Downrigger mounting

[jamesnashed]

I just recieved a new Cannon Downrigger for my 2005 21CC. What and how is the best way to mount it?

Jim Nashed

[OspreyVic]

Jim, may I suggest you check the “Articles” tab, you will see an Excellent Article by “Little Casino”. I also have downriggers, so you can check our Article on modifications to our 210 CC.

If that is not enough, please click on the “Search” tab and look for other postings on downriggers.

The main concern in my opinion is that they are anchored correctly. Glad to answer any questions you come up with after reading all that is on this site.

[NCangler]

There is an article on the site on how one member set his up:
My Downrigger Setup on My 210

You could also do a search on the home page in the "SuperSearch" box on the left hand column for "downrigger". That should bring up any posts related to the topic.

Personally I've had the gimball mounts to slip in the rod holders and now I have the Tite-Lok mounts and I really like those.

[NCangler]

Boy you're quick Vic!

[jamesnashed]

Thanks. It seems like the Toggle screws are the easiest. It does scare me to put a hole in the boat. Is the side better than the transom. If I do the side I think I would still have it toward the rear as much as possible?

Jim

[aronlevin]

If you do not want to drill into the boat look at a gimble mount made by scotty. It fits into your rod holder and you are able to mount right to the top. I will try and post a picture. I run two scotty downrigger one off each side using gimble mounts. Works slick!

[NCangler]

There are gimbal mounts made by Cannon as well. I just sold a set when I bought my Tite-loks. I would defintely recommend the sides of the boat rather than the transom. I mounted mine similar to Little Casino's rear mounts.

[OspreyVic]

There was another posting on here somewhere about the location of the downrigger. They gave very good reasons why the downriggers might be mounted further away from the stern for ease of replacing baits, etc. I do intend to move mine further away from the stern the next time I use my downriggers, but the reasons for having the downriggers closer to the center console made sense. Just glad I have Tite-Lock mounts along both sides of the boat so I can move the downriggers very easily.

[Codfish]

Jim,

I, for one, have my downriggers mounted just aft of the fuel cap. (Midship) I have used DR's for years in the ocean. That location allows me to see my rod all the time while driving the boat. I can find no adverse reasons for not moving them that far forward. Manufacturers always recommend stern corner mounts. I have used that but found it inconvenient when it came time to lean over the side to reattach a line to the clip.

I use the extended boom sometimes and like being able to swing the boom in to the side of the boat for rebaiting, rather than having to pull the weight and line in with a retriever. I have swivel bases of course.

I would encourage you to think about all the actions you will make while using the DR's before you mount. The gimbal mounts would be a painless way to experiment before you drill those holes that are hard to hide. When I did my mount, I drilled a hole in the side, underneath the coaming pad to facilitate the toggler install. Worked great. If you would like more details on that mounting method, let me know. I can provide photos if you like.

Codfish