Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing

When you’re out on the water, relying on your downriggers to bring in the big catch, the last thing you want is equipment failure. I ran into this exact situation a few seasons ago with my older Cannon downriggers mounted on a boat with a somewhat thin deck. The constant stress from retrieving heavy weights, combined with the rocking of the waves, started to show signs of strain around the base mounts. It was a nagging worry, and I knew I needed a solution before something gave way. After a bit of digging, I found the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing, a seemingly simple but crucial piece of hardware. My initial impression was one of sturdy practicality; it’s a solid chunk of machined aluminum, feeling robust and ready to take on the job. I briefly considered fabricating something myself or using generic metal plates, but the specialized design and the promise of corrosion resistance from Cannon swayed me towards their dedicated solution. The prospect of adding this layer of security brought an immediate sense of relief, knowing that my downrigger setup would be much more secure.

Real-World Testing: Putting Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing were, naturally, out on my fishing boat. I specifically chose to install it where I had noticed the slight flex and stress on thinner sections of the deck. The installation itself was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a bit of careful alignment. I immediately noticed how the plate distributed the load when I deployed and retrieved my downrigger weights, which varied in size from 5 lbs to 15 lbs. During a particularly choppy day, with waves constantly jarring the boat, the deck plate performed admirably. It absorbed a good portion of the shock, and the area around the downrigger mount felt significantly more solid. There were no surprises or quirks; it simply did its job, providing a stable foundation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several seasons of regular use, the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing has held up exceptionally well. It’s seen countless deployments and retrievals in both calm lake waters and more challenging coastal conditions. Despite constant exposure to saltwater spray, sun, and the occasional splash of fish blood, the powder-coated finish shows no signs of significant wear or corrosion. The machined aluminum construction remains intact, with no cracks or signs of fatigue, even under heavy loads. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip is all it takes to keep it clean and protected. Compared to my previous setup, which relied solely on the downrigger’s base plate directly on the deck, this reinforcing plate has undoubtedly extended the life and reliability of my mounting points. It has outperformed expectations for a component that is often overlooked.

Breaking Down the Features of Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing

Specifications

The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is a testament to functional engineering, designed to provide critical support where it’s needed most. It’s crafted from machined aluminum construction, a material choice that offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and natural corrosion resistance. This core material is then enhanced with a powder coated finish, specifically chosen to further combat the harsh marine environment and prevent rust or degradation from saltwater exposure. The product comes in a one size fits all design, intended to accommodate various Cannon downrigger base installations. Its primary purpose is to reinforce mounting areas that might be situated on thin decks and gunwales, preventing stress fractures or deformation over time.

These specifications are crucial for the product’s effectiveness. The machined aluminum ensures it won’t warp or bend under the significant forces exerted by downrigger weights, especially during retrieval or when fighting a strong fish. The powder coated finish is not just for aesthetics; it’s a vital layer of defense against the relentless assault of salt, UV rays, and moisture that boats endure. By reinforcing thin decks and gunwales, this plate effectively spreads the load over a larger area. This prevents the concentrated stress that could otherwise damage the boat’s hull structure, ultimately contributing to the longevity and safety of your entire downrigger setup.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing excels. Its primary job is to strengthen the mounting surface for your Cannon downriggers, and it performs this task with impressive efficacy. When attached, it significantly reduces flex and vibration transmitted through the deck. This improved stability not only protects your boat’s structure but also leads to a more consistent and reliable downrigger operation. The reduction in deck flex means the downrigger unit itself is held more rigidly, which can subtly improve retrieval smoothness and reduce unnecessary movement.

Its main strength lies in its ability to provide that extra layer of structural integrity. It meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, especially when installed on vessels with less robust deck materials or older structures. If there’s a weakness, it’s that its effectiveness is entirely dependent on proper installation; it cannot compensate for severely compromised underlying deck material. However, when used as intended to bolster already sound but potentially thin areas, its performance is excellent.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is pure utilitarian function. The machined aluminum construction gives it a solid, premium feel, devoid of the flimsy plastics or stamped metals sometimes found in marine accessories. Its powder coated finish provides a clean, professional look that blends well with most boat hardware and offers a smooth, non-abrasive surface. While it doesn’t have complex ergonomic features in the traditional sense, its flat, broad profile is designed to sit flush and integrate seamlessly with the base of Cannon downriggers.

The lack of intricate parts means there’s virtually no learning curve. It’s a passive component that works by providing a stable platform. The simple, robust design is its greatest ergonomic asset, ensuring it fits its purpose without complication. There are no protrusions to snag on, no delicate mechanisms to worry about.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction, the Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is built for longevity in demanding marine conditions. It’s designed to be a heavy-duty component, intended to withstand years of vibration, shock, and environmental exposure. For a piece of equipment like this, which is essentially a structural reinforcement, its lifespan under normal use should be measured in decades, not years. The machined aluminum is inherently resistant to fatigue, and the powder coated finish adds a significant protective layer.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A regular rinse with fresh water after saltwater use is sufficient to remove salt crystals and grime. It doesn’t require lubricants or complex cleaning agents. The only potential concern would be if the mounting hardware (screws, bolts) used to attach it to the deck were to corrode, but the plate itself is highly resilient. It’s designed to be a set-and-forget addition that enhances the reliability of your downrigger system.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is a singular component, primarily serving its reinforcing function. It doesn’t typically come with additional accessories, as its utility is self-contained. Customization options are also limited; its design is fixed to serve a specific purpose. However, its compatibility lies in its ability to integrate with Cannon downrigger mounting systems. While there are no specific add-ons for the plate itself, ensuring you use high-quality, marine-grade stainless steel mounting hardware (screws, bolts, nuts) is a crucial complementary step. This ensures the entire mounting assembly, including the plate, remains secure and corrosion-resistant.

Pros and Cons of Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing

Who Should Buy Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing?

This reinforcing plate is an absolute must-have for any boater using Cannon downriggers on vessels with thin or potentially less robust deck structures. If you own an older boat, a smaller craft, or any vessel where the deck material feels a bit flexible around the downrigger mounts, this is for you. It’s also a wise addition for anyone who frequently fishes in rougher waters or uses heavier downrigger weights, as it provides essential reinforcement against repeated stress. Lab technicians working with sensitive equipment that requires stable mounting on delicate surfaces might also find similar reinforcing plates useful, though this specific model is marine-focused.

However, if you have a very heavy-duty, thick deck with substantial structural support already in place, or if you own a downrigger from a different manufacturer, this particular Cannon product might be overkill or incompatible. For those looking to outfit a new, high-performance fishing rig with exceptionally thick composite decks, its necessity might be lower, but it never hurts to add extra security. For users of other brands, investigating their specific reinforcing options would be advisable.

Conclusion on Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing

The Cannon Deck Plate, Reinforcing is a specialized accessory that delivers precisely what it promises: enhanced structural integrity for your Cannon downrigger mounts. Its machined aluminum construction and powder coated finish speak to its durability and suitability for the harsh marine environment. While the price point might seem a bit steep for a single plate, the peace of mind and the protection it offers against potential deck damage make it a worthwhile investment for the right user. I would absolutely recommend this to any boater using Cannon downriggers on boats with thinner decks, especially if they frequently encounter rough conditions. It’s a component that, once installed, you’ll likely forget is there, precisely because it performs its vital role so effectively and reliably, keeping your downriggers securely anchored season after season.