Finally got the downrigger mounts installed. More work than I planned, but I think they look good. I had to call Bert’s Custom Tackle and have them custom made to 12″ as they only had up to 8″. Good company and very easy to deal with.
I think they look great 
Looks like a run the BIG POND TO THE EAST where the Salmon roam eh? Good luck..
Nice boss, now im gunna have to out do ya and get a 4′ track on the gunwale just to compete. Have you thought about putting the track endcap on the other end (rear) to prevent rigger from accidently falling out if set screws losten? I know that it would happen to me… -Mark
Hey Ruger – NICE!
When / where are you planning on using those riggers?
We hit L Michigan near Milwaukee a number of times per year, its just a riot. We usually try to catch the most (lbs) of fish in a weekend while doing it on the absolute bare minimum of sleep.. throw in a few rounds of golf, a few brews and cooking out back at the house – just a blast.
If you ever head over that way for some salmon slammin, let me know. You never know, I might be headed that way also – would be fun to put the smack down on some big kings! 
I usually know a few guys that generally have weekly reports/updates/info, so I’d be happy to share info with you.
If you never have fished the Milwaukee area, also let me know… Might be worth a trip or two over there to investigate..
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Have you thought about putting the track endcap on the other end (rear) to prevent rigger from accidently falling out if set screws losten? I know that it would happen to me… -Mark
Excellent point… 12 lb (+?) cannonballs extended in wavy conditions put some serious TORQUE on your mounts. If there was ever any doubt, always err on the side of caution. I have seen some guys use extra tie-downs as well, but that tends to add clutter.
Yeah, I have concerns about the torque on the mounts. I’m going to keep a close eye on them the first time out. Maybe a practice run locally. There isn’t a ton of room for backing plates, but I may need them. It was a pain getting just the nuts and washers in there. We’ll see.
I’ll be on Lake Michigan out of Milwaukee the weekend of May 20th. Looking forward to finding some Coho.
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Nice boss, now im gunna have to out do ya and get a 4′ track on the gunwale just to compete. Have you thought about putting the track endcap on the other end (rear) to prevent rigger from accidently falling out if set screws losten? I know that it would happen to me… -Mark
Yes, I planned on putting the end caps back on just to make stealing them that much more challenging.
I think you’d like a 4′ track. It would allow so much adjust-ability to each fishing situation. So far I’m pretty happy with them.
watch the reports on GLangler.com. If the coho aren’t in Milwaukee yet, head down to Racine or Kenosha. We’ve had some great days out of Kenosha in May. Who know with the warmer spring, maybe the run will be really early this year.
A buddy of mine took a 2×10 board and built a rock solid rigger / rod holder board that went across the back of the boat. I forgot exactly how he secured it, but I think some sort of u bolts to the rear cleats. No holes in the boat, totally removable. Really a nice setup, and it allows him to mount his riggers, rods, landing lights, etc. – also gives a nice solid rest to lean against in choppy conditions while fighting a fish.
If you (or anyone else for that matter) are interested, I’m sure I could find some photos of his setup. works pretty slick. I’ve seen a bunch of guys use similar setups on the big water.
Anyway, good luck when you get down there – post pics!!
Mike
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watch the reports on GLangler.com.
Mike
You’ll find a Ruger2506 on GLAngler as well. 
Yeah, we’ll be mobile. I don’t see Racine or south as an issue. Especially after driving 4 hours to get there.
Why not just mount them on the gunnels to avoid the cost and the torque issues?
Tim
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Why not just mount them on the gunnels to avoid the cost and the torque issues?
Tim
I really have a problem with drilling holes in my boat. I did not want them (and the holes) on the gunwales. However they still may end up there if I find to little support where they are.
First thought was – wow,that’s a lot of stress if you are hanging 8# balls off that mount.
Is there a way you can run a cross piece of aluminum channel between the two mounts for a) stability and b) it’s a good way to add another 4-6 rod holders. Just a thought.
Pete
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Is there a way you can run a cross piece of aluminum channel between the two mounts for a) stability and b) it’s a good way to add another 4-6 rod holders. Just a thought.
Pete
Yeah, that thought crossed my mind as well. Heck just take a 2X4, wrap it in marine carpet, and secure it to the mounts.
Or an 1/8″ or 1/4″ steel plate for backing.
I made a platform with 2×6’s across the back of my Tropny. Used wedged 2x 10’s as supports and ran U Bolts through the rear cleats and up through the platform. (I added aluminum pieces underneath the ganwale for additional support.) Nice and sturdy and balanced the loads very well. Drilled and installed 6 rod holders at an angle to clear the back deck and mounted the downrigger bases on the ends.
I recently took it apart and the 1/4″ bolts or screws holding the downrigger mounts were bent quite a bit from the stress put on them – hence my concern re: a 12″ free standing support for your downriggers. If you are using for walleye, likely not an issue. If headed for Lake Michigan, that’s a whole different story.
Just some personal experience.
Pete
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I made a platform with 2×6’s across the back of my Tropny. Used wedged 2x 10’s as supports and ran U Bolts through the rear cleats and up through the platform. (I added aluminum pieces underneath the ganwale for additional support.) Nice and sturdy and balanced the loads very well. Drilled and installed 6 rod holders at an angle to clear the back deck and mounted the downrigger bases on the ends.
I recently took it apart and the 1/4″ bolts or screws holding the downrigger mounts were bent quite a bit from the stress put on them – hence my concern re: a 12″ free standing support for your downriggers. If you are using for walleye, likely not an issue. If headed for Lake Michigan, that’s a whole different story.
Just some personal experience.
Pete
Awesome info, I wouldn’t think it would provide that much torque. These same downriggers were mounted on my old Lund on the gunwales. A 1/4″ aluminum plate was bolted to the gunwale and the Downrigger mounts attached to them. I may have to rethink these.
I may have to put them on the gunwale with backing plates.
Bert’s makes great quality mounts – those will be fine. What is the decking they are bolted to? If it is 3/4 marine grade, I would definately put a backer plate under it – simply so the washers don’t pull hard into the woods.
Your set up looks real nice to me – I like the way the gunwales are smooth when the riggers are removed. My riggers are bolted to the gunwales, so I always have the swivel bases in the way(not that big of a deal, but not as nice as not having them in the way at all…..)
Tim
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Bert’s makes great quality mounts – those will be fine. What is the decking they are bolted to? If it is 3/4 marine grade, I would definately put a backer plate under it – simply so the washers don’t pull hard into the woods.
Your set up looks real nice to me – I like the way the gunwales are smooth when the riggers are removed. My riggers are bolted to the gunwales, so I always have the swivel bases in the way(not that big of a deal, but not as nice as not having them in the way at all…..)
Tim
Aluminum 1/4″ thick, 6″ X 12″ backing plates are in the way. If that doesn’t tie them in tight enough, A downrigger board will be the next addition.
I spoke with Pat Clark from Bert’s. He said if that doesn’t work, it’s time to look for a new boat. He felt the 6X12 backing plates would be more than enough.
That should do it!! Have a great summer watching those bent rods…..
Pete
http://www.youtube.com/user/4whittsend#p/u/20/rLLlf6j3wX8
This video shows my buddies boat with a board / rod holder / rigger mount setup running along the back.
I could probably get better pics if interested.
Good luck!
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http://www.youtube.com/user/4whittsend#p/u/20/rLLlf6j3wX8
This video shows my buddies boat with a board / rod holder / rigger mount setup running along the back.
I could probably get better pics if interested.
Good luck!
Man, I just love the color of that water. I can’t wait till next month! 
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Man, I just love the color of that water. I can’t wait till next month!
Go get ’em! 
So I didn’t want to put in a cross member. However I need the downriggers this weekend and the backing plates haven’t come in yet. After getting the cross member installed, I think I actually like it. I’m thinking I’ll cover it with some marine grade carpet. Should look good and will add versatility to my rod holder set ups.
I am not trying to be a wiseguy, but did you make sure you can tilt your motor up and also open all your storage with that in place? I have seen similar set-ups that the boat owner discovered that the motor was not able to be fully raised and the storage wasn’t very accessible AFTER he was already in the water……. Looks good from the pic, though!
Tim
Good call Timmy. The storage is all very accessible. Tilting the motor has not been tested yet and I hadn’t even thought of that. Knowing it’s location, I think I’ll be fine. However it’s something to scrutinize now. Thanks.
So I can’t tilt the motor high enough to trailer. I can tilt high enough to motor properly. Thankfully it’s a quick attach system. It’ll work good enough to get me through this weekend. Perhaps some wing nuts to make the board a quick attach.
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So I can’t tilt the motor high enough to trailer.
You trailer with your motor trimmed all the way up????
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You trailer with your motor trimmed all the way up????
I do not trailer with it up there Mike, but I need to get it up there to get the tilt supports in place for trailering.
Oh ya.. Forgot about transom savers…. I use one myself, wasn’t even thinking…. 
Hey – good luck on your upcoming trip to MEELEEWAKAY!!!
Ruger: Here is a picture of the board my cousin has on his Tyee. Has a angle in it to allow motor tilt. Double boards and marine varnish. Been on his boat many years. Maybe something you can modify yours to.
Awesome part about those back mounted boards is tons of room for extra rod holders, lights and accesory mounting spots/etc.
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