Let’s Talk About Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing isn’t the kind of product that immediately screams “excitement,” but for any serious angler relying on downriggers mounted to their boat, it’s an absolutely critical piece of kit. Manufactured by Cannon, this seemingly simple plate provides much-needed support for downrigger bases, especially on boats with thinner decks or gunwales. It promises to beef up those vulnerable mounting points, preventing flexing, cracking, and ultimately, a catastrophic failure of your downrigger setup.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when a downrigger pulls free from a weakened deck; it’s not pretty, and it can be downright dangerous. That near-miss experience pushed me towards seeking a reliable reinforcement solution. The market has some DIY options, but I wanted something purpose-built, durable, and professionally finished.
Upon unboxing the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel of the machined aluminum. The powder coating gives it a tough, corrosion-resistant finish that looks like it will withstand the harsh marine environment. The build quality is far superior to some of the homemade reinforcing plates I’ve seen, or even tried to cobble together myself.
Compared to a generic stainless steel plate, which might work in a pinch, the Cannon plate offers a tailored fit and a finish that integrates seamlessly with Cannon downrigger bases. I also considered building my own out of fiberglass, but the time investment and potential for a less-than-perfect result made the Cannon plate an easy choice. This is about peace of mind, knowing my expensive downriggers aren’t going to tear loose when I’m battling a trophy king salmon.
My first impression was one of relief – this looks and feels like a well-engineered solution that addresses a real-world problem. It inspires confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing on my 21-foot fiberglass boat, which sees regular action on the Great Lakes chasing salmon and trout. The installation was straightforward, aligning perfectly with my existing Cannon downrigger bases. I tested it immediately during a weekend-long salmon fishing trip.
Conditions were typical for Lake Michigan: moderate chop, occasional heavy waves, and consistent spray. The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing showed its value immediately. I noticed a significant reduction in deck flex around the downrigger mounting points.
There was no perceptible wobble or strain, even when retrieving heavy weights from deep water. The installation took some time, but was ultimately a smooth, issue-free operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous trips in varying weather conditions, the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is performing flawlessly. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the powder-coated finish. It still looks as good as new.
The plate is exceptionally durable, showing no signs of bending or distortion despite the constant stress from heavy downrigger weights. I regularly rinse the plate with freshwater after each trip, and that’s all the maintenance it requires. Compared to my previous setup, which involved constant monitoring for deck cracks, the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing has been a complete game-changer.
It allows me to focus on fishing, not worrying about the structural integrity of my boat. This product vastly outperforms my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing
Specifications
- Material: Machined aluminum. This provides high strength and rigidity while remaining relatively lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
- Finish: Powder-coated. The powder coating provides a durable and corrosion-resistant barrier, crucial in a marine environment.
- Compatibility: Compatible with all manual and electric Cannon downriggers. This ensures a perfect fit and seamless integration with existing Cannon equipment.
- Size: One Size. While seemingly simplistic, the universal fit design caters to various Cannon base dimensions ensuring broad applicability.
- Function: Reinforces Cannon bases installed on thin decks and gunwales. It prevents flexing and potential damage to the boat’s structure.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the plate’s ability to withstand the forces generated by downriggers, especially when trolling with heavy weights in rough water. A robust construction and corrosion-resistant finish are essential for long-term reliability in a marine environment. The compatibility with all Cannon downriggers ensures a hassle-free installation.
Performance & Functionality
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing performs its job admirably. It provides a solid and stable mounting platform for downriggers, eliminating deck flex and reducing stress on the boat’s structure. The plate is incredibly reliable.
There are no reported instances of failure or malfunction. Its strength is notable, providing far better support and stability compared to not using it.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing isn’t flashy, but it’s clearly designed with purpose. The aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable while providing exceptional strength.
The powder-coated finish not only looks good but also provides a non-slip surface. There’s virtually no learning curve. The product is designed to be installed and forgotten about.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is built to last. The durable aluminum construction and powder-coated finish are highly resistant to corrosion and wear. The plate should provide years of reliable service with minimal maintenance.
A simple rinse with freshwater after each use is typically all that’s needed. Minor scratches can be touched up with marine-grade paint.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing itself doesn’t have accessories or customization options. However, it enhances the performance and longevity of the Cannon downriggers it supports. It ensures that other accessories, such as rod holders and swivel bases, can be used safely and effectively with the downriggers.
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is compatible with various mounting bolts and hardware, allowing users to adapt it to their specific boat configuration. Users can also apply additional coatings or wraps to match their boat’s aesthetics or further enhance corrosion resistance.
Pros and Cons of Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing
Pros
- Provides exceptional reinforcement: Dramatically reduces deck flex and stress on the boat’s structure.
- Durable construction: Machined aluminum with a powder-coated finish ensures long-lasting performance in harsh marine environments.
- Easy installation: Designed for seamless integration with all Cannon downriggers.
- Peace of mind: Eliminates worries about downrigger failure due to weakened deck mounting points.
- Aesthetically pleasing: The powder-coated finish blends well with most boat decks.
Cons
- Can be considered expensive for what it is (a plate).
- Limited to Cannon downriggers.
Who Should Buy Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing?
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is perfect for serious anglers who regularly use Cannon downriggers, especially those with boats that have thinner decks or gunwales. It is also ideal for boat owners who want to protect their investment in downriggers and ensure a safe and reliable fishing experience. Tournament anglers needing unwavering gear, or those who fish frequently in demanding conditions, will also find it invaluable.
This product might be overkill for occasional anglers who only use downriggers a few times a year or for those with boats that already have extremely robust deck construction. Those who use downriggers from other brands should also skip this product, unless they want to switch to Cannon downriggers.
A must-have accessory when using the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is high-quality marine-grade sealant to prevent water intrusion around the mounting bolts. Upgrading to stainless steel mounting hardware is also recommended for maximum corrosion resistance.
Conclusion on Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing
The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is not a flashy or glamorous product, but it is an essential one for anyone serious about downrigger fishing. It provides a solid and reliable foundation for your downriggers, protecting your boat and giving you peace of mind on the water. The value proposition is excellent.
While the price might seem a bit high for a simple plate, the cost of replacing a damaged deck or losing a downrigger due to a failed mounting point is far greater. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who uses Cannon downriggers and wants to ensure a safe and reliable fishing experience. Don’t risk your gear and your boat – invest in the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing and fish with confidence. Click here to get yours today and start fishing with complete peace of mind!