Planer Masts and Boards

Have been doing a lot of research lately (internet/old threads) on planer masts and boards that I can run off my Ranger.  I want the flexibility of running my mast out of the front pedestal mount instead of mounting the mast to the boat.  I have narrowed my options down to Big Jon and Riviera Trolling masts.  Any else using these masts with the front pedestal mount?  Any suggestions between the two masts?
 
Other than making homemade boards, I have been looking at the Aurora Lites for boards.  Reviews seem to be great but I don’t think I need that much of a board.  What other boards does everyone have success with on Erie pulling 3 lines of divers/LC per side? 

Looking at the aurora lites, that's about how much board you need if you're running 3 dipsey divers off of 1 board. That's alot of pull! I have home made jobbers from my dad though. They work well.

Wouldn't running LC or dipseys off inline boards create a lot of drag to the board?  Still keep the lines spread?

I would typically run 5-7 colors LC or a size 1 dipsey.  Sounds like the Church TX22 should be able to pull that.  Do you use the double action flag systems with yours or to much pull for those?  Ever have any problems with the clips coming lose?
 
I have Offshore boards now and they struggle to pull either without lagging behind.

+1 on what freshwaterdrummr says.

If you do the revieria mast stay away from the "automatic spools" do a manual hand crank retrieve or electric. I put the big john electrics on the revieria mast. Good combo.


In the summer i run alot off dipsys right off ths side of the boat and 1 or 2 lc (4 or 6) colors off the church walleye boards. Totally doable and its a great program.

No need at all to run dipsys off planer boards. Dipsys are a directional diver... jet divers yes off boards.

I got away from big boards and just run offshore boards for cranks and harnesses for fish above 35'. Once they get below that divers at that depth pull too hard. Its dipsy time for me and a few board rods with the harder pulling church walleye boards with a few lc and cranks. I stack the dipsys and just throw out a few board rods to enhance the spread.

Big boards can be a pain. Learning how to be versatile with inline boards will maximum your fishing, breaking down and running times..

I run a big board program from my smaller boat.  I have a Stratos 386XF (19Ft) boat.
I also use the 7 Ft Riveria retractable mast, with the pedistool mounted base.  I run the Amish Outiftters Azek (white composite) boards.
 
Speaking from experience, this set-up pulls extremely hard.  It is especially noticeable in my smaller boat.  Though once both boards are deployed and locked in, the boat is relatively stable.
I've run up to (4) weighted lines a side, and have run up to (3) 50 Jets a side-And never noticed any significant lag in the running line.
If you do go this route, I would recommend the heavy duty board snubbers as well.  It prob wouldn't be a bad idea as drummer suggested too-that you would want to reinforce your mast.
This  set-up does put a ton of stress on the mast and base.  
 
Hope that helps.