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Mounting Trolling Downriggers on Montauks
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| Yamas90 |
Posted on 10/17/11 - 10:00 AM
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What the best way to do this on a 17 Montauk?
Pics would be great! I do have all the rails on this boat.
Thanks, yama90
Edited by Tom W Clark on 10/18/11 - 7:35 AM |
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| Mr T |
Posted on 10/17/11 - 7:15 PM
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I ran a piece of oak, 1"x 7" across the back rails and bolted it down. This made a spot to mount the bases more rod holders and a bait prep area. Works really well.
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| Gamalot |
Posted on 10/18/11 - 5:43 AM
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I will be watching for some ideas also. I have mounted down riggers on just about every boat I have owned and it is always a trick. It appears it could be a challenge with my Montauk and the side rails. I have a pair of Cannon electrics on the shelf but I don't like the idea of a plank across the entire rear and I am toiling over just how I may mount them if at all.
I have considered shortening the side rails to give me some free room for the riggers. When I replaced the T's on the side rails I had to cut them at the T's so moving the rear section forward a foot or so would not be that difficult. I don't believe there is enough strength in the gunwales to make a solid mounting platform without some additional strengthening.
One caution I will state is to always make sure you set the drag on the rigger reel and balls so if they do get hung up on the bottom you don't lose it all. With Lake Trout a good technique is to bounce the balls off the bottom but this has some inherent risks.
When working with down riggers it is very important to have them in a comfortable position with nothing in your way when you are swiveling them or setting the rods and releases. Having a kicker motor will also add to the problem so keep that in mind when you make your plans.
Pictures sure will be great from those who have tackled this issue.
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| Tom W Clark |
Posted on 10/18/11 - 7:36 AM
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Use the Scotty 1027 rail mounts, they are very simple and robust and not very expensive either.
http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-eq...-mount.htm
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| Gamalot |
Posted on 10/18/11 - 8:13 AM
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They look like just the ticket Tom and I sure appreciate the addition of the board to transfer the downward pressure. Going on the side rails with my Cannons and the low pro swivel bases will put them right at a perfect working height for me. Thank you!
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| Mr T |
Posted on 10/18/11 - 8:25 PM
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For reference.
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/a...CN1725.jpg
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/a...CN1726.jpg
Edited by Tom W Clark on 10/19/11 - 7:54 AM |
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| Yamas90 |
Posted on 10/19/11 - 6:56 PM
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Thanks that looks like the ticket. Also removable for family day to,
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| Gamalot |
Posted on 10/19/11 - 7:15 PM
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Thanks Mr T but that is not at all what I would like. The one Tom Clark showed mounts to the rail and to the side of the gunnel with a board and eliminates the need for a board across the entire back of the deck. I have to keep the access to my motor, NO PT&T, and cannot have a board in my way.
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| gusgus |
Posted on 10/19/11 - 7:49 PM
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Having never used a downrigger it is tough to say which works best, but the rail mount is dependant on some questionable strength, it seems to me. Using 250 pound cable, would mean I should be able to hang on the end of the downrigger arm, safely. Even with the mounts securely on the gunnel that is an awful lot of weight to hold. I like (of course) the most expensive mounts, since they mount securely to the gunnel and still have the ability to lock in almost any position. Plus I am with Gamalot, the cross board is an uncomfortable adaptation for me.
1987 Outrage 18 W/150 Merc and 8 Honda |
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| Mr T |
Posted on 10/19/11 - 8:43 PM
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Yeah it might not work for everyone. I find that this actually helps me a great deal in rough water in the salt, and although my motor does not have TnT either I use it for so many things that the idea of not having it is alien to me after three years with it.
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| Gamalot |
Posted on 10/20/11 - 3:13 AM
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Your perception is way off Gus. I don't know of a down rigger made that could handle you hanging off the end of the boom. I will venture a guess with a 10 pound weight and 100 feet down there might be 40-50 pounds of drag on the boom. If the weight does hang up on the bottom and the drag on the rigger reel is cinched tight then all bets are off and the boom, mount or wire will break. In a best case scenario, every down rigger is fastened with 4 1/4" X 20 thread SS bolts so what ever they are anchored to is the best you can get.
I don't know what is behind the gunnel where the side rail stand offs are fastened. If there is wood inside I will feel safe fastening there with the Scotty rail mount that Tom showed and bracing it with a solid board down the side. I will re-state my earlier caution regarding setting the riggers drag system just tight enough to keep it from free spooling.
As an optional safeguard we could also double up on the side rail stand offs to add some extra strength. The full board across the back is a good, strong mounting method but it does add too much clutter for my access needs. Hopefully, I will be figuring this all out this spring as I begin re-installing all my rails, furniture and rigging.
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