Pacific Pro Pot Puller on R25SC

[wa7pug]

I have a Pacific Pro https://photos.app.goo.gl/EzMDJEF6PcVMD9h1A pot puller I want to put on our Ranger Tug R25SC.
Scottie makes a base that I can use but I want to be careful where I mount it so that it is strong and not damage the gunwales. I plan on using backing plate if I can BUT all of that said, does anyone have experience in mounting this on a RT? I saw one at the fuel dock who had one mounted so that it overhung on an aluminum/stainless frame but by the time I got my phone to take a pix, he was leaving .... would love to see photos or links or anything else ... I have some fabrication availability, as well. Thx in advance .... not much of a fisherman, but we love shrimping and crabbing.

 

[watson1987]

I don't have specific knowledge about the R25, but I did help a friend create a mount for a gunnel that wasn't designed for a Scottie mount pad. What we did was make a large U shape that surrounded the gunnel on the top and down both sides (approx 6 inches down each side).

This distributed the weight and pressure across a larger surface area instead of just the top mount and base. It worked well. He had a local machine shop bend the stainless steel to match his gunnel width. Sorry, I don't have any pictures.

If you don't want to go the custom route, Scottie does make a right-angle bracket that can distribute the weight across the top and one side better than just the top, especially given where the moment is for a tall pot puller.

 

[nzfisher]

Your pot puller looks like the one made in Canada- Brutus? I have used that one with the standard Scotty mount for years with four three pound weights and totally jammed with crabs with no problem. Use double sided super glue tape plus mechanical fasteners if you are concerned about connection to gunnel. Then seal edges.

 

[wa7pug]

Thanks Guys and yes to NZFisher: I am pretty sure same as Brutus / guessing same company manufactured but rebranded. I will give it a go. Thanks. ddj

 

[Rocky Lou]

I've been happy with the Ace Line Hauler on the Scotty Downrigger mounts that came with the boat. If they can hold 15lbs. balls on electric downriggers I think that is good enough for most crab pots and hoops. Granted, I would not use this if I was pulling heavy commercial pots, which is fine since I just want enough crab to eat fresh and give to friends. Freezing crab completely ruins it for me and I've tried every imaginable method.

Be sure to get the BULLDOG Hands Free Accessory so the rope coils up and add a large bucket or small laundry basket for the rope to wind into.

 

[wa7pug]

Rocky Lou - I did not even know the line coiler existed - thank you for the tip! I ordered one. Usually just the wife and I shrimping or crabbing and the way the RT is set up, somebody needs to stay at the wheel, so the aft deck usually is a 1 man band operation .... everything helps. Muchas gracias! 😉

 

[wa7pug]

I got the Bulldog yesterday and put it on - very nice ... distance between main shiv and the Bulldog bracket was TIGHT - had tough time getting the oRing on the big winch wheel ... might recommend putting that rubber band on before you put the Bulldog on ... it is awesome !! Thank you!!

 

[Rocky Lou]

Hands-free is definitely a game changer for a lot of us. I spent a number of years pulling heavy pots by hand but those days are long gone.

 

[nzfisher]

In addition to the line stacker You can also get an extended arm from ace that keeps the trap off the hull. More leverage against the mount but I doubt it makes that much difference. Happy crabbing- Dungeness is the best!