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Author Topic:   downrigger on rails

fisher801 posted 02-20-2006 03:45 PM ET (US)
I'd like to get some input on what designs work well to reinforce the rail portion on which a Scotty electric downrigger rests. I already have the Scotty rail adapter mount with accompanying boards built in, but my main concern is how to reinforce the whole downrigger system to the gunwhales of my 1977 Montauk. Over the course of last years salmon season, the rail supports for the rear stanchion tore out of their bases so this is why I am seeking a solution to reinforce the whole system. Thanks to all who respond with their recommendations.
deepwater posted 02-20-2006 04:42 PM ET (US)
if that is the only location you can mount them ,,take the whole rail off and have a new / longer/wider bracket welded on to where the rail screws on to the gunnel's would go at least the length of 2 places where the rail screws down and i would use several more larger /longer screws staggered along its length, from the long flat base you can now place other braces as needed
WT posted 02-20-2006 04:58 PM ET (US)
http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk170/?action=view& current=Kicker1.jpg
http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk170/?action=view& current=Kicker2.jpg
deepwater posted 02-20-2006 05:02 PM ET (US)
there ya go ,,see how the strain is spread across at least 2 rail supports ,, and its removable and no welding ,, looks good , i might just get me a down-rigger
bsmotril posted 02-20-2006 05:59 PM ET (US)
WT,
Where did you get that seat mount base for the front pedestal. Is that a part you can buy from Whaler or elsewhere now, or did you find that off of an older bass boat Whaler hull?
WT posted 02-20-2006 06:46 PM ET (US)
bsmotril:
My Boston Whaler dealer has them custom made. Call Craig at Outboard Motor Shop in Oakland, California.
510-533-9290
Warren
bsmotril posted 02-20-2006 09:49 PM ET (US)
Thank you, will do !!.
fisher801 posted 02-20-2006 11:00 PM ET (US)
WT,
Thanks for the great visual inputs! What kind of material are those boards and where can I get them? They look much like the acrylic material used in chopping boards. Also what fasteners did you use to connect the boards to the rails? i.e. stainless steel U- bolts, SS stanchion supports, etc...
I also might consider getting a bow mounted trolling motor. My whaler is a classic '77 Montauk and it does have areas on the bow where a trolling motor can be mounted. Would I need to remove the front stanchion assembly so nothing could obstruct the folding radius of trolling motor?
BTW, your whaler is absolutely gorgeous. Makes me want to get one, too.
Thanks WT.
andygere posted 02-20-2006 11:22 PM ET (US)
I'm using a set of stock Canon rail mount brackets on my Outrage. They are made of heavy aluminum, and are very sturdy with no additional reinforcement needed. You might consider buying a set of these and re-drilling the tops for the Scotty bolt pattern. I used the same mount on my Montauk before I sold it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Whaler%20details/ downrigger.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Santa%20Cruz%20Salmon/ IMG_0723.jpg
WT posted 02-21-2006 01:40 AM ET (US)
fisher801:
A CW member, Fishinchips, installed my two Scotty downriggers.
He used 2x4's and just some white paint. The U-bolts and other fasteners are stainless steel.
I've seen classic Montauks with bow mounted trolling motors and they did not remove their bow rails. I'm sure you have the clearance.
Good luck,
Warren

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Author	Topic: downrigger on rails
fisher801	posted 02-20-2006 03:45 PM ET (US) I'd like to get some input on what designs work well to reinforce the rail portion on which a Scotty electric downrigger rests. I already have the Scotty rail adapter mount with accompanying boards built in, but my main concern is how to reinforce the whole downrigger system to the gunwhales of my 1977 Montauk. Over the course of last years salmon season, the rail supports for the rear stanchion tore out of their bases so this is why I am seeking a solution to reinforce the whole system. Thanks to all who respond with their recommendations.
deepwater	posted 02-20-2006 04:42 PM ET (US) if that is the only location you can mount them ,,take the whole rail off and have a new / longer/wider bracket welded on to where the rail screws on to the gunnel's would go at least the length of 2 places where the rail screws down and i would use several more larger /longer screws staggered along its length, from the long flat base you can now place other braces as needed
WT	posted 02-20-2006 04:58 PM ET (US) http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk170/?action=view& current=Kicker1.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk170/?action=view& current=Kicker2.jpg
deepwater	posted 02-20-2006 05:02 PM ET (US) there ya go ,,see how the strain is spread across at least 2 rail supports ,, and its removable and no welding ,, looks good , i might just get me a down-rigger
bsmotril	posted 02-20-2006 05:59 PM ET (US) WT, Where did you get that seat mount base for the front pedestal. Is that a part you can buy from Whaler or elsewhere now, or did you find that off of an older bass boat Whaler hull?
WT	posted 02-20-2006 06:46 PM ET (US) bsmotril: My Boston Whaler dealer has them custom made. Call Craig at Outboard Motor Shop in Oakland, California. 510-533-9290 Warren
bsmotril	posted 02-20-2006 09:49 PM ET (US) Thank you, will do !!.
fisher801	posted 02-20-2006 11:00 PM ET (US) WT, Thanks for the great visual inputs! What kind of material are those boards and where can I get them? They look much like the acrylic material used in chopping boards. Also what fasteners did you use to connect the boards to the rails? i.e. stainless steel U- bolts, SS stanchion supports, etc... I also might consider getting a bow mounted trolling motor. My whaler is a classic '77 Montauk and it does have areas on the bow where a trolling motor can be mounted. Would I need to remove the front stanchion assembly so nothing could obstruct the folding radius of trolling motor? BTW, your whaler is absolutely gorgeous. Makes me want to get one, too. Thanks WT.
andygere	posted 02-20-2006 11:22 PM ET (US) I'm using a set of stock Canon rail mount brackets on my Outrage. They are made of heavy aluminum, and are very sturdy with no additional reinforcement needed. You might consider buying a set of these and re-drilling the tops for the Scotty bolt pattern. I used the same mount on my Montauk before I sold it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Whaler%20details/ downrigger.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Santa%20Cruz%20Salmon/ IMG_0723.jpg
WT	posted 02-21-2006 01:40 AM ET (US) fisher801: A CW member, Fishinchips, installed my two Scotty downriggers. He used 2x4's and just some white paint. The U-bolts and other fasteners are stainless steel. I've seen classic Montauks with bow mounted trolling motors and they did not remove their bow rails. I'm sure you have the clearance. Good luck, Warren