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I recently purchased a 2017 Montauk 190 and am setting it up for downriggers. My thought is to mount a plate between the two stern rod holders / seat back holders. I would insert stainless pipe into the rod holders, mount the plate on top of them and bend the pipe to achieve a level platform. The downriggers and rod holders could then be mounted to the platform without attaching anything directly to the boat. A friend cautioned me that the rod holders may not be meant to handle the possible stress created by hanging the down rigger ball up on the bottom. He believes the rod holders may not be mounted strongly enough to handle the stress and vibration associated with the use as a downrigger mount. He believes the screws to the stainless mount could eventually be compromised and the gel coat cracked from the stress created by the downriggers.

Does anyone have experience with the strength of the stern rod holders and how much pressure they can withstand?

Any thoughts or suggestions about this technique for mounting downriggers?

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I run downriggers on 2 boats. I fish commercial salmon. Do not screw with rod holder mounting unless its your last resort. They make gimbal mounts for the downriggers to fit in the rod holder but you should also add some plates on the upper portion of the rod holder to spread the stress so you do not damage the gunnels. I pulled up some pictures of the 190 Montauk and you should rail mount the downriggers. I like the Cannons and they have a 2 piece plating system that clamps around the rail. There is also a following out here for the Scotty downrigger. They have a top rail mount system that needs a piece mounted on the outer portion of the mount so when level, the piece stabilizes the bottom of the mount on the top of the gunnel. I also recommend getting electric downriggers. Everyone I know who started with manual ones ultimately switched to electric.

Your friend gave some sage advice.