"Trak" gunnels and downriggers...

[Pzak]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the "trak" style gunnels in newer boats for use with downriggers? I have gone to the dealers and am curious that while they all say a downrigger would be no problem for the accessory mount, no one has any first hand knowledge or even one for me to take a look at in their showroom. I'm very skeptical and thought I would ask the experts.

 

[Bogey]

Are you talking about what is referred to as a "T Rail"??? Like on a War Eagle, or Xpress boat? If so, I installed two DR mounts on my Way Eagle duck hunting/fishing boat with mounts purchased through Traxtech.com and although SPENDY, they've worked out great. I have a Scott 1101 back where I fish, and a Scotty 1050 for my wife. Happy with all of it.

 

[SuperD]

The Bert Traks are very common and work very well. But man, talk about an arm & a leg to buy! Do you really need something that slides? The V-Lock is a great solution as well if you don't need to slide it back and forth.

 

[Pzak]

Bogey, that is exactly what I am referring to. Do you use yours as a more temp mounting and remove when you trailer or are they stout enough to remain in place all the time? Do they "drift" in the track and need to be tightened often? SuperD, I took a look at the V-Lock as well. Have you used one for downriggers? I'm running 1050 Scottys and normally only drop an 8lb ball 30 feet or so.

thanks guys.

 

[SuperD]

Pzak, I have mounted downriggers on almost all kind of boats. I've used the V-Lock on both a friend's ski boat and my own to mount a downrigger but I've also designed other custom mounts. There is a good way and a better way to do it. The gunnel on your particular boat will generate its own installation detail. Buy the boat you like the most and we'll get the downriggers mounted. Don't let this dictate which boat you get.

 

[Pzak]

Solid advice SuperD...thanks

 

[SuperD]

Here is an install I did on a very narrow gunnel that even one of the track systems wouldn't have fit on.

http://www.kokaneefishingforum.com/...er-Fiberglass-boat-DR-mount&p=33205#post33205

 

[Bogey]

Sorry, been out of town a couple of days. Yes, they are plenty stout. I used to take them off while traveling down the road, now I leave them on and I'm talking 4 hour jaunts. There is a "safety" end cap you can order in case your mount does come loose and slide, but I've never had it happen (and yes, I do have the end cap) This is my second year with the DR's on my War Eagle and I've been real happy

 

[Pzak]

Thanks Bogey, good to know they have worked as advertised. I was just a bit nervous when the dealer did not have any on the floor to show me.
SuperD, nice looking mount on a pleasure boat.