My '78 CCP does not have the removable gunwale caps. It is all one piece cap with the teak screwed to it so I can't give any advice there. My downrigger bases are mounted a couple of inches forward of the stern light. If you have any access under the cap, just mount as big of a backing plate as you can and go for it. It's not THAT much load unless you snag a ball on something. On the Key West 1900 I had I just used the rodholder bases. I had no complaints with them. I worried that they could bounce out so I just made a leash using 200# mono and crimps and looped the leash on a cleat when they were on the boat. I still use the leash with the permanent bases. A couple of years ago I was fishing with a friend out of Stuart, FL and sometime during the run out we lost a downrigger. I guess he forgot to tighten the big bolt.Rick,I have outriggers pretty much like Gone Fisson if you want to come by and see them some time. My bases are mounted on the t-top but it will be the same principle. The bases were already there and I got everything else on sale at either West or BoatUS. I see them on sale a couple of times a year.