2018 Targa V-18

[ERoice]

Just purchased this Targa 5 days ago, I mainly fish The Great Sacandaga, but I plan on taking a few trips out to the O every now and again.

 

I haven't set it up for trolling yet , but I'm thinking of getting the Traxstech tracks, and going that route with downriggers and planer boards.

 

I was wondering if anyone has pictures of how their Targa is set up , so I have something to go by, or at least take some ideas from since this is my first fishing boat I'm setting up.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

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[Sea-IV]

I had a Targa 18 and then moved up to a Starweld 20 but it’s the same setup. Hope this helps

[ERoice]

I had a Targa 18 and then moved up to a Starweld 20 but it’s the same setup. Hope this helps

Did you use the versa track system to mount your other tracks or just bolt them down

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[Sea-IV]

Those are the Traxtech tracks and we bolted them down only because I did get the Versatrack brackets and everything was bouncing around which made me very nervous. It required some work taking the side panels off but I used short sections cause of the rod lockers. Maybe by now they have come up with a more beefy bracket to mount the track to

[ERoice]

Seems like it would be much cheaper to get a backer and bolt them down directly, because to get 12 brackets is close to $500!

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[FishinIsLife]

Through-bolt them for sure!  Will let you run bigger weights with no issues and no chance of damaging your track/boat!

[guffins fisherman]

A buddy of mine tried using the versa-track on his G3 for cannon high speed riggers.  He bought the rigger mounts and used them once, and thought the whole rig was going for a swim.  No amount of tightening the screws into the track helped.  He bought Bert's track and through bolted it.  Way more secure, and absolutely no bouncing around when the 12lb weights move up, down or stop at the top.

[ERoice]

I felt like the middle of my gunnels was pretty weak. I could be mistaken though.

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[Ivan]

Through bolt and use 1/4" aluminum backing plates.  Use lock nuts.  This is your best bet.  If you can't use the backing plates due to space or access, at least bolt through and use fender washers.

[ERoice]

The access is definitely going to be tricky. I might be able to get there through my rod lockers.

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[guffins fisherman]

The access on his G3 was nonexistent.  He was able to find some really big and stout pop-rivets.  They seem to hold just fine as well if you cannot through bolt.  

[Buckmaster7600]

When I was looking for a new boat the targa was on my list but with the rod lockers on top of the gunnels I couldn’t figure out a way to set it up with tracks. In my opinion it’s a terrible design on a big water boat. I’m curious to see how you set it up, keep us posted.


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[Rookie Fisherman]

I have a 2102 Targa 18 that I use to run on Lake Ontario until I upgraded this past season.

The issue with track systems on the Targa is the rod locker access on the top of the gunwale is in the way.

As others have said I would not mount the down riggers on the Versatrack system. Thru-bolt them with a backer plate. 

The Versatrack system is fine for rod holders though. I had a Big Jon triple holder mounted in the Versatrack with no problems.

 

[ERoice]

I have a 2102 Targa 18 that I use to run on Lake Ontario until I upgraded this past season.
The issue with track systems on the Targa is the rod locker access on the top of the gunwale is in the way.
As others have said I would not mount the down riggers on the Versatrack system. Thru-bolt them with a backer plate. 
The Versatrack system is fine for rod holders though. I had a Big Jon triple holder mounted in the Versatrack with no problems.
 

Nice, thank you. I didnt think that I'd be able to get the backer plate in there. Not without killing the back of the rod lockers at least.

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[Rookie Fisherman]

On 9/10/2018 at 10:03 AM, ERoice said:

The access is definitely going to be tricky. I might be able to get there through my rod lockers.

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The side panels just above the back platform are held on with 6 screws. Once removed access is easy.

 

Edited September 19, 2018 by rookie fisherman

[ERoice]

Oh. Nice. That makes it really easy.

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[Rookie Fisherman]

I have some really nice mounts that are designed to work with the versa track if you are interested. Never ended up using them as I bought a new boat just for Ontario. 

Just thought I throw it out to you. If not interested no big deal.

 

 

 

[ERoice]

I just purchased the brocraft brackets. They came in the mail today. I was going to buy those brackets you have, but they were out of stock. Ill have to let you know if I like these ones are not, first I guess.

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[Rookie Fisherman]

Ok no worries. Good luck with your new boat!

[codybuehler]

I just purchased the same exact boat and was trying to figure out the same thing with mounting tracks. I’m going to start a new thread that involves mounting a Merc 9.9 kicker and the downriggers with tracks. The versatrack setup would have been may less invasive and simpler. Small world someone else was trying to solve this also!


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[ERoice]

Ok no worries. Good luck with your new boat!

How many of those brackets do you have ? I might be interested in them.

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[ERoice]

So far the brocraft brackets seem very stable. Had it out in some rollers over the weekend with 10 lb balls and I wasn't worried about them a bit.

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[Rookie Fisherman]

7 hours ago, ERoice said:

How many of those brackets do you have ? I might be interested in them.

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I have 4 of them. PM me if interested

thx

[ri rory]

using brocraft,

I leave  one of the 4 machine screws out between the dr base and the brocraft unit,  then find where you want it and I put a 3'' #8 stainless drill bit screw w/ hexhead thru the

base and the brocraft unit into the aluminum gunnel.  it becomes rock solid.

 

good luck

 

coach

[ddubs3]

I had a 2011 Targa V18.  Through bolt the riggers with a backing plate after taking off the side panels, which is easy.  I bought these rod holders that go in the track system.  They are super sturdy and you can still access the rod lockers.  I dont have the boat anymore but still have 2 of the rod holders if you are interested.