Problem with my Scotty 1080 manual downrigger

[The Quadfather]

Last weekend I was out in the boat using the Scotty 1080 manual riggers. I was only moving about 1.70 mph, but I wrapped the ball up on a stump in Spada lake.
I couldn't believe how hard it wrenched the rigger and the boat....
Now my rigger seems to be acting like the brake mechanism is sort of "Part way" engaged. The manual brake release will move from release position to brake position... but the DR line is difficult to pull out. Obviously it should free fall.

Can anybody help with this? I was hoping to use it in the am.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

you have cable pulled into the wound up cable on the spool.

One way to get it out might be to have someone one pull on it as another person keeps the free spool pulled back.

[The Quadfather]

you have cable pulled into the wound up cable on the spool.

One way to get it out might be to have someone one pull on it as another person keeps the free spool pulled back.

If what you mean is that I have loose cable wrapped around the neck (underneath the wind up spool...?) this is not the case. I have taken the whole thing apart. The cable (200lb braid) is all neatly on the spool. One of the retailers at Ted's Sportcenter said to take apart the whole thing very carefully, and then turn the brake shoes over.
I did this, put it back together, and still is very slow on the freespool. I have to go back out there and tinker with it, I got pulled away.

Edit: Well, it's back together and better, but still very slow. I think I will take it out tomorrow and lower and raise a few ball over are large depth distance Maybe just running through the motions will loosen things up.

[Jerry H]

I'm with zen leecher aka Bill W. I hooked mine up once (I use wire line) it pulled so hard that it pulled the over lying wire down into the wire on the spool. Had to pull about half of the cable out to get past where it had gotten pulled into and would run free. Same thing happens sometimes on a bait casting reel when the line is not tight on the spool and then you get a snag and pull hard to get it free. The line is pulled into the line on the spool and will not cast well until you get past it. Pull the line off until it runs free put it back on tight and I think you will be good to go. Good luck.

[The Quadfather]

Oh.... I follow you now. Ya, that happens on a bait caster from time to time. OK, I'll pull it out by hand on the water tomorrow. Thanks for clarifying that.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Quad, how did pulling the cable out work for you? Was that the problem?

[The Quadfather]

Quad, how did pulling the cable out work for you? Was that the problem?

No, that wasn't the problem. It is the whole turning wheel that the cable (braid in this case) is wound up on. The line comes off fine, but the whole spool is very slow turning in either direction. I took it apart and put it back together, flipped the brake shoes, etc. I'll prob. due it again,now that I have cleaned up my garage. I am afraid of loosing pieces.

[Bodofish]

Take them to John's in Everett. He's the authorized service center. If the fix isn't free it will be cheap.

[Jerry H]

Sorry pulling the line off didn't work. I guess I lucked out with mine. Does the spool run true or have a woble in it? Just a second thought a bent shaft the spool turns on. Good luck.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

lifetime warranty on Scotty downriggers. John's place is an authorized repair place. You might check the Scotty webpage as there may be one between where you live and work. Outdoor Emporium MAY be one.

[Bodofish]

lifetime warranty on Scotty downriggers. John's place is an authorized repair place. You might check the Scotty webpage as there may be one between where you live and work. Outdoor Emporium MAY be one.

Johns does the repair in house. Last time I asked about any repairs, the OE guys said they don't do any repair in house anymore.

[The Quadfather]

Thanks for the tip guys. I have been wanting to check out the John's shop for real repair also. It looks like my time has come.

[Jerry H]

I've sent two reels to John's for repair. Had quick turn around and quality work!! I have also ordered parts, it was late in the day the mail had already been picked up. He delivered them to the post office on his way home so that they would not be delayed I received them the next day. Great service!!!!