Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Downriggers on Skeeter WX1880?


Recommended Posts

Just purchased this boat and can't figure out how to mount a rigger on the passenger side. No room due to two gas caps, pop up cleat, hand rail..any ideas? f_boatm_c08329a.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

From the pic all I can see ya could do is get rid of the cleat and put a track system in on both sides.

I have seen on some Rangers that they have a spot for riggers in the splashwell on both sides. I think it has a cap on them. Maybe some of the ranger guys will pipe in. I dont know if Skeeter offers any such option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jerkin'm-

I ran into the same problem. I run a 1775 Skeeter. I spoke with a Skeeter rep and all he said was that he recommended not drilling any holes in the the fiberglass? So, for the time being, I'm using the poor mans down rigger, 1 lb balls. Is your rig a tiller?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, it's a console steering model....The only other thing I see out there is the type that clamp on the hand rail...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldnt mount a downrigger on a hand rail! 8-10# balls put a lot of tork on a rail and if you ever hang up say good bye to that rail.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's what I thought too...seems everyone makes a rail mount though...they do recommend beefing up the backing on the rails. Any other thoughts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I kind of had the same issue with my tracker! I mounted mine on the wooden platform atop the transom. Worked great so far. Bracket on top, and underneath. If ya want, i can take pics. It looks like yours has a lid right there....if it is a locking lid, and you don't need to access it while 'rigging, it may work. (as long as it locks)....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would like to take a look at your set-up if you want to post the pics...I'm not too crazy about the idea of drilling holes anywhere right now but need some sort of a plan...(tough to drill into that shiny new boat finish grin.gif) I may end up having to mount some sort of board or something that runs the whole width of the boat that can be easily removed, closest thing to a plan so far anyway...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would mount a ram mount in each corner of the Back of your boat. Then mount the pursuit tracking to the ram mount and when you take it off all you will have is two round balls is each corner when you take if off to fish inland lakes. Go with the two inch ram mount this would work great on your boat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Skippers Kid-That's the best idea yet...I did some searching though and couldn't find any info on the ram mount system you mention. Where can I buy this setup?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just dont think you will have the room for it and you would probably need to ram mounts per side. I wouldnt trust those mounts either. Thats a ton of torque on those 2"balls and sooner or later they would strip out. I dont trust anything thats not bolted down.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why yah gotta keep crushing my buzz Northlander? grin.gif I need some sort of set up....Maybe a carpeted 2x 10 across the whole boat? I should be able to figure out a way to secure it...Go ahead and kill this idea too... grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now your talking man. It wont be pretty but will do the job. Paul W. had some pictures of his old boat and he did the same type thing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The 2 inch will hold a lot ask russ at MG. This is the way I would go if it was my ride well I have one more for ya. Mount pursuit track in each corner 6 inch track then figure out how high you need to get above the boat and russ has the aluminum brackets 4 inch to 10 10-inch in stock. Put them in the corners to get the right hight then put the track in and start mounting your gear this is a better way to do this in your boat. I would see russ with your Boat and he can help as well good luck cool.gif.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have the same boat and had a welding shop on Grand make me two brackets that bolt thru the fiberglass on the inside with oak backer boards. I used 1/4" aluminum and the bracket goes over the hand rail. I had the shop weld gussets inside the corner. I was going to use J or U bolts from the bracket to the hand rail but didn't need them. I've trolled 10 and 12 cannon balls with no problem. My travel cover also fit over this installation. The custom brackets were far cheaper than a pursuit system and I have full use of the back seats, live well and bait well. I talked to an engineer at Skeeter and he agreed with the backer board there would be no problem. (The secret to mounting the starboard bracket was to use stainless "T" nuts and epoxy the board to the inside - that helps with stress distribution also. Hope this helps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MasterClear do you have any pics of your setup? It sounds interesting but not sure I want a big bracket sticking up permanently over the hand rail...Man, the ideas are rolling in now....thanks guys..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry I can't find a picture that shows the installation. The brackets don't intrude into the boat and make a very sanitary (to me at least) addition. I use Cannon big body manual downriggers mounted on low profile swivel bases. My goal with the installation was to provide a solid mount for the downriggers with the least amount of intrusion into the boat. I wanted full access to the rear seating, live and bait wells. And, at the cheapest possible price.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MasterClear-Since you said you had them done on Grand I assume you are in the cities somewhere? If so maybe I could take a peek in person. I live near Lake Minnetonka and would like to look if it's possible...thanks for the help...I also would like a very sanitary, unobtrusive install if it's going to be a fixed mount...I have a couple older Cannon manuals as well...For the number of times I would actually use them it would be nice to have something that looked decent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Grand Avenue in Duluth did the brackets. My boat is still in storage but as soon as I get it out I'll picture it for you. Give me you email or phone number and I'll be glad to give you more details that way...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I am new here, but let me know how it works for you. I was looking at the same boat, I would like to get your opinion on it and any recommendations from you if you would do it again. I would use it anywhere from my cabin on Island Lake near Duluth, to Rainy and Lake Superior on calm days.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love the boat, just got done cleaning a few eyes in fact...Had it out on the big bays of Minnetonka with a 25+ mph wind and it fished great. I have the single console model for more room and would do it again. I opted for the 150 Yamaha 4 Stroke. The other option would have been the 200 HPDI and a kicker. For me it seemed unneccessary as I rarely would use a kicker and the 200 only gets about 5-6 mph top end gain. I can run about 50mph with a light load and about 46mph fully loaded. I put the 80# Minnkota Max Pro up front and it seems to be plenty of power. As for the riggers.......long pause...............My boat came with the add-on muskie length livewell that extends the back deck width. I plan on reinforcing the ends of this and bolting Berts track systems to that. I couldn't find a better way (in my opinion) to get them mounted up on the gunwales..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.