Cannon Easi Troll Downriggers

[spanfang]

I'm preparing to install a set of Cannon Easi Troll downriggers on my 2004 210 CLE. The manufacturer recommends the use of well nuts to attach the mounting plates. The recommendation calls for drilling 1/2 inch holes and using the well nuts secure the mounting plates. How much confidence can I have in this recommendation? I've seen the posted downrigger photos on this site but I don't want to cut holes in the boat to attach plates to the underside of the downrigger mounting plates. I'm interested in hearing opinions on the matter.

Cheers

[rivercat]

I use the cannon easi troll but use them in the gimbel mounts with rod holders on the down riggers. They work well and I like the portability of the gimbel mounts

[OspreyVic]

Please look at the pictures posted by "LittleCasino".

I admit to being a novice when it comes to downriggers, but it looks to me like he did it right.

He used the right anchors for the right equipment.

I am having mine done the same way, and "Little Casino" gets all the credit for my setup. Dick and the Merritt Marine crew get the credit for doing the work.

Vic in Osprey FL

[Codfish]

Spanfang, I too did not want to put holes in my new boat. However, it came to be since there was no other way to be absolutely sure the mount was going to be secure. If you mount your riggers near midships, like I did, you already have the port hole needed (gas filler tube access) and the starboard hole you can hide behind the knee bolster. Now I know Canon does not recommend mounting the riggers that far forward but I can't find or see any reason not to. I have used them in that position for many hours now and have had no problems. They are easier to see while driving, easier to reach to attach the line, and it provides much more unobstructed area for fighting and netting the fish. I posted some photos on the old web site. If you did not see them, let me know and I will repeat them.

I assume the nuts you are talking about are the same as the "Toggler" brand I used. If you have not seen those, you should check them out. Great items for use on these boats, and they come in SSteel.

codfish

[spanfang]

Thanks for the recommendations regarding the downriggers. I'm still not sure how I'll approach this. I think my next move will be to consult the local boat works and see what they would recommend. I just can't bear the prospect of cutting open my new boat. I'll keep you posted.

Codfish - well nuts are different than togglers. The well nuts are very thick rubber plugs with an embedded nut and washer at the bottom. The well nuts are inserted into the holes and when tightened, the nut and washer compress the rubber and force it to expand beneath the surface of the top of the gunnel. My concern with the well nuts was that the rubber's material properties would change over time (become brittle).

Cheers

[Dick@merrittmarine]

We have used Togglers with great success, They are expensive, but worth it.


Dick

[LittleCasino]

DONT USE WELLNUTS!!!! We tried them and they will pull out!

[spanfang]

I'm taking Dick's advice and going with the stainless steel togglers. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks to everyone for the input. This is a great resource for advice and shared wisdom.

Cheers

[spanfang]

I finished my Cannon downrigger installation. I took Dick's advice and used S&J Stainless Steel Kap Loc togglers. The installation was a piece of cake and togglers provide a real solid mount. Thanks for the advice.

[NCangler]

Nice installation and beautiful Triumph! Where did you get the hardware and which Cannon mount did you use?