Jump to content

Problem with Otter Boards

Jager

Jager
in Tackle and Techniques

 Share

Recommended Posts

Jager

Jager

Posted
Posted

Hi Guys, need some help with setting my lines on my Otter boards. Tried several different releases but all seem very sluggish getting them to slide easily down the tow line. The line reels and pulleys (Big Jon Manuals) are mounted on the top of my cockpit frame on my 21’ Walkaround and My Otters All have double keels and the angle of the board’s attachment line is tied per the recommended 9” font and 14” rear angle. I must be missing something.

Any advice is greatly appreciated !

Thanks-Mike

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Valinote

Valinote

Posted
Posted

I hose off the tow lines with silicone spray every month or so to facilitate the releases sliding down. Instead of dacron, some people use 200lb mono for tow lines which is more slippery. It also has the added benefit of acting as a shock absorber too. Raising the pulleys higher would be the more difficult but obvious option. Tight lines...8-]

 

-Steve D

  • Like 1
Legacy

Legacy

Posted
Posted
5 hours ago, mrk61 said:

 

Hi Guys, need some help with setting my lines on my Otter boards. Tried several different releases but all seem very sluggish getting them to slide easily down the tow line. The line reels and pulleys (Big Jon Manuals) are mounted on the top of my cockpit frame on my 21’ Walkaround and My Otters All have double keels and the angle of the board’s attachment line is tied per the recommended 9” font and 14” rear angle. I must be missing something.

Any advice is greatly appreciated !

Thanks-Mike

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

 

 

What are you using for your tow line?

Legacy

Legacy

Posted
Posted


I’m using the stock line that came with the Big Jon reel. Orange line, I believe it’s 150lb Dacron.


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app
There's the issue. Dacron sucks. Make the switch to braid and you will never look back. I'm using 200# power pro. It doesn't stretch, it doesn't sag, it doesn't absorb water, and releases slide with ease.

Sent from my XT1585 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

  • Like 1
Gill-T

Gill-T

Posted
Posted
15 hours ago, Legacy said:

There's the issue. Dacron sucks. Make the switch to braid and you will never look back. I'm using 200# power pro. It doesn't stretch, it doesn't sag, it doesn't absorb water, and releases slide with ease.

Sent from my XT1585 using Lake Ontario United mobile app
 

 

Rob, do you have a source for power pro tow line?  

  • 4 weeks later...
Jager

Jager

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Update since last post, switched the line to Amish Outfiters 500# Test Spectra two line and made a slight adjustment to the harness angle on the boards and problems solved! Clips slide nicely down the line now!
Thanks again for the advice! [emoji2]

Mike


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

  • Like 1
UNREEL

UNREEL

Posted
Posted

FYI. Keep a pair of leather gloves on board in case you snag something on one of the Otters and you have to hand over hand it back in. Happened to us last week after snagging a stick/branch.   :swear:

  • Like 1
Gill-T

Gill-T

Posted
Posted

Pull it towards you about 4 strips and let the towline go. The dead stopped board will usually shed the branch. 

UNREEL

UNREEL

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, Gill-T said:

Pull it towards you about 4 strips and let the towline go. The dead stopped board will usually shed the branch. 

Usually being the key word there.  ;-)

tangledline

tangledline

Posted
Posted
On 4/20/2019 at 4:04 PM, Legacy said:

There's the issue. Dacron sucks. Make the switch to braid and you will never look back. I'm using 200# power pro. It doesn't stretch, it doesn't sag, it doesn't absorb water, and releases slide with ease.

Sent from my XT1585 using Lake Ontario United mobile app
 

are you using the regular Power Pro or the downrigger? Color?

Houndog

Houndog

Posted
Posted

I just set up a pair of otter boards and found the 9 by 14 rope length to have a tendency to pull more towards the boat.When we were done for the day we tried some different lengths.We found that on my set up 10 by 13 pulled away from the boat and ran much better.Mine were already modified according to Big Jons specs for pulling copper with the extra keel.I will be putting braid on real soon.

Jager

Jager

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I recently added the second keel and also added aluminum strapping to all the stress points to keep the hardware from pulling out of the foam material. So far, I’ve pulled 300 Coppers with them and they performed great! I use the small orange speed clips from Amish Outfitters and made a loop with 5 or 6 twists and snapped the braid on. Clips slide down the 500# Test Amish Spectra toe line very Nicely!
Mike

PS-Shout Out to Rich Nau from Praying Mantis Charters for recommending the Amish tow line! [emoji2]


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Silver Fox

Silver Fox

Posted
Posted

I love the Amish 500#.

Update since last post, switched the line to Amish Outfiters 500# Test Spectra two line and made a slight adjustment to the harness angle on the boards and problems solved! Clips slide nicely down the line now!
Thanks again for the advice! [emoji2]

Mike


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app


Silverfoxcharters.net

Gill-T

Gill-T

Posted
Posted

Yes, the 500 lb Spectra gives me the piece of mind that if my board marries to another, I will win the tug of war hehe. 

  • Like 1

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...