Downrigger Mounting on 97 232 Gulfstream

[Mark-C]

I have a pair of Scotty 2106B downriggers with 60" booms on a swivel base. I am considering putting the mounts directly on the gunnel with backing plates. Not super easy since the underside of the gunnel is very uneven. I am thinking of laying in some fiberglass to make the undersurface level so a backing plate would fit in there. Alternatively, I am considering installing a pair of Lee heavy duty flush-mount rod holders (model RH530SS/XS) that have the 1/2" by 1/4 bar welded in place of the standard pin and then using a heavy duty stainless gimbal mount for the downriggers. I will use the downriggers perpindicular to the gunnel so the rod holder and gimbal mount need to be beefed up. Looking for opinions on these two options and would be open to others. thanks!

 

[Fishtales]

I'd go with the swivel bases and a plate with sufficiently long screws to address the unevenness of the backside. Once you lock it down, it isn't going anywhere.

 

[Pfu]

Got a 2000 232 and went with swivel mounts (Cannon). Tight fit (and a few four letter words) but love and trust the setup. Going on four years with zero issues.

Good luck - tight lines!

 

[trapper]

I mounted the Scotty base plate with 1/4 inch aluminium backing plates (matters not if it is uneven) then put bolts through the Scotty base plate trough the transom and backing plate and fastened with bolts. When fastened down there will be no movement and the swivel base can be attached as designed to the base plate. 14 years no issues fishing or pulling prawn traps.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I've got a slightly different boat and setup... but I have two Scotty 2106 downriggers as well and have never really been a fan of the cheap, plastic bases that they come with... so I decided to go with a slightly different approach, using a company called Burnewiin and their downrigger mounts. Not exactly cheap, but they are a fantastic product that look great, is very sturdy and I've not had any issues with them... even when I got my downrigger ball snagged on something a few summers back. I also installed the backing plates on them from underneath the gunwale, of which Grady White said I didn't need to do unless I wanted better peace of mind. I figured for the extra $10-$15 a side, that it was cheap insurance.

 

[OceanSun]

Same on my 2008 Gulfstream - love the Burnewiins. Snap the riggers in and out so easy as well as snap in pacific pro pot puller, SS heavy duty rod holders for deep drop w/electrics, etc. etc.

 

[Mark-C]

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies. The Burnewiins look pretty nice but I already have alot of accessories from other manufacturers. Leaning towards mounting directly on the gunnel once California decides if we get to fish salmon this season.

 

[PukeNreel]

2002 265 express I have my 2106s mounted directly on the gunnel between the rod holders with no bracing. I regularly fish 15 and 20 pound downrigger balls.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I always use a 15 lb downrigger ball and have never had any issues using them. Haven't really ever had the need to use a 20 lb, and if I did, I probably wouldn't be out fishing on a day like that anyway as the wind/weather is likely going to make the fishing rather difficult.

 

[PukeNreel]

on my 2002 265 express I have my 2106s mounted directly on the gunnel between the rod holders with no bracing. I regularly fish 15 and 20 pound downrigger balls They work great!

I always use a 15 lb downrigger ball and have never had any issues using them. Haven't really ever had the need to use a 20 lb, and if I did, I probably wouldn't be out fishing on a day like that anyway as the wind/weather is likely going to make the fishing rather difficult.

I most often use 15s also but, sometimes you need 20s up in the straight of juan de fuca Current can get crazy up there even on a relatively nice day