Bass Boats, Fiberglass and Aluminum, Pedestal Mounting onto the boat Deck.

Bass boats with fiberglass or aluminum hulls (such as Ranger, Skeeter, Vexus, Lowe, Lund, Tracker, and others) have few conveniently located flat areas to mount a baseplate and downrod system.  However one flat area is available that makes for an excellent option with a lot of adjustment:  the deck.  Pedestal systems are rugged and can be made in any height.  Just measure from the deck to the top edge of the gunnel and add 1/4 inch to get a perfect fit.

These pedestal systems mounted onto the deck of these boats is a great way to conveniently position the downrod for easy use while at the same time preventing the need to drill extra holes in the top finished edges of the boat.

Plan sufficient span of the baseplate to get the cup over the edge of the rub rail outside the boat.

• 12 inch baseplates:  4 inch span across gunnel.  Typical for narrow gunnel widths (Typically an Aluminum bass boat has a 4 inch width at the gunnel)
• 15 inch baseplates:  7 inch span across gunnel.  Typical for Ranger Z series, Bass Cats, Skeeters, and other equivalent boats.
• 18 inch baseplates:  Used when an inside gunnel to outside rub rail distance is greater than 8 inches.

This is a great option for all types of bass boats.  Skeeter, Ranger, Bass Cat, Vexus, Nitro, Champion, Lowe, Lund, as well as all other bass boats.

Baseplates sit atop the upper pedestal plate using one of two mounting methods.

1. Thumbscrews:  a couple of nylon thumbscrews that act as a quick removal as well as a strain relief should the downrod hit something while deployed.
2. Magnetic Switches:  dual 150lb holding strength magnetic switches hold the baseplate to the pedestal

All Standard baseplate systems include a plastic coated stainless steel tether to hold the baseplate to the boat.  Should the downrod hit something in the water and cause the baseplate to break away from the mounting, the baseplate will follow the downrod overboard and into the lake.  If you do not wish to dive for your baseplate, the cable is the best means to hold the baseplate to the boat.