Mounting a down-rigger

[carguy]

Fishing on our lake requires a down-rigger. On my current boat, a Boston Whaler, I have the down-rigger bolted to the gunnel but I'm concerned about how/where to mount a down-rigger on my next boat which will be a pontoon. It seems to me that mounting it to the deck would be too low for easy access and I'm afraid that mounting it to the railing would not be secure enough.


Sorry about the double post. I didn't think this one got through. Bill

[Moser]

I would use one of the aluminum rail mounting systems, but I have seen them on a 2x6 running across the stern attached to the railing with ubolts. It can be simple and cheap or fancy and expensive.

Something like this out of a box, or homemade.

http://www.bigpapasportfishing.com/t...olling_bar.htm

[boomer535]

I am new to board so probably did not do pic right. If anyone wants to see it you can email me. I took a 4" x 4" x 8 cedar post and cut it to desired length. I used 3 bolts 3 nuts 6 washers 4 3" screws. I used a drill with extra long bit and drilled 3 holes through the wood and the aluminum rails. One at bottom, one in the middle, one at top. I used the four screws to secure the downrigger plate to the top of post. Post must be cut level. I put two of them in front and it cost me less than $40 and took me 30 minutes to do. It might be a little redneck for some but it works great. I put a chain on it for more security.