You can use 30 amp (recommended) but if you use your power source for your prawn puller they like 40 amp or more. I always use a 40 amp fuse.
Downrigger getting tired?
- Thread starter Lewy
- Start date
fish brain
Crew Member
When I adjust mine I hang the cannon ball on the rigger in the driveway and adjust the nut so when I pull on the cannon ball with about 20 lbs pressure the spool turns. Kind of like setting the tension on your reel. This will help if you ever hang up on something as the line will spool out and not snap off your ball
I believe the factory setting for a new Scotty is around 40 pounds but I always set mine lighter too for the same reason as FB.
Let us know how you make out. Good luck fishing.
tinboatrobb
Well-Known Member
Can't hurt to take it to Scotty and have them tune it up. Sometimes it only takes 30 mins.
sly_karma
Crew Member
Maybe the Brutus puller needs 40 amps, but the Scotty trap puller install guide says to use 30. After all, it's the same housing and motor used in the 2106 riggers. I've blown a 30A fuse just once using the trap puller, and that was my fault. In general use with two 24 x 24 traps, it's been solid with 30 amps. Not a good idea to exceed manufacturer specs on circuit breakers or fuses.
Lewy
Active Member
Well it looks like I need to get it sorted, worked ok most of the day but gave up at the end - had to crank up the 15lb ball by hand. Fishing wasn't bad though, thought I'd hooked a seal but turned out to be a 22-1/2lb spring LOL
Lewy
Active Member
Thanks but that's all ok, stbd rigger didn't work on port side either.
Circuit breakers on downriggers trip before the fuses so there’s an early warning sign if too much juice is being used. Yes I run the Brutus with the bigger US motor so it needs more power. I actually have 50 amp installed in one of my boats as it’s a heavy boat and sometimes the gear pulls harder than I like it too.
tinboatrobb
Well-Known Member
They are the best at customer service.
searun
Well-Known Member
My riggers get a lot of use each season. In the off-season I replace all the heavy use parts, changing the roller, brakes, springs etc. Clean up all the plates, and inspect the motors and electrical relays. Occasionally find that water can get into the internal component area past the seal - so good to check that each season, clean the seal and put her back together. Lately been getting warping to the spool, probably related to increasing line capacity to 400 feet of braid, so I might try the after-market aluminum spools this coming season. Anyone have experience with them willing to share reports on how they stood up for you? Are they worth the $ investment?
+1 to circuit breaker and/or relay. I've had the same problem twice in past few years and replacing both was the cure. Best to just replace both at the same time since you're going to take motor out to replace either part, and the parts are cheap/free at scotty parts counter. Takes about 30 minutes, biggest challenge is stuffing everything back into place -- a bit of a puzzle due to tight space. Totally a DIY job.
ship happens
Crew Member
We get warped and cracked spools all the time. At least once or twice a year I'm replacing spools. Long time ago when we only fished 15lb balls, I would occasionally see a busted spool after getting snagged up or maybe just from long term abuse. I've just noticed that once we went to 20lb balls the spools don't even last one season for us. Like you, I've considered the aluminum spools. Expensive though. I've been also considering wrapping the spool with rubber first, or somthing to allow a little cushion for the line on the spool. Tough to spend almost a grand for aluminum spools without exploring other options when spare scotty spools are relatively easy to get and inexpensive
Maybe a guy wpuld have to phone them or ask some questions. Eveytime I've looked, it says out of stock
Bodhran Drum | Njord Gear
Buy Njord solid aluminum and Anodized drum, a direct replacement to your existing drum with no extra tools or hardware required.
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searun
Well-Known Member
I'm now running 18's as standard equip, in concert with 400 feet of braid - never really occurred to me that increasing the ball by few pounds could make that much difference - but on reflection you make a good point. Thinking its time to invest to avoid the headaches of changing spools mid-season. Hoping they work as good as advertised.
Rain City
Crew Member
Next cracked spool and I'm doing this.there ready to go for u nowgot a pair for my new pair of 2106s also
I started using a few wraps of duct tape around the spool and it seems to help.We get warped and cracked spools all the time. At least once or twice a year I'm replacing spools. Long time ago when we only fished 15lb balls, I would occasionally see a busted spool after getting snagged up or maybe just from long term abuse. I've just noticed that once we went to 20lb balls the spools don't even last one season for us. Like you, I've considered the aluminum spools. Expensive though. I've been also considering wrapping the spool with rubber first, or somthing to allow a little cushion for the line on the spool. Tough to spend almost a grand for aluminum spools without exploring other options when spare scotty spools are relatively easy to get and inexpensive
Maybe a guy wpuld have to phone them or ask some questions. Eveytime I've looked, it says out of stock
Bodhran Drum | Njord Gear
Buy Njord solid aluminum and Anodized drum, a direct replacement to your existing drum with no extra tools or hardware required.
