RoachDad Posted August 7, 2013 Posted August 7, 2013 Snapped my pull rope this week. I was shocked to see all the options available when I started looking around. Any suggestions? I don't mind a steel cable but I'm not going to pay 40 bucks. thanks Quote
kyduck Posted August 7, 2013 Posted August 7, 2013 I would contact the company first. If they don't give you a good option then maybe look at the aftermarket ones. Quote
(='_'=) Posted August 7, 2013 Posted August 7, 2013 right now im using climbing accessory cord like this one http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Sterling-Rope-Prepackaged-Accessory-Cord_10097146_10208_10000001_-1_ i already had it laying around, so it was free. but if theres a local climbing gym or shop, you can purchase a foot for cents, around here i can get the 5 mm for about $1 USD per yard, and you shouldnt need more than 2 yards.... so far it has not broken in 2 years, however, when it does breaks, as i think it will, im thkinking about trying to put some steel cable, like the one used for bike brakes. it can be had fr very cheap as well, and i think it may do the job... just an idea as i have not tried it yet... Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted August 7, 2013 Super User Posted August 7, 2013 The rope breaks because it chaffs on some component through which it is threaded. In the case of Motor Guide, I've had the ropes break in less than a year. Upon examination, I found that the last part of the mechanism through which the rope passed had some rough edges. It was the bushing that swivels. It's the first part you come to as you follow the rope from the pull handle to the trolling motor. I smoothed out the rough edges with a fine round file, then applied some silicone (Armor All can be sprayed on the line at this area) to reduce friction, and the problem disappeared. In a pinch, you can remove the cord, join the two pieces with a fisherman's knot, and swap the ends. You'll end up with a shorter cable by a few inches, but it will work just fine. When you remove the rope, pay attention to how it is tied and threaded . Quote
BKeith Posted August 7, 2013 Posted August 7, 2013 A good lawnmower pull cord work the best of anything I've used. Most any lawnmower repair shop should have it in bulk. I usually buy about 25 feet to keep it in reserve. You can probably find it a Lowe's or Home Depot, but they are usually going to be the most expensive because it usually comes in a shrink pack. I prefer the fully braided that's actually kinda stiff, I don't like the stuff made like 550 cord. Quote
PotomacBassin Posted August 7, 2013 Posted August 7, 2013 Happened to me about a month ago. It happens to everyone. Go to your hardware store and buy $5 clothesline cable. It has a vinyl coating over steal braided cable. It won't break for a couple years (if ever). Going with any type of cord is bound to break again in the near future. Quote
livetofish28 Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 I just replaced the cord on mine and am using 550 paracord and really like it 2 Quote
martintheduck Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 I just replaced the cord on mine and am using 550 paracord and really like it I make duck call lanyards out of 550, so when my motor rope snapped, I braided up one with 550 that matches my boat. It's super solid. Used cobra knots. The rope breaks because it chaffs on some component through which it is threaded. In the case of Motor Guide, I've had the ropes break in less than a year. That might be the case for you, but mine snapped in the middle, where it doesn't touch anything. Quote
SDoolittle Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 I put a G-Force handle on my trolling motor this year, and I couldn't be happier with it. Quote
Koofy Smacker Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 the problem with any old steel cable is how you attach it on the motor end. I bought the G-Force cable and have been more than pleased. My handle did break but they sent me an updated stronger handle and its been great. Well worth the 30 bucks Quote
Super User Fishing Rhino Posted August 8, 2013 Super User Posted August 8, 2013 I make duck call lanyards out of 550, so when my motor rope snapped, I braided up one with 550 that matches my boat. It's super solid. Used cobra knots. That might be the case for you, but mine snapped in the middle, where it doesn't touch anything. That is really odd. It has to be weakened by something. The tensile strength of 1/4" double braid polyester is 2400 pounds. Nylon is even stronger. http://www.gpjrope.com/double-braid.pdf I believe the cord on trolling motors is slightly less than 1/4 inch in diameter, so its tensile strength would be somewhat less than 2400 pounds. I can only go by my experience. I've had two Motorguides, and it has happened to both of them within the first year. Quote
Super User Sam Posted August 8, 2013 Super User Posted August 8, 2013 Funny you posted this topic now. I just ordered and expect it to arrive tomorrow (Friday) a Viking Marine Ripcord Trolling Motor Cable for $26. My Motor Guide is over 10-years old and I am still using the original pull cord. I also had two pneumatic lifts installed on the trolling motor which makes lifting and lowering the unit very easy. I am getting the new cord as I like to get into pads, weeds and grass and the motor collects these plants making the motor heavy even with the lifts. Quote
PotomacBassin Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Just looked at the viking marine ripcord. I didn't see this on the website I sometimes shop at when mine broke a little bit ago. I might have dropped the money on this one if I saw it at that time. The clothesline is working fine for now and looks to be similiar to this viking cord. If it happens again, I'll probably get this. Does it work with your factory handle? It looks like it does. Regardless, I think everyone should keep a spare 4 ft section of cheap clothesline on the boat. That and a pair of needlenose pliers is all you need to fix a broken cord. Takes about 10 mins. to fix. Quote
RoachDad Posted August 8, 2013 Author Posted August 8, 2013 I put a G-Force handle on my trolling motor this year, and I couldn't be happier with it. That is kind of expensive, right? I saw a couple pre-packaged steel cables but they were high. Quote
RoachDad Posted August 8, 2013 Author Posted August 8, 2013 Has anyone tried this from BPS? http://www.basspro.com/Trolling-Motor-Rope-Replacement-Cable/product/381264472/ Quote
bigbasshunter Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Ultra violet does a number on poly and nylon. I dipped my pull cord in hot bees wax to help with abrasions and extend the longevity. I use a hybrid nylon/poly cord from west marine, 2 years and going. Quote
martintheduck Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 That is really odd. It has to be weakened by something. The tensile strength of 1/4" double braid polyester is 2400 pounds. Nylon is even stronger. http://www.gpjrope.com/double-braid.pdf I believe the cord on trolling motors is slightly less than 1/4 inch in diameter, so its tensile strength would be somewhat less than 2400 pounds. I can only go by my experience. I've had two Motorguides, and it has happened to both of them within the first year. That's so bizarre... maybe mine rotted? Crazy! Quote
SDoolittle Posted August 9, 2013 Posted August 9, 2013 That is kind of expensive, right? I saw a couple pre-packaged steel cables but they were high. TW has them for $30. I bought the G-Force and a Troll Perfect after seeing them at the Classic. Adding those two accesories is like having a whole new trolling motor. Quote
RoachDad Posted August 9, 2013 Author Posted August 9, 2013 TW has them for $30. I bought the G-Force and a Troll Perfect after seeing them at the Classic. Adding those two accesories is like having a whole new trolling motor. Thanks. That is a lot but not terrible. I ordered the one from BPS but it is on backorder. Quote
PotomacBassin Posted August 9, 2013 Posted August 9, 2013 I think $30 is the cheapest you're going to find. Again, coated steel cabled clothesline was your cheapest and quickest option. Quote
Super User Teal Posted August 9, 2013 Super User Posted August 9, 2013 Steel cable from the shop at work. Never had a problem with it. 1 Quote
RoachDad Posted August 21, 2013 Author Posted August 21, 2013 I installed the G-force. looks good. Took at least 10 minutes to install. hope to try it out this weekend. I am glad to have it but it kills me to pay that kind of money for 5 dollars worth of parts. 1 Quote
RyneB Posted August 22, 2013 Posted August 22, 2013 I had this same problem. Before a big fishing trip down south, I decided to purchase a G Force. I was extremely happy with it the first 2 days. On the 3rd day, the washer that holds the cable into the TM, broke. I figured I was SOL, since I didn't have an extra washer. I ran to the ramp. Took the boat out of the water, took the TM apart and just tied a knot in the cable. Its worked great ever since. It just sucks I had to waste over an hour of my trip. But my first stop after heading back out, I caught the biggest bass of the trip, a 6.5 lber on a swimbait. 1 Quote
indianabasshunter Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 the problem with any old steel cable is how you attach it on the motor end. I bought the G-Force cable and have been more than pleased. My handle did break but they sent me an updated stronger handle and its been great. Well worth the 30 bucks Have you had any problems with the replacement handle? Quote
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