AS SEEN IN THE NOV/DEC 2005 ISSUE

easier than tying a knot in a match box.

As a professional fishing guide, my trolling motor goes over the bow of my 2200 Pathfinder thousands of times per year. In the water, out of the water, in the water, out of the water, you get the picture. Your trolling motor probably goes through the same abuse.

After about a year or so I began to notice wear and tear on the pull-cord that releases and raises the motor when in use. My immediate thoughts went toward figuring out a way to strengthen the cord before it completely parted, leaving me with a trolling motor stuck in the water or on the deck. This was one of those little nuisances I knew would give way just as I was about to leave a fishing hole or as I was approaching a flat and needed the trolling motor in the water. The minor repair needed to be taken care of now!

I went so far as to order a new pull-cord and handle so I would be ready when the time came to replace it. In the process of locating a dealer where I could purchase the new cord, I crossed paths with an ol’ salt that evidentially makes a living fixin’ just such stuff. I ask him what procedure he thought I should use to replace the damaged cord. There isn’t enough space in this article to list the lengthy steps he suggested, including a pair of 2x4s to relieve the tension, heavy duty metal punches to pop out the pins, surgeon’s scissors to cut knots in small spaces, etc. etc. He did say that if I didn’t get the new cord on in a day or two, I could call him back and he would be more than happy to help me with additional suggestions. Beyond that, what I remember most about the conversation was his final remark. “Don’t worry,” he said, “If you can tie a knot in a match box you won’t have any trouble at all.”  

After my conversation with Mr. Fixitall, my thoughts turned to postponing the chore as long as possible. I analyzed the situation again and realized the pull-cord was only wearing where it actually made contact with the edge of the trolling motor mount. I decided the best solution would be to altogether skip the complicated new install and simply reinforce the pull-cord in that particular area.

I visited a local marine supply store and stumbled upon the correct diameter cable cover, primarily designed for use on sailboat rigging. I figured the 3/16 cable cover would fit snuggly over the pull-cord and would serve as an ideal barrier against chaffing in the area where the wear-and-tear was taking place. The real beauty of the cable cover was that it was already pre-split to allow for easy installation without having to remove a single part. You can pry the cable cover apart with a small screwdriver to get it started over the trolling motor’s pull-cord. Once in position, hold the pull-cord tight and push the cable cover completely on to complete the installation. The pull-cord will naturally follow the split and end up inside the protective cover. It’s that simple. Not only have you covered up the unsightly fray, you’ve extended the life of your pull cord by adding a level of protection against normal wear that occurs when lifting and lowering the trolling motor. This simple fix will add thousands of pulls to your cord, and if the cable cover ever wears you know how easy it is to simply replace it before the pull-cord parts.

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If you’re big on preventive maintenance, don’t wait for your pull-cord to fray. Install the protective cable cover today and you’ll never have to tie a knot in a match box! Good fishin’, Capt. Ron.

Captain Ron Presley is U.S. Coast Guard licensed and insured professional guide fishing Florida’s beautiful Space Coast. He can be reached by visiting, www.InshoreFishingAdventures.com.

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