How do you store your downriggers while traveling?

[Mharri333]

In the past I just put the Scotty locks on my downriggers and hoped no one would go through a lot of trouble to steal my downriggers. I later realized that the downrigger can be removed with one screw if someone knew what they were doing. I am now running four downriggers and the last thing I want is to come out of the hotel and find a naked boat (and wallet).

Has anyone come up with a good system or an idea for transporting downriggers? I thought about a foot locker type box that I can roll into a hotel or possibly a truck mount tool box that I can lock them up in. I am leaning towards the latter so I can throw the electronics in as well.

Any good ideas?

Another question you may know... How do you store your plastic canopy sides (windows) so they don't get scratched up?

Thanks in advance!

 

[dragonfly]

I brought this up in another thread. with scottys I used tamper proof bolts and left them on. they are not totally theft proof but the chances of a thief having the right 5 point wrench and a tamper proof socket set is pretty slim, and if it is too difficult they will usually walk away and find something easier. with my cannons I remove them and store them in the camper not because the tamper proof bolts wouldn't work I just don't trust there new plastic mounts. and until I ether make new ones or buy there SS ones that's what I do for now. dfly

 

[SuperD]

if someone wants them, they will take them. chains, locks and security bolts only keep the semi dishonest people honest. Target sells a group of cable locks that are keyed alike. run the cable through the base and through a cleat will at least slow someone down. But pros are pros and they can take it before you know what happened. I am by nature, a trusting fool, so I always tend to go minimum security. I've seen more damage done when people tried to make things theft proof.

 

[mtncat1]

I put mine In in the a locking storage area in my boat behind the helm. but generally out of sight is out of mind for most people with sticky fingers.

 

[Mharri333]

Dfly,

I saw your post when you first put it up. I think that is a good way to secure them for sure. I figured there had to be someone here smarter than me that thought of something better. I picked up a toolbox for the back of the truck that locks but it is a pain to remove everything from the boat every time you put the boat up for the night.

D is correct. If they want it bad enough they will get it. Working or not. My initial though was to get the DR's off the boat and out of site so they didn't feel the need to rifle through everything else.

I just got the tool box mounted. Now I need to figure out a way to get everything in there. I will still have to pack in the trolling motor or lock it in the cab.

Thieves should be shot on sight.

Thanks for the replies. If anyone has something we missed, please share.

 

[Lund troller]

I roll my side curtains up and store them in the leg part of old jeans. Just cut the legs of the jeans at the crotch the side panels fit really well in them.I have had my side panels for about 12 years and have very few scratches on them.I also store my side panels in my truck when I travel to the lake so they will stay warmer and be a little easier to put on.

 

[Mharri333]

Lund, Thats a good idea. I tried folding them and putting them in a tote but I didn't like that a bit. The rolling idea sounds good.

By the way, I just took 4 down riggers off and stuffed (gently with foam inserts) them into the tool box in the truck. They fit but that is a pain in the butt. I may have to rethink that idea and go with the special bolts. That would save a lot of prep time in the morning.

 

[DLM]

If you find the security type bolts to replace the 5.5 inch hinge pin please share it with us, I have been looking for several months and cannot find them. I was able to find the shorter security bolts for the base at Grainger's. Also, Scotty says they are coming out with a new type of lock this summer that is used with a padlock.

 

[Mharri333]

DLM,

I will let you know. There has to be something available.

 

[Mharri333]

DLM,

Have you looked at the Scotty 3130 downrigger lock? I think that is what you are looking for (more or less). Kinda bulky but does lock it down. You still need the base locks but if you search google for the 3130 a combo pack will come up too.

I might order tomorrow. I think I will also check out DFLY's suggested screws. That will really throw the crack heads off.

DLM,

I will let you know. There has to be something available.

 

[DLM]

DLM,

Have you looked at the Scotty 3130 downrigger lock? I think that is what you are looking for (more or less). Kinda bulky but does lock it down. You still need the base locks but if you search google for the 3130 a combo pack will come up too.

I might order tomorrow. I think I will also check out DFLY's suggested screws. That will really throw the crack heads off.

I have the bases secured with security bolts, the only problem area now is the hinge bolt. I have used the 3130 in the past and may do so again but I want to wait and see what the new padlock style looks like.

 

[Bogey]

Looks like the new SS 3133 would take care of the hinge bolt?

 

[Mharri333]

What's the difference between the 3130 and the 3133?

 

[Mharri333]

What's the difference between the 3130 and the 3133?

Found the answer.

The Scotty 3133 Locking Kit is a combination of the 3130 downrigger lock and 3131 swivel mount lock for a more complete protection at a packaged price.

 

[CARiD]

I must agree the 3130 is definitely a good option to hold it. You can also get on this link Scotty | Downriggers, Fishing & Boating Products — CARiD.com