Downrigger Advice Needed

El Shaddai · 01-28-2003, 01:20 PM

I recently purchased 2 Scotty electric downriggers. I have not used downriggers before and will not utilize them 100% of the time. Therefore, I want to be able to easily remove them but still have them stable and functional while in the boat.

It appears I have 2 mounting options. I can do a flush mount or a gimbal mount in my flush rod holders. I am looking at numbers 1026 or 1028. I have provided the link for both styles. I do have the "swivel" (1026) as it came with the downrigger, but I have heard that can be cumbersome to remove????

Here's the link:
www.scotty.com/downrigger_mounts.htm

Any and all input is appreciated...thanks!

CDSeattle · 01-28-2003, 02:28 PM

I have electric Cannon dr's that are mounted on a swivel base similar to your 1026 option. I typically take them off and store them in the garage after each trip. It only takes a couple minutes to unplug and detach the dr from the mount, so it's no big deal.

Here's my $0.02:
Do you need the rod holders? I need mine when we stack 2 rods on a dr, so I wouldn't want to fill up my rod holders with dr's.

Are you uncomfortable drilling holes in your boat? For me, drilling holes is a last resort.

Will the mounts be in the way when the dr's are removed?

I looks like your swivel mounts will attach to the gimbel mount, so you'll be able to rotate the dr's. regardless of how you attach them to the boat.

Miss B Haven · 01-28-2003, 02:56 PM

I have the Scotty's with the rod holder/gimbel mounts. They work fine and don't clutter the gunnels when I'm not using the riggers. I do however take the rigger off the mount for storage. It takes a few minutes to unscrew the mount but oh well. The depth of the rod holder mount makes it cumbersome to store if left on the rigger (they are big any way).
The set up was on the boat when I got it and does not have swivel mounts. I found they are not needed since the Scotties pivot up (Vertically) at the base (so you can reach the end of the boom). They are set at 90 deg to the gunnel and I have not had any reason to want them at any other angle (they would just be closer to the boat.
Running stackers would pose a problem with the loss of one rod holder depending on your boat layout and available rod holders. I've got plenty so it's not a problem.

corrirod · 01-28-2003, 05:21 PM

I've got the same setup as you El Shaddai and it's really easy to take the riggers off of the swivel. If you absolutely need to take the swivel off to then it does take a few minutes extra. I mounted my swivels right to the gunnels and I leave them in place when I'm not using the riggers.

I do tend to use the built in rod holders, as well as my mounted Scotty holders, for extra poles.

fishwhenican · 01-28-2003, 06:40 PM

I've got a set of Scotty down riggers with swivels. When I remove them I take off the the whole swivel leaving it attached to the downrigger. That way there is only the small flat plate left on the boat, nothing to hang gear up on. 4 large mounting knobs, I've even installed them while under way, and haven't lost 1 (yet). Point the boom straight back and they balance that way very well (at least with the manual ones)

Re:Play · 01-28-2003, 08:36 PM

ES--I have the swivel (1026 I think) and it works well. I take them off when I use the mooring cover, but have not found it an inconvenience. I like the swivel as you can put the downrigger parallel with the side of the boat and get it out of the way. I use the rod holder on the down rigger and one of the boat cause I stack them sometimes.

Troller · 01-29-2003, 05:42 AM

I will second fishwhenican. I have mine mounted the same way. Four thumb screws and swivel and rigger are off and stored in a safe place. All that is left is a 5 x 5 or so square pad.

Hawg Hunter · 01-29-2003, 06:03 AM

ES,
I also use the scotty electrics. The mounting system you should check out is located at "Pursuitsports.com." They are not cheap, but they are the best system I have ever seen. They are also in Cabelas but if you look them up they will send you a catalog.

El Shaddai · 01-29-2003, 10:01 AM

Thanks for the input.........

blubeast · 01-31-2003, 01:12 PM

ES - Last year at the Sportsman Show there were some clinics on downrigger use by the Scotty rep. What he didn't cover in the clinic he was happy to answer questions afterwards.

El Shaddai · 01-31-2003, 01:17 PM

Thanks Blubeast...I had not that of that!!!