Gunnel Modification

[Dream Weaver]

Hey guys,

I am working on a project (in my head) which is always the first step... and wondering if anyone might have some advice to lead me in the right direction. I am thinking about adding downriggers to my 180 sportsman and considering the best mounting option. In a perfect world, I would like to through-bolt the bases to the gunnel with a study backing plate; however, the underside of my gunnel is not wide enough to accommodate this plan. I am trying to think of a way to modify the gunnel but also don't want open up a huge can of worms. If anyone with a 180 has mounted downriggers, what was your solution? Or if anyone else has a suggestion I would love to hear your ideas!

Thanks!

 

[Recoil Rob]

I have a 180, and I assume you want to mount them midship? Because I believe there's plenty of room to mount them at the stern corners if you remove the rod holders. Pretty thick back there also.

How big are the bases?

 

[JJF]

Make your life easier....(lol)

 

[Mustang65fbk]

You could go with something like what JJF mentioned, or there’s a company called Burnewiin that makes downrigger mounts that are quite nice. I ended up buying them for my boat, and while not cheap, they look great and function quite well. They look similar to the stock rod holders but much more aggressive, they’re easy to install, increase the value of the boat and if you go with Scotty downriggers, you won’t be smacking your knees or shins on the cheap plastic downrigger bases when trying to get in and out of the boat.

 

[Fishtales]

The only concern I have with the drop in mounts is the GW rod holder. Look inside and see how they are built. Not the best design/quality if you ask me. It you get caught up and there is excessive force applied, the locking pin can snap off. I would go with the Scotty flush mount if at all possible. If you don't have space, then maybe look to see if you can use (2) backing metal straps and have each strap tie (2) holes together from the underside versus (4). This assumes you can get all (4) bolts in there. If not, the option above (spline cylinder) looks like the ticket.

 

[Dream Weaver]

Thank you for the suggestions! Sometime this week when I have time, I will drive out the yard where I have my boat parked and take a closer look at a few things.

The Scotty mounting plate is 5.5 x 5.5 inches.

I have considered the gimbal mounts, but as fishtales mentioned, I don’t know how sturdy this option is with the Grady rod holders.

That Burnewiin mount is awesome! If I have the space to accommodate it, this might be the way to go.

I am considering mounting between the two flush mount rod holders, the issue is there is only about 3 inches of room underneath to get any sort of backing. I will take a closer look at some point this week and take a few pictures.

Thanks again for everyone’s input! I really appreciate it.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Thank you for the suggestions! Sometime this week when I have time, I will drive out the yard where I have my boat parked and take a closer look at a few things.

The Scotty mounting plate is 5.5 x 5.5 inches.

I have considered the gimbal mounts, but as fishtales mentioned, I don’t know how sturdy this option is with the Grady rod holders.

That Burnewiin mount is awesome! If I have the space to accommodate it, this might be the way to go.

I am considering mounting between the two flush mount rod holders, the issue is there is only about 3 inches of room underneath to get any sort of backing. I will take a closer look at some point this week and take a few pictures.

Thanks again for everyone’s input! I really appreciate it.

Burnewiin does have the backing plates as well... of which I did call up Grady White when I installed mine and told them what I was going to do, asking them if I needed the backing plates, of which they said "no, unless it gives you better peace of mind". In regards to the Scotty plates, I think they're great and are very functional/strong, but I don't think they look very good at all. And, as mentioned above, I climb in and out of my boat from a dinghy or a kayak and don't want to be smacking my knees and shins on them every time I climb in or out. I also have older parents and other family members who appreciate them not sticking up several inches either and trying to climb over/around them. The Burnewiin design is great and love the single release lever as opposed to the 4 Scotty plastic knobs with the bolts attached to them just to make it flush every time.

 

[DennisG01]

Dream... I've never used a downrigger (so correct me if I'm wrong), but I thought there wasn't much load on a downrigger? I thought that once that big fish took bite that the hook snaps off the downrigger part, thereby alleviating the larger stress on the downrigger mounting?

If that's true, then you certainly don't need a backer plate.

IF you do, you could always fab a primary mounting plate that thru-bolts in four spots and then mount the DR's mount to this fab'd plate.

 

[JJF]

^^^ I suspect the load comes into play if the downrigger's cable gets caught up on something deep below the surface rather than if the fishing line gets caught up.

Am I correct? ....we shall see...

 

[Mustang65fbk]

^^^ I suspect the load comes into play if the downrigger's cable gets caught up on something deep below the surface rather than if the fishing line gets caught up.

Am I correct? ....we shall see...

I got hung up on something in the 2023 season when I was out fishing. I was trolling for salmon with a water depth of around 80'-90' but only had my downrigger ball down around 45' when I snagged on something. No damage was done to the downrigger or the gunwale itself. I thought I had a bite on because the rod was bouncing all around, then realized the downrigger was slowly spooling out the line on it. I reeled up the rod, put the boat in reverse to try and get as much line back on my downrigger as possible and tried for several minutes to get unstuck. No dice with that, so I just cut the line on the downrigger, losing my downrigger ball in the process. But, didn't have any issues with the downrigger itself or the gunwale when getting snagged on something. Which is interesting because there aren't any wrecks or obstructions in that area, and I haven't gotten snagged since then. So I'm not sure what it was that I got snagged on, but the Burnewiin mounts and especially those with the backing plates added to them, are plenty strong.

 

[glacierbaze]

Don’t know about other brands, but with Penn, the handle is for up only. You drop the ball by loosening the drag knob on the center of the reel, tighten it as you approach depth. You want it tight enough to hold the ball at the correct depth, but not so tight that you can’t easily turn it with one hand on the reel. That keeps the shock off of the downrigger mount, unless the downrigger gets spooled. Just like the drag on your fishing reel.
And yes, big fish, especially sharks, do attack downrigger balls.

 

[Fishtales]

Burnewiin does have the backing plates as well... of which I did call up Grady White when I installed mine and told them what I was going to do, asking them if I needed the backing plates, of which they said "no, unless it gives you better peace of mind". In regards to the Scotty plates, I think they're great and are very functional/strong, but I don't think they look very good at all. And, as mentioned above, I climb in and out of my boat from a dinghy or a kayak and don't want to be smacking my knees and shins on them every time I climb in or out. I also have older parents and other family members who appreciate them not sticking up several inches either and trying to climb over/around them. The Burnewiin design is great and love the single release lever as opposed to the 4 Scotty plastic knobs with the bolts attached to them just to make it flush every time.

Valid point on the mounts. Those Burnewiins look to be a good fit - if they fit!

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Valid point on the mounts. Those Burnewiins look to be a good fit - if they fit!

I believe they're only 4.25"x4.25", of which I can't imagine the OP's boat wouldn't have gunwales with a "depth" of less than 4.25". Though, I could obviously be mistaken.

GM650 Gunwale Mount

The Burnewiin GM650 provides the ultimate in boating versatility and readily accepts any of our many accessories like rod holders, BBQ monts, flag holders, fender cleats, downrigers, knives, tables and many more. Find out how here!

burnewiin.com

 

[vocz]

You don’t need a backing plate for Scotty downrigger, I use 2 extra large washers on each bolt for 20 years a nothing ever come off. When you get snagg the cable will bust before the gunnel. I would add the backplate if you use the Scotty mount with a pot puller for weight distribution.

 

[PukeNreel]

Not the same model but no backing plates for me either, I often fish 15 and 20 pound balls with 2106 high speed scottys. I have definitely hooked up on the bottom, especially fishing blackmouth and i have never had a problem. Even hooked up a 30 pound spot shrimp pots using a pot puller at 280 feet and no problem!