How to Put New Cables on Walker Downriggers
Walker manufactures manual and electric fishing downriggers. The downrigger cables are subject to wear and will fray after several seasons of use. Replacing the cable is a simple and common project. Walker provides replacement spools. Aftermarket cables and braided downrigger lines are also widely available. Replacing the cable requires removing the old cable, attaching the new cable and spooling the new cable. The process is simple but requires two people and a full hour of time.
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Instructions
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Park the boat on a quiet street without any obstacles for several hundred yards. Hold the end of the cable and pull with light tension.
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Have a friend crank the handle or push the electric release button to let out cable. Walk down the street, pulling the cable off the spool. Stop when you reach the end of the cable.
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Roll the wire into a tight loop pattern for storage or disposal. Cut the wire off the downrigger spool with a pair of wire cutters.
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Feed the end of the new wire through the downrigger arm and around the pulley on the end of the arm. Wrap the wire around the spool and hold the end of the wire against the main section of wire to form a tight loop.
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Slide a crimp over the overlapped loop connection and pinch the crimp to secure the wire on the downrigger spool.
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Place the shaft of a screwdriver through the center hole on the temporary new wire spool. Apply pressure to the sides of the spool to add tension while your friend cranks the handle to retrieve the wire. Stop when you reach the end clip for the downrigger ball. The new wire is now installed on the spool.
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Tips & Warnings
Not all replacement wires come with a pre-attached ball clip. Be prepared to purchase and crimp a new clip on the new wire.
Wear gloves while working with split sections of wire. The wire contains sharp edges that will cut your hands.
References
Resources
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