Hobie no hole downrigger mount

Just thought I would share with you all, its not the easiest especially if you don’t have access to a lathe (my brother). I decided to use one of the molded in rod holders for the placement of my downrigger. This is what I did; I used 2” SCH 80 PVC (the gray stuff) and a Scotty Gimbal Mount #253. On the Hobies molded in rod holder, the sizes is smaller on the bottom then the top of the hole (tapered) but we cut the PVC in two stages smaller on the bottom and larger on top until it fit snugly, then we board out the middle to fit the gimble mount. Then I drilled and tapped a 10-24 thought the PVC and Gimble to keep the Gimble mount from turning. My next problem was how do I keep the PVC from turning in the rod holder as you see in the photo was my solution I sacrificed a Sturgeon rig and replaced the rod holder cover with a bungee knob. I also angled my downrigger to make it easier to crank up and down, tested it out and it works real nice. I mounted a Scotty rod mount on my Plano Box for the downrigger I guess you could use one of the mounts up front if you wanted. Last pic proof that it work fine .

Pat R   

Pat... that's BRILLIANT!!!
You know me.  I'm a big fan of "no-holes" rigging when possible.  I hope you don't mind, I'll be copying your design.

some one get this man a gold star 

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

Ben

Thanks for sharing your great idea Pat.

Sweet, job well done, here's to you.

Very nice!!!!

Nice! I especially like the use of the heavy duty pvc.

Welcome to the dark side Pat. Congrats on your new ride. and the fish
too.

Jedmo

Nice work Pat!

I did something similar for my Outback but it goes in the front molded in rod holder.  I took a PVC coupler and also put it on the lathe to narrow it down.  From there I drilled a hole through the center of the coupler for a pin so that the gimbal mount wouldn't spin and have something to lock into.  From there, I figured out the angle I wanted the DR to sit at and just gooped the PVC piece in.  I'll try to get a few pics sometime after I kick the pneumonia.

Yes I have joined the Hobie-T13 club I bought the Revo for my wife, but thought I would rig it up a bit just in case she lets me borrow it from time to time; she does not like to fish but likes to be on the water. I am keeping it very simple just what I (she) needs no extras this time around. After taking her out a couple of times I am proud to say I have crossed over to the BRIGHT SIDE………..I meant the DARK SIDE . Thanks for all the comments and Chuck I don’t mind at all that’s why I posted it up for all my friends. Delbeck hope you get better soon.

Pat R       

WOW BEST HOBIE IDEA I HAVE SEEN!!

 

  That install looks super clean!
  With that said, I'm a little worried about the hull strength there in those rod holders.  I know rod holders are a solid "cup" design,but still there's not a "Meat" at the surface.  Were you able to reinforce the holder hole at all?  My concern is that with the weight of the Dr, you cranking on the reel to raise (Or lower) the weight, overtime small stress crack may develop somewhere on the hull there.  I have a scotty lake troller (Small one like yours) for my OB and I bolted mine down and know how much energy is needed to crank that 4lb (In my case aTorpedo) weight up from the depths.
  Beyond that little concern, that DR mount does look good!

  I just looked at the pictures again and everything I said was revolving around the Hobie OB   I'm not sure about the rod holders on your Hobie.  After looking at the pictures again, maybe the rod holders are beefy enough for that!  I'd be cautious with that install on an OB.

CGN-38 thanks for the heads up I will keep an eye on it I normally use a two pound ball just for trout but I see what you mean, it would be better to mount it solid like you did.

Pat R   

I'd say the Hobie rod holders are a LOT more secure than say the regular flush mounts installed in OK's.  The pressure of the DR is distributed a lot more than it would be with just some screws I'd think.  Pat, I love it    But more so for the idea of converting my rear rod holders into RAM mounts    Been working on another design but still haven't gotten it all worked out yet...