Long long ago my dad had a boat and we ended up with one of his old downriggers. I got an older 89 270 Amberjack and would like to use this downrigger this year since it works. I will need a base for it but other than that it seems like its in good condition. However I was messing with it and its been so long and I was young. There are two knobs on the side of it. Any idea what they are used for? I am guessing the one at the back is some sort of clutch but I cant seem to get it to let loose of the reel. I don't
Old Cannon Magnum 10 downrigger
- Thread starter DavePant
- Start date
GypsmJim
Well-Known Member
- Aug 8, 2018
- 1,173
- Boat Info
- '19 SPX 190 OB, 150 & 5 Mercs
'17 Whaler 150 Montauk
'15 Yamaha FXHO
'60 Mulray Dinghy
'52 Lyman 15'
- Engines
- Mercury 150 4-stroke
72 Outboards representing 12 manufacturers
Cannon is still in business. Their owner's manuals are online, even for older models.
The one next to the spool is the manual release clutch. Obviously, it needs servicing if it doesn't work. You'll need to look at the other one to see what it's connected to.
The one next to the spool is the manual release clutch. Obviously, it needs servicing if it doesn't work. You'll need to look at the other one to see what it's connected to.
Thank you Jim for the response. I looked online for a manual but did not find it I will look again. I goofed around with it and figured out that the knob in the rear actually pulls out. When it is pulled out it disengages the gears to the motor. I think the motor must have a worm gear in it and this just disengages it so you can spin the spool freely. The front knob must be what engages the brake like you said. I do not think this actually has any type of clutch that will save me if I got caught on something but I will look into it some more.
GypsmJim
Well-Known Member
- Aug 8, 2018
- 1,173
- Boat Info
- '19 SPX 190 OB, 150 & 5 Mercs
'17 Whaler 150 Montauk
'15 Yamaha FXHO
'60 Mulray Dinghy
'52 Lyman 15'
- Engines
- Mercury 150 4-stroke
72 Outboards representing 12 manufacturers
The "clutch" merely enables you to release the line manually, without having to power the cable out.
Yeah I think its more of a brake than a clutch. I am thinking this downrigger does not have a "drag" type of system on it like a fishing reel does to prevent it from being ripped off the side of the boat when it gets caught on something.
- Apr 26, 2009
- 5,807
- Boat Info
- '97 330 Sundancer, Raymarine C80 suite with radar, Mercury 310 Hypalon w/8hp Yammie 2stk
- Engines
- 2X 454 carbs w/ vDrives
Honestly, I would just get a more modern, used good downrigger. If you buy it used, when or if you tire of it, you can sell it for what you paid for it. In the meantime, you will have something that works properly. I am a big fan of the Scotty electrics. Two things that old one does not have, that I would not go without: 1) a clutch system to prevent damage and loss of gear from snagging bottom with the weights, and 2) auto stop on retrieve.
Yeah I would like to get a new one but there is no way I can afford that right now. I have had to put everything I have into this boat just to be able to use it properly and a downrigger is not even close to a must have at this point. I already have a working downrigger and even though it is not the best I think since it works fine it is better than none at all.
- Apr 26, 2009
- 5,807
- Boat Info
- '97 330 Sundancer, Raymarine C80 suite with radar, Mercury 310 Hypalon w/8hp Yammie 2stk
- Engines
- 2X 454 carbs w/ vDrives
I hear you, you need to have priorities on what you spend on. And a downrigger that works is better than none at all. The cost of owning a boat is also hard to justify as a must have (but we all find ways to do that!). Just make sure you don't cut corners on safety related items and repairs.
