Downrigger mount to seat base?
 

A long time reader of the forum but this is my first post. Has anybody seen or heard of mounting downriggers to a seat base using a seat pedestal? I am chasing all options to have them removable without drilling holes in my new boat. I have the canon unitroll's and the booms are long enough to clear the gunwales without having to extend them. I'm guessing the torque might be too much for the seat base? Thoughts?

Some guys use something similar to a seat pedestal only higher for regular pontoon boats, so just google pontoon downrigger mounts.

That is how I am going to mount mine. If a seat base can hold my fat ole carcass bouncing across a lake, sure it can hold a downrigger.

What kind of boat? I bought a small downrigger for my 14' tinny that clamps right to the gunnel.

Thanks, I think I have seen the mounts you're referring to only not mounted to a swivel seat base. I'll check them out

Lol, this thought crossed my mind as well but wasn't sure if the load put on the seat base in a side/perpendicular direction would be too much. If you think it'll work I may try it as well

I want to stay away from the clamp on style. My last boat was a tinny and I ran a 2x6 across the back which worked very well but was hoping to try something different

I haven't tried the clamp on downrigger yet. Did you have issues with that type?

My thoughts ..... If you are using your downrigger often and take time to install the plastic base properly it looks neat and clean like a part of the boat.

It should be stronger this was and in a much better position to take full advanatage of your spread. You would also enjoy your floor space in the boat.

I don't have experience with seat base mounting but it seems like it could present some challenges for a number of reasons.

This is all true and makes sense. My problem is that I will use them probably less than half the time on the boat and is why I want them removable. The space they will take up in the boat I will be able to deal with as it won't be very often. Mounting them properly to the gunwale would look neat and clean but was worrying about resale and having 8 bolt holes in the boat. Using the seat base does still worry me a little. Maybe I gotta suck it up and bolt them in....or go back to a 2x6 plank and run it across.

Maybe try this ...http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-e...mbal-mount.htm

Sorry if this sounds simple ......but maybe you dont know ...... all that stays in your boat is this 5" x 5" plastic base. The downrigger get unplugged, un-mounted and stays in the garage, RV or shed and does not need to be on the boat. There are 4 thumb screws that mount to the base.

Just permanently bolt this base down - easy and neat and the rigger completely installs and removes in 35 seconds. The bolts are recessed.

http://www.sportco.com/store/pc/Scot...-756p42533.htm

You will hardly notice this on your back deck or rear gunnels - it looks factory, clean and is, in fact, the proper, safe way to mount this.

If you are dead set against putting 4 holes in your boat in exchange for the time, effort and associated risk with rigging up a seat base contraption then cool. I bet 99% of guys buying your boat wouldn't bat an eye lash when it comes time to sell your boat. Most wouldn't even notice it I bet.

Heck my boat looks like swiss cheese, there are so many holes drilled in it. Read up on where and how to place the mounts then drill holes.:)

2x6 board mounted across the gunnels using u bolts to hold it down to the cleats on the gunnels. No holes in boat and a very sturdy platform.

It's the holes under the waterline that I'm careful about ....... lol.

Yes I understand how riggers mount to a boat. I had them mounted on my last one. Back to my original post, I guess only JohninAB is the only one who has seen or tried mounting to a seat base. Thanks for the info guys I'll figure something out

Good point.

Seat base downrigger
 

I did this last year for similar reasons to yourself plus I didn't want to have to modify my cover. I'll take a pic and post it tonight. Works well but took a bit of work. The seat bases are not level. They are made to have the seat lean and therefore I had to make a shim to fit between the seat base and support I made for the rigger. It had to be significantly thicker or the back than the front to make the rigger sit level. When all was said and done it turned out great and works great for my purpose!! Feel free to ask any questions and Ill get the pics on soon. Good luck

Pics
 

http://s168.photobucket.com/user/mac...tml?sort=3&o=1

http://s168.photobucket.com/user/mac...tml?sort=3&o=0

Well hopefully these pics work. If not ill have to actually use the computer and not just the cell!

nice idea!!