Male/female plug replacement on electric downrigger

[Tireless]

I have a set of Scotty electric downriggers and the plugs need to be replaced.* Do I have to use a Scotty replacement plug or can I use a higher quality trolling motor locking plug setup?* If yes to the later, does anybody have a recommendation on a better plug system that I should*buy?* Thanks in advance.

[Capt Ahab]

Just a 2 wire + - setup. Any 16 ga or bigger wire setup of your liking will do. They draw max 12a with 20# wt, 7a with a 10#.

[Tireless]

Thanks Capt Ahab.

[Somethin-Fishey]

If you want to spend the "Big bucks" get the Hubbell 125V 30A 3 prong setup locking pluf. Wire the bent prong with - and either of the other prongs with +, you can buy the waterproof screw on covers for them also so the will not deteroriate on you over time. These are the same plugs found on large boats for shore power.

The cheaper but almost as good way is to get the "Telephone" style 2 prong jacks, most have a rubber boot to install when your not using them to keep water out. Be careful, most have no polarity so you can install the plug backwards.

[Tireless]

Thank William ....I will look into the Hubbell system.......I assume these are the same guys that messed up the spacelab project. Seriously, I do like the idea of the locking plugs, something that my current rig doesn't do.

[Mumblerone]

ww.waytekwire.com Take a look at this page. http://order.waytekwire.com/IMAGES/M37/catalog/217_011

[Tireless]

Thanks mumblerone ....... I knew you guys would come up with some good suggestions.

[Tyee 2]

David,
Before you give up on those Scotty plugs try this.
Turn your battery power off to the plug, use a screwdriver to close up the two pos stainless tangs in the middle of the female outlet. clean up the brass male end with emery paper/ sandpaper, then lift the 5 or 6 (cant remember) brass neg tangs around the plug a little with your screwdriver.
Just did this to mine the other day and they work great now .

Cheers... Tyee.

[Tireless]

Thanks Tyee ....... I cleaned both of the male plugs but not the female receivers. When both units are clean and the tangs are lifted slightly, do you get a really secure connection?

[Tyee 2]

Yes... And remember to close up the two pos tangs in the center of the female socket.

Sounds kinky don't it

[Tireless]

I have never talked about tangs this much without mentioning the word poon at some point ...... like just then ..... Thanks to everybody for your suggestions.