I'm thinking about purchasing a downrigger for my 2000 Gulfstream. I've been looking at the Penn 600 which seems like it can handle the job when fishing offshore. I have 2 questions, first with the Gulfstream having the full transom with bracket will I need to go with the 48" boom or can I get away with 24" boom? Second, I plan to get it with the rod holder mount, do you think I should add a backer plate under the gunnel rod holder? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Downrigger for Gulfstream
- Thread starter Finatic
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:uhm Yes, to both. Be advised, there will be significant transverse torque on the rod holder with anything but the lightest ball ...
Fishtales
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They have some really nice mounts out there. I have a couple of Scotty Strong Arm manual downriggers 30" with a pedistal style mount.
If the rod holder is off the transom, the pressure will be on the mount, so you might get away with a rod holder mount. If off the gunnel, the pressure will be on the pin in the rod holder. I'd say that will weaken and eventually snap, so a better mount is needed.
Might be good to check into the pedistal swivel mounts like these below. They through bolt with 4 bolts (use a backing plate) right thru the gunnel (make sure you have backside access). Use SS hardware, 4200 and nuts with nylon locks.
http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equi ... /index.htm
If the rod holder is off the transom, the pressure will be on the mount, so you might get away with a rod holder mount. If off the gunnel, the pressure will be on the pin in the rod holder. I'd say that will weaken and eventually snap, so a better mount is needed.
Might be good to check into the pedistal swivel mounts like these below. They through bolt with 4 bolts (use a backing plate) right thru the gunnel (make sure you have backside access). Use SS hardware, 4200 and nuts with nylon locks.
http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equi ... /index.htm
I have a Penn 625 downrigger with swivel base on my GW Gulfstream (full transom/bracket) and went with the 48" boom. I don't use the rod holder on the downrigger, as I found it easier to use with the rod holder in the gunnel (with safety lanyard). Absolutely use a backing plate with or without the attached rod holder; I used some plate aluminum that I got from a metal dealer.