Plugs for Downriggers

[Paulywood]

I want to run the cords for my riggers through the rear of my boat to the batteries. But I need a plug that can be installed through the wall. What are you guys using? I have heard of using trolling motor plugs and outdoor rated receptacles but I was looking for something smaller that I can hide a little better. Big Jon said the Pro Tournaments pull 8 amps at start up and5-6 amps after that. Thanks.

[N II Deep]

Nick,

on my cannons I have a short two prong pig tail. you can find them at autozone

[pulpfishin]

yup, what he said. They work great. We bought a couple extras and cut the wires off one end and siliconed them shut. We put them on when the riggers are unplugged so that the contacts don't get wet and corroded.

[anthonyyost]

You can probably get cables and plugs right from Big Jon, they would possibly make to your specs.

[Rascal Trophy Fishing]

I use the same connection as Jon too. I installed a perko battery switch inside the transom area, and ran my cables from riggers to that, under the rigger mount on top, then siliconed. I Don't recommend boring holes in the rear of the transom, let's too much water/condensation in for rot later on. Running to terminal blocks saves the bilge from looking like a wiring factory with wires all over the place too.

[Paulywood]

I'm not running them through the transom, my batteries sit between the back of the boat and the transom, right next to where I have the riggers mounted on the corners. Right now I run the cable through the access cover, but I want to mount some plugs on the back. I talked to Big Jon and they didn't really have a recommendation. They just run the supplied cords through with a grommet. I'll take some pictures to explain it better.

[plumkrazy]

nick i will get you a couple of pic on a friends boat cause i think it is what you are looking for

[eastcoasttransplant]

I use the Marinco 12 volt trolling motor plugs. They seem to work fine for me and are flush mounted into the walls on both the starboard and port sides.

You can see the picture above and the downrigger plug is on the top right corner.

[Paulywood]

Here is the top of the transom. The hatch is where the battery is. There is a space between the transom and the "back" of the boat where the batteries, battery switch, charger and washdown pump are.

[eastcoasttransplant]

The Marinco Plug would be fine and has a cap on it to prevent water in the plug when not in use. I don't find it all that big and being flush mounted it's certainly not obtrusive.

If you wire them yourself, not too hard, they aren't that expensive either.

[Paulywood]

I was thinking about using these, although the trolling motor plugs would work also:

http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/gallery/files/8/5/281352.jpg' alt='281352.jpg'>

[killerbe20]

I like the trolling motor plugs cause the have a twist lock

[eastcoasttransplant]

I think either will work, whatever your fancy, but i like the locking feature of the trolling motor plugs as well and they will match your washdown pump.

The only think I'll say witht the Marinco plugs is put some thread lock on the actual outlet threads before fully tightening down the lock nut. The dealer did not do so with mine and they started to spin. I re-did them with the thread lock and they are great.

Good luck in whichever you choose.

[KJ pluggin]

Cannon has one on there site and I am pretty sure Scotty has them as well.

[Smells Like...Fish!]

I use "Anderson Style" plugs. Search on Ebay, they are pretty reasonable. They don't hold water and if you fill the connectors with solder you can just dunk the leads of your cable into the solder and once it sets up you are ready to go (no crimps that hold water and corrode).

http://www.andersonpower.com/products/multipole-sb.html

[79Dyne]

Nick,

I used a plug that is very similar, but ss instead of plastic. In mine the plug has a collar which threads on to the receptical, this had been very secure and without problems. If that plug has a collar I would say your good to go.

[Paulywood]

Are these the plugs you are talking about Justin?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100454&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10109&subdeptNum=10611&classNum=10615

I originally bought these but they are only rated for 3 amps.

[DangerDan]

I've been using these connectors for the past 5 years now. I've only had to replace one of the four that I purchased originally. They offer a flush fit and water tight connection with a cover that keeps the plug dry when not in use. I wired these plugs to fit through the gunnel and plug in at each rigger.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=112199&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10109&subdeptNum=10611&classNum=10615

Doh!!! I see you've found them already.....

I was thinking about using these, although the trolling motor plugs would work also:

http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/gallery/files/8/5/281352.jpg' alt='281352.jpg'>