Downrigger fuse size

[beckoning]

What size fuses for my 2 BigJon electric and 2 old Walker electric downriggers? I no longer have the instruction manuals. Both companies are out of business. Elsewhere, I read 20-30amp. That seems very large. OPINIONS from your experience, please.

 

[mike_i]

Can you determine the gauge of the wire?

 

[Horigan]

Downriggers pull a lot of load. My Scotty's have 10AWG wire, but I run 40A fuses to prevent the periodic fuse blow with a heavy pot. My fuses are in the engine bay and hard to get to quickly, especially when the spot prawns are swimming out of your stationary pot while you change the fuse.

 

[beckoning]

Mike, the original wires are 14-16 gauge, maybe 12 at best. My weights are 9-10lb, but I have pulled up a ton of weeds, so that may be in the 20lb range, but on rare occasion.

Horigan's reply is helpful. 20-30amp seemed over the top, but if others use 20+, I will too. I just don't want to put through more juice to the rigger than it's designed for.