Help! Downrigger install needed

[Tmonz]

Help! Downrigger install needed

I bought a 1990 Doral Eclipse. Old boat is in great shape. I need help mounting some downriggers onto it. I can't think of anything and would prefer to not do any damage to my boat. The gunnels are only about 3" wide, and I don't think they would support the strain of any downriggers. any help would be much appreciateddown rigger mount.zipdown rigger mount.zip

[TyeeTanic]

Can you take the gunnels out and epoxy them thick? That's what I did. 

You can use a cannon track to put a rigger mounting post on, that will fit the gunnels.

[Tmonz]

Any chance you could send a picture? 

[fisherdude]

by looking at your pics i would remove the step in pad from the gunnel and get a set of tracks and used 1/4 inch aluminum plate . they make a step in pads that fit into the tracks . when not being used for the down riggers 

[Tmonz]

Would you just screw the 1/4" aluminum plate into the fibreglass? It doesn't look to be reinforced when I removed the step in pad.

 

thanks for the help

[fisherdude]

14 minutes ago, Tmonz said:

Would you just screw the 1/4" aluminum plate into the fibreglass? It doesn't look to be reinforced when I removed the step in pad.

 

thanks for the help

no put the track on top of the gunnel and the backing plate under the gunnel the bolts go threw the tracks and the backing pate then use lock nuts 

[Tmonz]

I'll have to see if I can access underneath. Thanks

[Sean Youngblood]

I still have a few lengths of Alum.you could use for backer plate. If your in the area and if it would work for your application.

 

[Tmonz]

Thanks man. I'll message you to find out where you are located

[Tmonz]

Hi everyone thanks for the help. looks like I can access in the gunnel. I'm just wondering about using plywood or metal? The step plate is bout 10 inches long. would 10 inches be enough backing or should I make it longer than that?

Gunnel Photos.zip

[fisherdude]

i refer 1/4 aluminum backing if you use wood use a hardwood and fender washers 

[Tmonz]

I was thinking the wood may be easiest for this. Would 10" of backing be enough?