SEEKING ADVICE (DOWNRIGGER MOUNTING QUESTION)

[FISHCRAZY(LALLY)]

I recently acquired a new boat project!!! It was a deal I couldn't refuse and I really needed a bigger boat for Ontario for sure. I have taken too many waves over the bow and stern and this has limited me from taking many people outside of my inner circle that just happen to be as crazy as me!!! LOL .

That being said, I now have a 21ft Bayliner to set up.





I have 4 new Scotty's on there way and I would like some suggestions from those who have recently mounted riggers to their boats.

Should I direct mount?
Should I use a track System?
If so which track systems do you feel are the best?

Pic's would be nice if you are so inclined

Thanks in advance.......

[Captain Paul]

Lally I think its all prefrence but if you like trac systems check out traxs tech I have some of there stuff and it is built to last good luck with the new ride

[Dipsey]

Hello Lally,
Nice looking ride. I personally like the flexibility that tracks give you. Lots of good systems out there but I went with Traxtech tracks and Berts rod holders/downrigger mounts. Both companies make nice trees also.Looks like a nice ride to put a trolling bar across the stern and some tracks on the side. Decisions decisions! Good luck and enjoy!

[Reel Delight (Walt)]

If you budget allows... go with a track system for sure. A track allows you to move your DRs and rod holders to where you want thme.

If you decide not to use some kind of track, then I would use the scotty swivel base mounted on top of the gunwale if they fit properly, if your gunwale isn't wide enough for mounting, then use the Scotty right angle mount and then the swivel base mounts to the right angle brackets.

I have the right angle brackets because mounting the Scotty swivel bases would require me to drill through the top of the gunwale too close to the webbing or edge and I was afraid of cracking my gel coat or fiberglass. I do wish I used the Traxstech system now. The traxstech would have eliminated the drilling problem of the wider mounting footprint of the Scotty swivel base and now I would have more flexibility. At the time I was thinking of saving some money and I regret it now.

[Thorny]

Hi Rick
Nice looking rig. Now the fun begins. I am really liking the track systems. Versatility and ease of use, being able to add rod holders and accessories and tune the set up at will is really nice. I think Trax has a significant edge in quality over Berts.I think the Trax tracks are a little better quality than Berts and the risers from Berts are weak. The Berts stainless rod holders are awesome. I have worked with both products quite a bit. if you have any questions feel free to give me a PM. Have fun with it, looks like a great boat for ya.
Thorny

[FISHCRAZY(LALLY)]

Thanks guys. I went out to measure the gunwale and noticed I have a serious issue!!! As you can see in the first side pic the gunwale is flat at the back, but then angles up after that/???? That's stupid!! Hahahaha!!! Oh well. I could fit a 24" piece on the flat, but that would butt up against the chrome trim for the tie off at the back and then it would run right to the angle so I'm afraid I might have trouble loading the rigger base mounts???? I think I will wait until the riggers get here and then decide. I'm feeling like this is going to delay things, but I want to do this just once

Thanks for saving me the trouble of comparing Trax systems. I will definitely use Traxtech if I do use them.

I have to replace all the trailer rollers and probably put plastic fenders on as well. Ordered a hard top rocket launcher already and planer board reels and pulleys. I'm so glad this cold nasty weather is back. Now I don't feel like I'm missing as much!!!! LOL!!!

Thanks again.

Thorny, can you post a few pics of how you set yours up???

[vtperchman]

nice boat good luck with it

[Gecha (Gerry)]

Nice rig Lally.
Its always a fun project to customize a new acquisition.
Take pics and post them as you progress through the transformation of your new boat.

[raz]

Sweet...I'm sure you'll set her up sweet.

[Petesdraggon]

Hi Rick, She's a beauty, Here is a picture of my set up. I had my downrigger rails custom built buy Jesburg welding in Alburgh. They are a great for mounting riggers and a nice catch rail for rough water. Stan Jesburg # 324-6954 Have fun setting her up!

Pete

[MADSIERRA]

The trax system Rocks! I have a 27' Baha Crusier & I have 4 ftrs up the sides and a 8 ftr across the back. I put them on 6'' risers and then mounted my riggers and rodholders in the trax system. mounted 18'' traxs on the sides up the sides about even with the wheel and that is where i mounted my planermast on each side, and i am in the process of mounting outriggers on that same spot. the way you can remove or add to the system is what makes them great! they make tons of different products...so I will bet you can make them fit even with the way they curve up. good luck! fish 307 has alot of it in stock.

[Reel Delight (Walt)]

One possible idea is you can use Traxs track and start at the higher area of the gunwale and then use appropiate spacers between the track and gunwale to mount it level and securely.

As already mentioned Fish307 has a decent supply of Traxstech on their shelves. Also you may be in a hurry, but Fish307 will be holding their spring open house on May 5th this year and they should have some different manufactures there. You can give them a call or check their website for more info. I do know that the Lake George Fishing Alliance will be conducting a downrigger workshop or seminar there during the afternoon.

[FISHCRAZY(LALLY)]

Thanks for the info and pic's Pete......

[FISHCRAZY(LALLY)]

Thanks Walt and others also I looked at her some more and think the Trax will work fine. I'm not gonna remove the riggers often so if I have to I can just remove the chrome cover from the tie off port once a year to get them off!!! The Gunwales are teak wood and I believe the trax will also add some strength so I'm leading in that direction

Oh BOY this is So much FUN!!!!

I'm so easily distracted I hope I get this finished before the Browns stop biting!!!! UHG!!!

[fishhuntadventure]

Rick- as you know I have a miniature boat LOL and nothing like the class of boat you have there. Congrats!

As far as mounts: I personally hate clutter on the gunwales and if you want an *opinion* I would mount them with short risers in the place where you will likely use them constantly even if you /have/ a track system.

I was recently gifted a 7" riser/swivel for my BigJons and I like it so much I can't stand it LOL. The one trip out that I used the riser was as much as an improvement (to me) as going from cranks to electric! I need a second one! The rigger is (oddly) even less in the way on the riser than it was before, and the gunwale is smooth and comfortable to lean/sit/kneel on. But that's my opinion. A friend has some short risers under his captain's packs on his 19' and I like using those too. I like going over the gunwales without stuff to slip on or whatever.

Put the money saved into some of those sweet up-ratcheting rod holders!