On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 17:12:09 +0000, bobl wrote:

I just bought a new 18' North River Mariner and am considering how to
mount downriggers. The boat has 1-1/4" rails all around and no good
flat spot on the gunwales to fasten a mounting plate. Scotty's is the
only manufacturer I could find that has a downrigger mount for this
size rail that I could find. Anyone have any experience with this
kind of setup or have an additional idea?
thanks,
bob

Well, first, you can't go wrong with a Scotty downrigger - they're the
Best (and built in BC!).

Sounds like you'll probably need to make a platform. My 12ft Mirrocraft
has an ugly but sturdy welded-steel platform for the downrigger (Far Cove
has a wide enough gunwale to have it mounted there). Bill made a Good
Point about the torque that happens when you catch on the bottom, but you
have to temper how much you want your cannonball with how much you like
your gunwale. Best to have a plastic snap (the "weakest link") to attach
the cannonball, so if you get stuck, that's all you lose.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36