Islander 191V planer board mast instal

[Dipsey]

I'm debating whether or not to install a mast on the bow of the boat. I would keep the reels on the arch. My planer reels and pulleys are on the arch now and the tow lines are a little too close the rods. I hate drilling holes in the boat but if I do I'd like to do it once and not regret it. Has anyone with a similar boss done this? 

[rolmops]

I used planer boards on my 191. And I did not put the mast on the bow, mostly because it is very hard to get to, when something goes wrong.

Instead, I put up 2 masts on. One on each side exactly where the top of the front window hits the roof. The masts were anchored on the side with wooden boards under the aluminum to disperse the pulling power over a larger area. The only thing on the masts were the pulleys the rest was farther back and within easy reach

 

[Dipsey]

Thank you Rollmops. That's an excellent idea. Tough to get to the bow of those Islanders.

[rolmops]

There is an additional thing to think about. Because the Islanders lay high in the water , you will find that they get pushed around by the wind way more than the heavier fiber glass boats.

This causes  slack hanging lines. So there still is a chance of the line catching a dipsy diver rod and pulling it out. Always use a safety lanyard on those rods so you don't loose them. ( I know that because it happened to me).

[Dipsey]

Thanks again Rollmops. I learned that lesson the hard way out of Fairhaven not long after I purchased the boat. I can laugh about it now but it wasn't funny when it happened! I'm looking at some Cisco single masts with pulleys. Debating 24" vs 36" height. Leaning towards 36". Do you remember what height your mats were?

[jollyroger]

the higher the better, the higher they are, the better the releases slide down into position.

[Dipsey]

You Thank you jollyroger. I'll plan on that.

[rolmops]

7 hours ago, Dipsey said:

Thanks again Rollmops. I learned that lesson the hard way out of Fairhaven not long after I purchased the boat. I can laugh about it now but it wasn't funny when it happened! I'm looking at some Cisco single masts with pulleys. Debating 24" vs 36" height. Leaning towards 36". Do you remember what height your mats were?

I don't really remember, but what I do remember is that I made them in such a way that I could very easily remove them from the boat 24 or 36, when the boat sits on the trailer it gets hard to cover the boat.. 

Also, if you choose to go high , you may consider a side support from the top of the roof.

Aluminum tubing bought at a metal store is a lot cheaper and does the same as Cisco it just is not as shiny. It will give you any choice of height and you wont feel bad if you decide to cut them down a bit. You can buy big Jon pulleys online. The way I had mine, was one pulley at the bottom of the mast and one on the top. That way there is less tension on the top of the mast.

Edited April 25 by rolmops

[Dipsey]

Great idea. Thanks again.