchased a glass boat after many years of running tin boats. Where I live in Ontario, Canada, I have not seen another. It has what is called a rolled rail/gunnel and offers no access to mount hardware such as downriggers, a must have item around here. The gunnel total width is about 4.5 inches and the rigger mounting plates are 6x6. I am looking for idea's to mount them. So far I am just scratching my head. Does anyone know if the gunnels have wood reinforcement in them?


For those that are not familiar...riggers are outriggers that I hang 10 balls on and lower them up to 200' down. We get some nasty water so they have to be secure. Thanks folks

 

[kcassells]

Sand out an area on inside of gunwales down to clean glass and pb in a prepped piece of ply.
Glass 3 layers over that that pass @ 4-6 inches past ply. Finish as you like. This would be a side mount install since your restricted.
Alternate would be cut out a pc. of gunwale below cleat/fish holders. Beef up with ply add plate of metal to send thru and mount plate.
Gunnels tops should have wood and sides may be just glass depending on builder.
Cheers.

 

[rxl650]

I have thought of those options, but dont want to get to invasive at this point. I dont know if I'm going to keep the boat or continue on with my tin boat. It was a "kneejerk" purchase last fall. If I knew for sure there was wood in the gunnel then it would be an easy choice. I just havent found an answer anywhere yet. I may have to cut an access hole to explore at wich time I may as well use the holes to install backers. I still have my other boat so I have the luxury of fence sitting for now. I keep looking at the Toggler products.

 

[rxl650]

I think I'm going to use stainless Togglers. I/4 inch aluminum plate that is 10" along the gunnel and wrap it over the edge. Taper it to 6" wide right to the floor and a couple more Togglers. It should transfer some of the stress of flexing to the floor. Normally I would mount everything on a plank across the back of the boat but space is at a premium. Plans subject to change. lol