Electric Downriggers - a question

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject: Electric Downriggers - a question

Being an old aircraft electrician, I already know the answer to this, but I am hoping someone with great knowledge, experience and luck will say "no, don't sweat it".

Here's the deal. I mounted and wired in the Cannon downriggers today, and they actually work, no smoke yet... As I was finishing up with the wire ties, getting things a little organized, I noticed a sticker on the quick disconnect that strongly advised adding an inline 30 amp fuse (which I did not do, as I did not see this), and that the circuit breaker on downrigger was not sufficient protection. Apparently, the units are hot anytime they are connected, and the battery switch is on.

I sure hate to have to pull things apart in order to add the fuses.... Whadaya think???

Steve

mrw90 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 10:07 pm Post subject:

Well, it would seem pretty simple to install the fuses, and definately worth while, as electric downriggers are expensive.

The additional option that you may consider is to install an additional switch in order to be able to turn the current off when not in use.

Chivita · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 12:22 am Post subject:

Steve,

My experience is that now that you know about it, you'll worry about it every time you use or think about it. Stuff usually tends to fail at the wrong time and rarely when you just got home and are putting stuff away for the season. My vote is for adding the fuses now and then just worrying about finding the big ones!