Revo13 - Downrigger V2.0 & Crab gear

Ever since first designing and building the downrigger mount I've wanted to find some way to carry both crabbing gear and trolling gear so I need not return to shore after deploying and before retrieving my crab gear. 

Inspiration struck during a nap.  Everything could fit in the forward hatch if it was broken down. Well, DUH.  The disassembled downrigger "kit" is shown in the first photo below.  All the sub-modules are glued together.  The two straight sections at the bottom are rod/net holders which press into the upright 'T's on the 'H' sub-module.  The elbow pieces press onto the open horizontal ends of the 'H' sub-module, and once assembled slip down into the molded rear rod holders on the Revo.  Note the long rear stabilizer has been ditched, though it too would fit in the forward hatch.  It would be hard to deploy on the water.  The Scotty Lake Troller also fits in the forward hatch.

See: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/54098312/kayak/HMR/Downrigger/00.HMR.Downrigger.Mount.html

A crabbing/trolling session goes like this.  The downrigger and mount are stowed in the front hatch.  The crab gear is carried as described on my crabbing page. 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/54098312/kayak/Crabbing/Kayak.Crabbing.html.

Once deployed the only crab gear remaining on the boat is the line reel and the PVC scupper 'H'.  The 'H' breaks down at one of the 'T's, and both are stowed in the forward hatch when the downrigger and mount is removed.  Assemble the mount and install the downrigger.  Note how the rear lacing is used to secure the mount in the second photo below.  My cannonball and 2" plano sit in the rear well below the gunwales so the crab traps lay over them.

My initial test shows it is practical and time-saving to assemble the downrigger on the water.  I launched with the boat configured as though I was also carrying crab gear, but I was not.  There are a couple of issues.  One is the boat gets HEAVY.  The other is carrying net, rods, and fish bag.  I have a Yak Attack fish bag.  It has a bit of lacing on it and 6 clips (3 on each side).  By clipping just the forward two pairs to the bow lacing I installed  (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/54098312/kayak/HMR/Bow.Bungee.Lacing/HMR.Bow.Bungee.Lacing.html) the front hatch is covered but still accessible.  Using the lacing on the bag and leashes I can carry the net and two, two-piece rods broken down.

Retrieval from the front hatch is a bit of a dance as one needs to remove the net and rods and securely stow somewhere (I chose across the gunwales behind the seat) before accessing the hatch by lifting the back of the fish bag.  Then one needs to move the rods and net to install the downrigger.  It took 10 minutes to assemble and mount the downrigger.  And just a bit longer to stow it. 

It takes about an hour of wasted time to return after deploying the crab gear, load the trolling gear, and pedal out.  Then return, unload the trolling gear, pedal out to the crab pots.  Also there is the problem of where to securely stow the gear on the beach.

I don't know, man. I was trying to get my front hatch opened on my Revo 13 during the 2013 ORC. The Ms. Salma (my kayak) got a little tipsy in the swells. I decided not to chance it even thought the lure that was GUARANTEED to get me a 20+ pound Cabezon was in there. I've decided to stow my cart set-up in the front hatch along with my FF battery and other on the water "non-essentials." I'm using a bungee-secured Cabela's waterproof (tight?) gear box or a lidded milk crate for what I really need to get to while I'm on the water.

I'm currently looking at mounting my Scotty Depthmaster as close to the lowest part of the rear of my kayak to keep the center of gravity low while I'm trolling. I do like how you used the rod holders to secure your base mount though. Gah! So many options...

Now, as for crab pots? Phew! I'm looking at taking only two out with me if I hit the ocean with them - downrigger or no downrigger. I don't want to take that chance. Now, when I add an outrigger to this beast...?

Love your posts by the way, Demonick. Thanks.

Fred "True" Trujillo

it looks like a good design. thanks for showing.

So you replaced the line that came with the Scotty? I didn't think this one would work for me on the Sound since it was only 100ft, and I'm out in depths closer to 250? How much braid did you put on it?

So you replaced the line that came with the Scotty? I didn't think this one would work for me on the Sound since it was only 100ft, and I'm out in depths closer to 250? How much braid did you put on it?

I replaced the thicker stainless steel cable with 250 feet of much thinner braid.  And that was only because I wanted some extra in case it snagged and broke off.  I too am routinely in Puget Sound waters well over 250 feet, but the first time you drop to 150' feet then haul it up by hand will likely be the last time you go that deep.   

Recently I've modified the original design, again.  The 90* elbows have been replaced with 'T's, and 8" straights added for another two rod/net/flag holders.  Both forward rod holders where used for a net and a casting rod, so I needed another for a flag to participate in the Humpy Classic.  I have not glued the down legs to the 'H', so disassembled, the parts fit in the front hatch.