Penn Swivel-Matic Downrigger Mounts

[punch1]

I have a question and need your help. I have 4 Penn 620 downriggers mounted on the Penn Swivel Matic downrigger mounts. My mounts allow the rigger to swing 180 degrees but have no stops in between. In other words, they are not adjustable or locking other than they stop at the 180 degree mark. (They can not be set in between the 'swing' of the downrigger at all)

I understand the newer ones are different and have what I believe is 12 settings. Does anyone know if I am missing something on my mounts or is that the way they were made. I would like to use these if possible but need the adjustable options of the newer mounts.

If you know the answer I would appreciate it before forking over the money for the newer style.

Thanks all!

Pat

[Homer]

I have the same type of mounts that you describe. These are the original mounts that Penn made in the 1980s. I have one fishing partner with a newer set of Penns with the multi-position bases, and another friend with the old bases. We all prefer the old bases that you have.

Note that you can control the amount of swing tension in each base by tightening (or loosening) the large nut inside the base. We keep ours set pretty tight, so (as long as the ball isn't attached) we can essentially lock them down at any position along the 180 degrees.

[punch1]

Homer,

Thanks for the tip. Was there any particular reason you or your friends didn't like the newer adjustable mount?

Pat

[Homer]

My guess is just that we had become accustomed to quick one-handed operation of moving the arms. With the tension set tight, you just grab the boom and move it to wherever you want.

Who knows, if we'd have started out with the other types of bases, we might have liked them better. My point is just that you shouldn't consider the type of bases you currently have inferior.

[Kaz]

Punch/Homer: I have both and I like the older model better too. I mounted the old ones in the center of the stern, swinging out and the newer ones on the sides to swing in. This way I can set the side ones in any position to track where I want. I like the Penn's, but boy did they ever jump in price over the last 10 years....Good LUCK DOWNRIGGIN'...Kaz

[FreeByrd]

Punch,
I have used the old style and I also have the new style. I do like the new style, but Homer has a good suggestion for tightening up the old base. I think this would work fine for your middle riggers - may be a problem for your outdowns depending on if you run them straight out to the side. Homer can probably tell us how he has them positioned, but at a minimum if you have four riggers, I think you may only "need" two of the newer style mounts. Wish I would have tried that before I bought 4 of the new ones!
Good Luck,
Steve

[whitetips]

I have both sets for four 620 also use all four at once, no you are not missing anything but the
spring loaded model is much better, been using them since the first year,
I believe people don't like them is if the nylon insert nut isn't tight enough they will slip like racheting. They will spoil you with four riggers thou, you can adjust 360 in all
directions, and they are lower too. , dont put them on carpeting without a flat piece under them or the swivel clutch will not turn. About $50 each, not sure on this location but try
Chamber Creek Outfitters or something on that line. Any questions will help out.
I'm using 4 and 5 ft booms 5's out the back over the motor and 4's out the sides.
GLuck

[Homer]

Thanks for raising a point that I forgot to mention: I'm only running two downriggers. I can certainly see the merit of the new bases when you're running more.

[punch1]

Thanks everyone. My question got answered. Steve you brought up a good point that will save me about $120. I will just get two of the newer mounts for my side downriggers and use the old ones off the back. I have had no problems with the old ones other than I had to mount it differently off the sides to get the stop at a 90 degree angle off the boat.

If anyone knows where they are cheaper that $59.99 each, let me know!

Thanks again!

Pat