Downrigger mounts

[wpschaef]

Does anybody know if the Cannon downriggers will fit a Scotty mounting plate? I like the idea of the Scotty rail mount plate but I'm leaning toward the Cannon Easy-troll units with swivel bases. These will be attached to the aft seat rails on a 170cc. Could the bases be drilled for the competitors mounts? I haven't been able to find anything definative about pros and cons of different downriggers and I sure don't wish to start a ruckus, but I would be interested to hear what others think and what features influenced them to go with the brands/models that they have. I have not done alot of downrigger fishing, Salmon in Lake Michigan last year, see thumbnails), but am chomping at the bit to give it a go. By the way that's 4 peoples catch for 1 day on the rack.
Thanks in advance.

Biff
Almost retired!

[OspreyVic]

Hi Biff.

Not sure about some of your questions but do have something you might consider.

A member here, Little Casino, led me in the following direction: (Check the "Articles" Section)

Tite-Lok makes track sections of different lengths and they make track inserts. They also make a downrigger mount that fits their inserts.

Cannon makes a swivel base that fits onto the above mount.

Based on my limited downrigger experience, I would mount them closer to the center console, so that when you are getting the lines in place they are as close to your center seat as possible.

We have tried many different locations for our downriggers, and mounting them as far forward and close to the CC is the best. Much easier than leaning over rear seats and the stern to work on.

Just one person’s opinion.

[wpschaef]

Thanks Vic, definatly something to consider. I really want to stay as versatile as possible so I want the riggers removable. That makes the track system look good because the only place I can put them is my normal bording area because of my rails and bimini top. You sent me on quite the adventure following threads. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Do you think the togglers would be strong enough for the tracks? I would think so because of the distribution of stress over a larger area. Thanks for all the help and support you dish out on this site.

Biff
ALMOST RETIRED

[flatfishmoe]

Biff
I have a 17cc also and coming up with a downrigger mount with the top on was a problem for me. I use cannon downriggers with a rod holder mount. I can remove them easily when I'm doing that type of fishing. Here are the pics. I had to drill new holes in the plate because as you know the rod holders on the boat are not stright back. It works very well and easy to let the ball down.
Todd

[wpschaef]

Thanks Todd, That too is an option I will consider. Please excuse my confusion but the reason you needed to drill new holes in the mount plate was to re-align the downriggers horizontally because of the offset, or re-align with the gunwale to go off the back, or use them as side riggers. The pictures aren't clear as to which side is shown. I was thinking that the normal offset of the rod holders might be an asset but evidently I am incorrect.

Biff

[flatfishmoe]

Biff
I was not clear was sorry...when I mounted the downrigger plate to the rod holder plate the downrigger would sit at an angle towards the back of the boat instead of straight out the side. My downrigger has a short boom. Here is a pic.
Todd

[wpschaef]

Thanks Todd that helps a lot, makes much better sense. Very cool! Do they wobble much when retrieving cable?

Biff

[flatfishmoe]

None at all the rod holder is tight and slotted.

[OspreyVic]

Biff, thanks for your kind words.

You asked if the togglers would be strong enough for the tracks.

We have 4 six inch sections of track and 4 eighteen inch sections of track installed on our boat. Merritt Marine installed them for us. The picture below shows two of the cut outs they made in the side of the hull in order to remove the foam and tighten everything down. They used bolts, large stainless steel washers and lock nuts to hold the tracks in place.

We are NOT saying that this is the only or best solution available. It works for us. Easy to change from fishing to cruising. Extra places for guests to step into the boat is a plus. Many guests do not want to step on the side of the boat because of past experiences with gelcoat that scratches easily. The extra steps, in our opinion, helps guests feel they can get in and out easier from a dock.

Hope this helps.