I need a clamp-on downrigger mount for a utility boat

[Todd in NY]

I am putting a manual Penn rigger on my 16ft utility boat this spring and I was wondering if anyone has personal experience with the clamp-on mounts for downriggers. I will be using a 10lb rigger weight with the Penn, and a swivel base.

 

I know that Scotty and Cannon both make a mount, and they seem like they are pretty equal in quality (judging by pics on the internet). The boat has a tiller steer motor, so I can't mount a board across the boat. I also can't mount a rigger in the oar holes because they are positioned too close to the back bench seat. Using a clamp-on mount will give me some flexibility. The Scotty has 2 knobs for tightening the mount to the boat and the Cannon has one knob. That makes me think the Scotty will be more sturdy.

 

Any opinions or ideas?

[Buckmaster7600]

I used the cannons and was never comfortable with them so I used a 2x6 mounted on 4x4 from the back to middle seats on both sides was an awesome setup and is still being used by my buddy that now has the boat.

[Todd in NY]

Thanks!

[Buckmaster7600]

here is how I did it worked great. After those rivieras I ran cannons with 3 foot booms and a Rod tree and they were rock solid.

[Todd in NY]

Thanks for the pic. How are your 4x4's attached to the seats, or are they?

[Buckmaster7600]

This was the only pic I had and it was "during construction." I used galvanized 4x4 brackets for attaching a post to a floor they have flanges that go up the 4x4 and another that lays flat along the seat. I then used a 2x6 to run under the whole length of both seats and bolted the brackets to them.

[Todd in NY]

Thanks for the info. Its pretty similar to how I was planning to use a clamp-on mount, by using wood between the mount and the boat, in hopes of providing more support by spreading out the load bearing surface across the aluminum hull.

 

Still looking at other options, but I like your idea.

[Sk8man]

If you have a pic of the inside of your particular boat looking toward the transom it could be helpful in making suggestions. Also will the holes line up using either the Scotty or Cannon clamp  since they aren't specifically made for the Penn?

Edited February 19, 2016 by Sk8man

[Todd in NY]

I might have to use an aluminum plate between the rigger mount and the rigger base. The Scotty appears to have a more adjustable rectangular bolt pattern because of the slots in the clamp-on mount.

 

Here are a few pictures that show how the rear of the boat is laid out

 

 

Edited February 19, 2016 by Todd in NY

[Sk8man]

What about replacing the seat braces in the last bench seat with a sturdy aluminum or stainless "L" shaped (wide at the top to fit the downrigger mounting plate) angle bracket on each side and then just bolting or clamping the downrigger to it as well as bolting to the side of the boat?

Edited February 19, 2016 by Sk8man

[Todd in NY]

What about replacing the seat braces in the last bench seat with a sturdy aluminum or stainless "L" shaped (wide at the top to fit the downrigger mounting plate) angle bracket on each side and then just bolting the downrigger to it as well as bolting to the side of the boat?

That would work, too. We have a good metal fabrication place locally that could cut and bend the L bracket to my specs.

[TileMan Dan]

Either one will work if you mount a block on outside of boat below the rail so that it is flush with the outside edge of rail. Blocking is needed so it cant twist down and loosen up on you. Don't have any advice for you about the bolt patterns.

[Buckmaster7600]

I think I have a cannon clamp mount. Don't know what it's worth or what shipping would be but I would be willing to make a deal if you are interested.

[Todd in NY]

I think I have a cannon clamp mount. Don't know what it's worth or what shipping would be but I would be willing to make a deal if you are interested.

Where are you located? I'm about 80 miles north of Syracuse.

[Buckmaster7600]

Saratoga

[Todd in NY]

Saratoga

I make it out to Saratoga a few times a year for work. I don't know when I'll be back there. Give me a price and maybe we can strike a deal.

[Buckmaster7600]

20$ and its yours

[Buckmaster7600]

I'll try and find it and get a pic for you tonight

[Todd in NY]

I'll try and find it and get a pic for you tonight

Ok, thanks!

[ifishy]

I used some angle iron to create brackets that i bolted to the inside flush with the top of the rail.  I than bolted a 2x6 on top of that and did a counter sink on the bolts.  it made for a nice flat gunnel that is solid as a rock.  we have been able to lift the boat up with boards to reposition on the trailer.  in the side pic you can see the bolts coming through the rail (it had an overhang on the outside).  there are more bolts on the inside through the brackets.  put a coat of varnish or waterproofer on the boards and they will last.  I have a board across the back for the riggers but without that I could have mounted them the side just as easy. I had a blast customizing my little boat over the years. 

[Todd in NY]

Thanks again for the ideas. I have 2 of the Penn manual riggers for my boat but I want to rig one and use it before I rig the 2nd one, just in case I don't like the first method.

Ifishy, your boat is modified way beyond what Starcraft ever envisioned. She looks like a serious multi-species rig!

[Buckmaster7600]

I didn't have time to dig it out last night but I found a pic of it. Let me know if it's what your looking for.

[Todd in NY]

ImageUploadedByLake Ontario United1455976092.146980.jpg

I didn't have time to dig it out last night but I found a pic of it. Let me know if it's what your looking for.

That looks like the one I was considering. I'll take it off your hands for $20. If I don't have a business trip out your way in the next month or 2 I will pay for shipping.

[Buckmaster7600]

Alright it might be a few days but when I got a second I'll take it apart and find out what shipping will be and I'll let you know.

[Todd in NY]

Ok, no rush. My boat is snowed in for the next month or 2.