Hey James, I have the similar issue with my Skeeter WX1850.
I want to put some downriggers on as well. Did Dean think that would be strong enough to handle that with down riggers as well one on each side?

My original thoughts were to take the rail off complelety and replace with long track hoping I’d hide the mounting holes of the original Rail but this seems a quicker fix to me honestly. I don’t do a lot of down rigger fishing but it would be nice option. I might have to have my canvas remade then to account for this but oh well