Custom Downrigger Mount

Hey fellas,
I whipped this together over the last couple weeks.  It's constructed of 3/4" PVC, 3/4" plywood, cabosil w/resin and fiberglass and some black enamel rattle can paint.

Like others on the board I tried to figure out the best way to mount a downrigger to my yak.  I wasn't too keen on drilling any more holes than I needed to so I was leaning towards using a gimbal mount but decided against it.

At some point a thought crossed my mind that I could use the scupper holes in my Revo 13 to frame out a mount.  The only problem I could see was how to attach the frame to the platform.  I decided on using fiberglass and plywood to mate to the PVC frame.  The downrigger mount then bolts to the plywood..

One important thing to note is that the PVC pipe isn't an exact fit within the scuppers so water can still drain out of the holes.

Some more images

Nice looking design.

Is it just the fiberglass holding the wood to the pvc?

You should put some 1/2" tek screws on the joints thru the pvc pipe. I've seen the pvc cement fail. Not sure if anyone remembers at the ORC last year on Roland's pvc yak cart. I laughed my ass off cause I warned him that it would happen and he only walked his kayak about 10ft. Hate to see you lose the DR to Davey Jones.

My 2¢

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Interesting idea.

How do you attach your DR to your kayak, does it just sit in the scuppers?

I sanded the pvc and just wrapped the fiberglass to the PVC, that and the cabosil mixed together to get things started.  I talked to the guys at TAP plastics and they said it should adhere well.  We'll see!  The thing feels really strong but after I used it a couple times I'll report back.

Good idea on the screws since I did just use cement to hold it together.

There is nothing per say physically attaching it to the kayak, it just sits in the scupper holes.  Since the downrigger will be pulling down on it, it should be kept in place well.

I mounted mine like that, but it was too hard to get to the crank when it's amidship, so I put it on a board and ran it out to the gunnel:====much easier to crank up the weight, and you can use the board as a table for bait, etc.
The bungees slip over the board to keep things stable and secure

 

Belt and suspenders here. Might want to add a leash to that puppy to keep from losing it if it fails.

My suggestion go from the board forward to a side handle or pad eye. Just leave a bit of slack so it lays down and stays out your way.

I mounted mine like that, but it was too hard to get to the crank when it's amidship, so I put it on a board and ran it out to the gunnel:====much easier to crank up the weight, and you can use the board as a table for bait, etc.
The bungees slip over the board to keep things stable and secure

 

How do you like your Scotty downrigger?  Max weight?

I just picked up a Scotty Lake Troller at Wholesale Sports for $59. I already had two Scotty mounts on my amas, popped right in and looks pretty solid. I bought a three pound coated ball for $17. Hope to try it out Monday at Bonneville Pool or Drano. Anyone interested in joining me?

I was thinking leash as well.  Someone is pretty confident that they won't ever flip the kayak over. 
If I had a guess, I'd say that turning around to operate the crank would be my most opportune time to do a bottom inspection.  At that point.....blub, blub, blub to the bottom goes the DR. 

I was thinking leash as well.  Someone is pretty confident that they won't ever flip the kayak over. 
If I had a guess, I'd say that turning around to operate the crank would be my most opportune time to do a bottom inspection.  At that point.....blub, blub, blub to the bottom goes the DR. 

Lol, yeah that's why I count on you guys for feedback  .

A leash and some other things will be added to secure it a bit more in case I go titanic.  I want to keep my equipment donations to Neptune at a minimum.  Thanks for the input guys.

i USED THE 4# BALL THAT came with the Scotty, it worked OK, but if I go that route again, will get the  next larger one that has a clutch and brake.

Any concern that the constant drag and torque on the scuppers will result in cracking over time?

I've thought about using the relatively worthless molded-in rod holders on my Revo 13.

I use the same pototype that Kalli uses and it works fine. The bungees do hold the platform in place just fine and the dowels I used in the scuppers are a tad smaller than the holes and there has been NO stress on the scuppers. I suggest mounting the base out further out toward the gunnel as this makes it easier to crank and see the depth counter. I use a Depthmaster 1060(2' per crank and can accomodate a heavier ball
which imo is essential to get less blowback and more depth to get down to the deeper depths). I also have the Revo13.

This setup is pretty slick for a hobie downrigger

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,30278.0.html