Downrigger install-how thick is the transom top?

[rodman1472]

I am the owner of a 21 foot 2005 Triumph center consol. I want to install a single Scotty Downrigger on the starboard aft corner of the boat. I don't feel that I have to carve out a 6" hole and carve out insulation to install a base plate for one downrigger. I think that I can create a 90 degree stainless steel plate from the outside backrest of the seat assy with stainless steel toggle bolts that will hold just this one downrigger.
What I would like to know is- how thick is the transom top edge? It feels like it is about 1/2 ", which would take care of my 90 degree stainless steel plate. Only those of you who have carved out the back area know!!!!!!

Thanks in advance,
"La Panga"

[Codfish]

Rodman,

If I understand your question, and that is, how thick is the top layer of roplene on the horizontal portion of the gunwale? I have drilled through mine to install downriggers. It is at least 1/2" at midships so I would guess it is that thickness all the way around the boat.

I installed a star board plate and then mounted my swivel base to that. It has held very well for over two years now. I used one bolt in the center of the first layer (the star board plate) to a toggler. I then used four large countersunk flat head screws, one at each corner, to go through the swivel base, through the base plate and then through the gunwale roplene layer. I use Canon Uni trol riggers with extended booms. No problems what so ever with the mount coming loose. There are a couple of photos of the finalized job in my gallery.

codfish

[rodman1472]

Thank you Codfish. I feel more comfortable about the installation. I will check out your pics.

[OspreyVic]

Rodman1472.

You ask a good question. I do not know if the procedure you outlined will work or not.

Before I took possession of our 210 CC, we asked our dealer to install sections of Tite-Lok Model 5901 Track Sections. These were for Vector Technologies rod holders and two Cannon Uni-Troll Downriggers that would be mounted on the Tite-Lok Downrigger Mounts.

Again, my Triumph dealer did this install. They did cut holes and use the deck plates.

I am still not saying that their way is the only way, but for our boat, I sure would ask a lot of questions, especially to dealers.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

i cut out for a couple of vertical rod holders for my cutting board/grinder to sit in. they are about four feet up from the transom midway between the side gunnel rod storage holders. the plug cut out is around 1/2 inches thick.

well for some reason i forgot how to attach the 2 photos i just uploaded in 210 mod section showing the plugs i cut out . maybe someone can put them here so they will give an idea of the thickness of the gunnel
GGC




(Got ya covered GGC! - NCangler)

[Codfish]

Rodman,

I checked my gallery and the photos did not move here from an older Triumph site. I have been looking for them in my old files. When I do find them, I will repost them.

In order to remove enough inner hull foam, to get the toggler to seat correctly, I drilled up from an angle below my gunwale hole with a larger paddle bit. I cut a plug out of the inside wall, behind the coaming bolster so the replacement would be hidden when finished. Kind of hard to describe but I could post photos if you are interested. Let me know.

Sorry, codfish

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

thanks randy-- you are 'da man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GGC

[Codfish]

As for the photos, I have them on the computer but can't get them to transfer. Will have to take new ones.

codfish

[NCangler]

I hope you guys will understand my motivation in that I edited some of the posts in this thread. I would rather not make references to former members and stuff that has no relevance to where we are today with this Triumphowners site. Please feel free to send me Private Message with any thoughts or concerns. I just want to keep the tone here a positive one and our focus on the topics of our Triumph Boats. Thanks.

[190steve.s]

I used stainless toggles to secure my downrigger mount Stainless toggle bolts are rated at 200 plus psi per square inch depending on the system. For downriggers and such if they fail you have a much bigger problem on your hands .....Steve