Using Gimbal style downrigger mounts?

[Sailfish25]

Do any of you have experience using gimbal style downrigger mounts? The ones that fit into rod holders.

I’m skeptical, but most Scotty products are pretty good - anyone have anything good or bad to say based on actual experience?

https://scotty.com/mount-type/gimble/

 

[Bertie30]

So far, so good, but you do need to be careful not to put too much strain or torque on them, or the bottom notches will start to splay (before more damage occurs, I assume). I would not do a long extension arm on one. I have the 3' or so version. And maybe the lever brake can be loosened off so that it gives rather than locks into full twisting motion if you hang up

 

[Dogbreath]

They're really hard on the gunnels and something surprising someone said is that they take up a helluva lotta room around the boat when not in use their odd shape doesn't help trying to store them.

 

[Pineapple Express]

Yup, I started out with this style of mount before I committed to mounting base plates.

The single advantage from my point of view is that it makes the downrigger completely removable with no extra brackets or anything else on the gunnel. If you're using electric downriggers you'll still need to mount the power plugs somewhere.


There are several disadvantages:

* the downrigger kinds shifts around because there's slop in the whole system (gimble tube narrower than rod holder, notch at bottom has slop around the bottom bar in the rod holder)

* the notch on the bottom of the gimble mount is designed to engage with a bar at the bottom of the rod holder. If you get the downrigger hung up on something it puts a huge amount of torque on the bar across the bottom of the rod holder. I broke this bar twice. Replaced the bars with long stainless bolts but access to the bottom of the rod holder was a PITA.

* the gimbles are heavy and a funny shape and make transporting and storing your downriggers awkward.

* if the gimble angle doesn't line up well with the rod holder angle your downrigger may end up at a funny angle

* having access to the rod holders is handy, and occupying the rod holder with the downrigger removes options

 

[Sailfish25]

Thanks for the great feedback. I’ve got a new boat with narrow gunnels. I’m borrowing some gimbal mounts from a buddy to see how they work. I might try to add shims to tighten up the mounts in the rod holder. Hopefully that reduces some of the movement and strain on the gunnels.

 

[Aces]

Thanks for the great feedback. I’ve got a new boat with narrow gunnels. I’m borrowing some gimbal mounts from a buddy to see how they work. I might try to add shims to tighten up the mounts in the rod holder. Hopefully that reduces some of the movement and strain on the gunnels.

Those Scotty Right angle mounts are great for that application

 

[Zodiac fisher]

I've used/used them and the above comments are accurate. Plan to switch to Burnewinn.