Mounting track system to old Starcraft SF-14 Gunwales

[MichaelAngelo]

Looking for ideas to mount a 3" track system and/or downrigger mounts, if it would even be possible.

Pics attached, note gunwales are angled slightly toward the water.

 

[LDUBS]

If the target is a down rigger mount, I had some brackets made up for my previous boat that worked great (see pic). Before these I was using Scotty #1015 side mount brackets.

My hull was also at an angle. if you look closely at the pic you will see a black shim. I cut that at the correct angle on a tablesaw from a piece of starboard I had around. The aluminum brackets were made by "Fish On Fabricators" based in Alabama. I sent them a drawing of the shape with measurements. These guys were terrific to work with. I was happy with the pricing even with the mail cost. That was pre-covid. Anyway, I mention them in case you don't have a local fabricator.

 

[LDUBS]

If you are looking for a track system, advance search thread titles for "gunnel track" or the name of the track system you prefer and you will get a fair number of hits.

 

[MichaelAngelo]

If the target is a down rigger mount, I had some brackets made up for my previous boat that worked great (see pic). Before these I was using Scotty #1015 side mount brackets.

My hull was also at an angle. if you look closely at the pic you will see a black shim. I cut that at the correct angle on a tablesaw from a piece of starboard I had around. The aluminum brackets were made by "Fish On Fabricators" based in Alabama. I sent them a drawing of the shape with measurements. These guys were terrific to work with. I was happy with the pricing even with the mail cost. That was pre-covid. Anyway, I mention them in case you don't have a local fabricator.




View attachment 120779

Thanks for the help, that looks like a great solution. I would have to find a fab shop and figure out how to do the measurements. What weight cannonballs did you use with it? My boat floor/decking is wood there.

 

[LDUBS]

For the shape, I took a piece of rectangular cardboard and kept cutting it until I had the angles shape I wanted. Then I simply traced it on a piece of paper for the fabricator.

That boat used short boom manual down riggers and 8# weights. I would not have had an issue using a longer boom or heavier weights with those brackets (3/16" thick Aluminum). The limiting factor would be the boat.

The box lid they are bolted to is vinyl covered wood. I used a large piece of 1/2" exterior ply as a backer.

The fabricated brackets are a lot more robust than the Scotty 1015's. The Scotty 1015's worked fine for my small down riggers. I decided to go with the heavier bracket because I wanted to add a swivel base and felt more comfortable with a beefier mounting system.

I hope this helps.