Downriggers/trolling on an R27

[Headlee]

Does anyone out there have experience running scotty downriggers on the R27? What is the placement of the pads so that you can swing the boom parallel with the rail? Also, does the Volvo 200 hp idle down enough to get between 2-3 mph? Thanks.

 

[Toucan]

We have the mounts installed on the cockpit railings at the front upright (Tee). The mounts need to be modified so they will not twist on the railing when the booms are swung parallel to the side of the boat. The Volvo makes the boat go faster then I wanted when trolling for salmon. Others suggest towing a drogue, like a bucket or an old tire.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

some of the volvo's have the trolling valve fitted to slow the boat down. some folks install a kicker on the swim step to save the engine hours on the big engine and get more slow speed control.

 

[Headlee]

Thanks for the information. Someday when you get the chance I would like to see a photo of the Scotty pad mounted on the rail. Can email to pgh.idaho@gmail.com. Thanks again.

 

[Salish Seaker]

We don't have the R27 but a 2018 R23 with the downrigger pads installed. I have to say I'm not in love with the placement of the DR pads on the gunnel. I think they're a little too far forward. When trolling against a strong current, the DR balls would drag under the boat and sometimes get caught on the trim tabs or corner of the boat. I had to start using 15lb DR balls. I also considered the scotty mount that would mount on the t sections of the gunnel rails. I still might do that just to move the DR's further back.

I'm not sure if the R27 pads are installed forward like the R23 but I would look into that.

 

[Headlee]

Thanks for the input. I just found this website of an R27 that was sold, but used what looks like about a 1 foot extender on each Scotty mount to get the pad above the rail. https://www.boatworksofalaska.com/2016- ... -r-27.html

 

[Kevinandcarol]

I have the r23 also with factory installed pads I had 3 inch extensions made and mounted cannons with 60 inch booms it's a great set up, no problems and they are plenty high enough to clear the rail when swiveling to the rear. I'll take some pix and post them. I had scottys and sold them. I lost to many balls due to rookies running the down riggers. I fished the cannons in the ocean and they performed perfectly. For trolling I would recommend a kicker motor, mine has the remote steering but wish I had remote throttle control. Hope that helps Kevin

 

[Headlee]

Thanks, Kevin. This is very helpful. My next step is to research the best kicker set up for an R27.

 

[Pddayo]

In the process of buying a 2013 r27 with the 200hp Volvo and a 4hp Yamaha for the dingy. Going to mount a pair of Scotty down riggers and wondering if I could use the 4hp to troll at 1 to 1 1/2 mph mounting it on the swim step as opposed to dragging a bucket or old tire and putting a bunch of hours on the big motor? Anyway to hook it up to the Garmin autopilot?