Downrigger Backing Plates

[Patriot]

Does anyone know of someone or some outfit that makes downrigger backing plates? I used to buy them from a guy name Max from MI. on eBay but I don't see him selling anymore. Probably end up going with Cannon drs

[finsntins]

cannon makes pre-drilled deck plates.i think they are made for between the rigger and gunwhale,but i dont see why you cant use them under the gunwhale,which is what i assume you are looking to do.amazon has them for 28 bucks and free shipping.

[traveling man]

Go to a welding shop. They can make them from scrap pieces they have.

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[Broadhorizons]

If you mount one in the center you probably won't get a flat single plate in there. There is a step inside under the transom. Everywhere else you should be fine and get a flat plate nice and snug.

[Patriot]

Yea Andy, I'm looking to mount a center rigger. The end riggers are Walkers, so all I need to do is drill & tap them. But there's nothing in center. Guess I'll need to check it out first. I can cut and tap aluminum plates, I just thought maybe somebody does this on a regular basis.

Thanks

[lost a lure]

Great Lakes Planers has backer plates for various riggers

[Patriot]

Thanks, I bookmarked their site

[Thun]

I used these steel plates under the gunnel.

 

http://www.grainger.com/product/Plate-Stock-4ZDT4?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/2EXE5_AS01?$smthumb$

[Sk8man]

That stuff won't break apart for sure   The stainless has also been "annealed"  which means that it has been "softened" so that it can be drilled without ruining your drill bit The annealing doesn't adversely affect the strength for this type of application and this is an excellent choice as would be aircraft grade aluminum if you can find/afford it.

Edited November 24, 2014 by Sk8man

[Thun]

My son drilled 16 holes through 4 plates using a 3/8" cobalt drill bit. You can actually harden the steel and make it more difficult to drill through if using a high speed while drilling. Slow is better with lots of oil and a big strong guy to put some arm on the drill. My gunnels are 11" wide so the 6x6 plates fit nicely under them.