Kayak Downrigger Installation

Since getting my AutoPilot 120 I've been toying with various ways to install downriggers on this kayak. I wanted an approach that minimized modification and did't take away from the functionality of the kayak's various accessories especially when the downrigger was not in use. I ended up settling on an aluminum locking system from V-lock. I also made significant modifications to the downrigger itself to make it more user friendly.

That V-Lock Universal Mount is unusual because it allows you to bolt the base to a vertical surface inside a kayak's cockpit, rather than a flat horizontal surface or track on a gunwale of the kayak as is more typically done.

If you bolted a Cannon 2207003 low profile swivel downrigger mounting base to the V-Lock quick-release base, it would allow you to rotate the downrigger to whatever orientation is most comfortable for cranking.  The swivel base would also permit you to rotate the downrigger so the cable is positioned only an inch or so from the side of the kayak, which would minimize the effect which the drag from the downrigger's weight and cable have on the tracking of the kayak.

I considered using the swivel base but the placement is ideal for me in terms of angle. In addition a swivel base require a larger base plate from V-lock. I do believe they make one that can accomodate it though.

I had save my old 2002 vintage Canon mini-mag, 12 volt DC down rigger and decided to mount it to my 2013 PA-14 about 5 years ago.
Since I already had the mounting slide base that rotated, I made a adapter plate out of 1/2" thick plastic cutting board material....then spray painted it black.
It works great and I can quickly install or remove the down rigger by depressing a keeper.  It rotates in 45° segments by pulling the t-handle lever. 
I use an 18 w/H SLA battery and no issues with running out of power on the water.
I did have to stiffen/reinforce the Hobie black plastic board I used to mount the base on. 1/4 x 20 SS threaded rod and fender washers, nylock nuts makes it strong.
This beats a manual down rigger in a heart beat

I forgot to add the final photo with the down rigger mounted on my PA-14