Wang Anchor Install...Way too Easy

I am always the last kid on the block to get the new toys. Weather it be a phone, video game system, computers, cameras, televisions-you get the idea. Well, this applies to fishing equipment also.

I finally caught up with the ever growing pack, and got my hands on a Wang Anchor system for my center console bay boat. I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Having used the system before, I already knew what it could do, but had I bought one sooner, my back would have thanked me.

The system consists of a stake out pole and mount. It’s that simple. With the system purchase, you receive instructions for installation and the stainless steel screws to mount the bracket to your boat. A bow mount and transom mount system is available; stake out pole length varies from six to ten feet. I went with the 10 footer, as I can also use it as a push pole. Why not?

Installation is a breeze. With the bow or transom mount system costing less than two hundred and fifty dollars; no installation fee will need to be tacked on to that. Like I said, installation is simple, so this makes the Wang a very economical, yet effective addition to just about any vessel.

This write up is not to review the product, as most out there know what it can do- the system and functionality are pretty self explanatory. My write up is to show how easy it is to install. In case some are intimidated to install one, after seeing this, you shouldn’t be.

This is all you need for a complete install:

Yes, this is it. The Wang Anchor system, a drill with a 7/32nd drill bit, marker, screwdriver, level, and some 5200 marine sealant.

Now that you have all your gear ready for install, it’s time to get started. Before install, you need to take into consideration if the system will come in contact with the wake from your motor creating a bad spray, and also make sure it is not too close to trim tabs or other components on the back of the boat. Keeping the system level, as well as high as possible towards the top of the transom is a pretty good idea too. About a 1/4 inch from the rub rail is where I mounted mine. Another thing to take into consideration, is when mounting the bracket, the area chosen should be fairly thick. Some parts of a boat transom can be thinner than others. Many boat manufacturers keep certain parts of the transom thicker than others, partly to save weight in addition to cost. Just make sure to have a good bit of thickness for the screws to get a good bite. If your install area is very thin and you still wish to install it there, just use through bolts (stainless) and washers. Either way a simple task.

Let's get started. First, find a suitable place to mount your bracket:

I chose this area, clean and free of clutter. The swim platform is on the opposite side.

Next, place the bracket level, in the desired spot, and use the marker to mark a hole for drilling:

The level bracket becomes your template for error free drilling.

Drill into the fiberglass to start the mounting process:

BE CAREFUL when drilling. Wear saftey glasses and press firmly while drilling to get a good bite, not allowing the bit to slip.

After the first hole is drilled, mount the bracket to the hole and HAND tighten the screw, keeping the bracket fairly tight, but still allowing room for movement:

The screw wont go in easy, but you don't want it to. Don't use power tools, fiberglass strips easily.

Next, level the loosely mounted bracket and use your marker to mark the remaining holes:

After marking your holes, remove the bracket and drill the rest. With the bracket used previously as your drilling template, you should have no issues with bracket alignment:

Now you are ready to mount the bracket, the job is almost done! Use 5200 marine grade sealant to coat a portion of the screw threads as well as around the bolt holes on the bracket. CAUTION: Use this stuff in moderation. It is PERMANENT, I have heard horror stories of guys trying to remove components with this adhered to it:

Use sparingly, like you heard in grade school from the teacher, "a little dab will do ya". The bracket would probably be fine without the 5200, but a little extra protection dosen't hurt.

Next, thread in each coated screw by hand and ensure a good fit:

Tighten the bracket up by hand and you have completed the job.You will have to put a little elbow grease into install of the screws without power tools, but it’s not that hard:

The final turns on the screws can be a pain.

OK, your done. Insert the stake out pole and check it out. The install is so easy, I would be surprised if it took longer than an hour, unless space issues or other factors get in the way. My install area was free of clutter and clean, which helped out greatly.

Go put it to use!