Mounting a down rigger

[Kokanee Vandal]

Trying to figure out how to mount down riggers on my new boat. It is a 17' starcraft and has rails that I could screw into, but no way to access the underside to use proper bolts. I am sure many have done this, but I would like to know the best way for a secure mounting. Thanks.

 

[Bduck]

Posting a pic or 2 of your project usually lands some good ideas. 101ok101

 

[SuperD]

We'd love to see a couple pictures of your gunnels and transom area to give you a fuller list of options.

 

[AFDan52]

Kokanee Vandal , hi Bud welcome to the forums. Hey I have a 1997 Starcraft Superfisherman 170 , and I have DR's on my boat. I agree with BDuck , pictures of your boat and the area of concern would be very helpful. My boat has some wide Gunnels that I mounted the baseplates to .

 

[Kokanee Vandal]

Dan,

I have a starcraft as well. A 1992 17', I think the same boat with wide gunnels also. I just can't get to the underside of the gunnels to use bolts so I was looking for ideas. I will get some pictures posted, thanks.

 

[Kokanee Vandal]

Here is a photo of one side. I need to mount the plate behind the snaps for my top. I also have a rod holder in the way that is riveted to the gunnel wall. Same on the other side.


View attachment 7845

 

[Kokanee Vandal]

Here is the transom area as well.View attachment 7846

 

[mrmike]

All I can add First I want no perminnent DR mounts on my gunnels I want my gunnels clear for my net when after other species I sometime target and aren't using my DR. I went and had a female bracket made and just mounted it to the side of my gunnels.I then made a male bracket and attached that to my DR. I just pull them extremely simple to put on and take off . I run 4 Cannons DR. Placement for the love of me, I can't understand why everyone runs there DR on there sterns of there boats.I have to laugh they have 10 ft of gunnels space behind them they stepping on there motors over there coolers (used as bait boxes) trying to net a fish. They have 30 ft handles and all they had to do was mount there DR 3 to 4 ft toward the center of there boats don't mind me I'm old.Tight Line.

 

[SuperD]

Can anyone else see his attachments?

 

[Kokanee Vandal]

I can! Just read the photo posting link so I will try again. Not too savvy with this yet.

 

[AFDan52]

Nope me either

 

[Bduck]

Not seeing the attachments either

 

[mtncat1]

I installed rod holders and used a gimble bracket to mount my downriggers. I makes it very easy to remove them when not in use

 

[DRM]

I was not crazy about having permanent DR's on my boat either.
I found the "expandable nuts" and used them.
You drill a hole in area that you are mounting the DR's, install the "expandable nut" and squeeze the tool. The nut will expand against the metal and leave you a nut that is flush. If I remember you will need about 1/2 inch of space under the surface for the nut.
place the DR mount over the threaded nut and bolt it down. when not in use, remove the bolt and DR mount. all you are left with is flush mounted nut.

 

[Kokanee Vandal]

That's a great idea. Where did you find them? Thanks.

 

[DRM]

sorry have not checked for awhile. Here is one source for the items. if I remember right NAPA or some of them places may have them.

http://www.jhpfasteners.com/blind-r...blind-rivet-knurled-body-c-43_44_63-l-en.html

sorry so late

 

[Kokanee Vandal]

Found the tool and rivnuts at Harbor freight for $15. Worked great, thanks for the tip. I still may need to reinforce the gunnel as there is quite a bit of flex. But tried the setup yesterday on the lake and it worked well. Thanks again, this method will half to mount some other hardware too.

 

[DRM]

Glad it worked and that I could help. Good to know that they are at Harbor Freight.
happy fishing

 

[mtncat1]

just remember when buying at harbor freight you get exactly what you pay for