Trotline Winder / Corroded Cable Help

Jim Bright · June 06, 2024, 11:57:41 AM

All stainless trotline winder with 4 AWG cables. Heat shrink plus electrical tape on the cable lugs, but from where the lugs attach to the winder motor back about 6 inches there is corrosion inside the cables--cables are swelled up. How can I prevent this corrosion in the future? Is this a common issue for anyone else?

reds · June 06, 2024, 03:06:11 PM

Quote from: Jim Bright on June 06, 2024, 11:57:41 AM
All stainless trotline winder with 4 AWG cables. Heat shrink plus electrical tape on the cable lugs, but from where the lugs attach to the winder motor back about 6 inches there is corrosion inside the cables--cables are swelled up. How can I prevent this corrosion in the future? Is this a common issue for anyone else?

4 AWG cables are a little light. Change to 2 awg and add another battery to your rig if you don't already have 2. Hook the winder up to a battery by itself. You can get away with 2 awg welding cables instead of the higher price marine battery cables.

Jim Bright · June 06, 2024, 05:01:19 PM

Appreciate the advice. 3/4 hp motor 20:1 gearbox. I've been running it from the same battery as the motor.

Mr. Ray III · June 06, 2024, 05:27:47 PM

Some guys fill their connectors with hot glue instead of heat shrink. Never tried it personally, though. I meant to, but at the time was always too lazy to find the glue gun.

reds · June 07, 2024, 10:51:47 AM

Quote from: Jim Bright on June 06, 2024, 05:01:19 PM
Appreciate the advice. 3/4 hp motor 20:1 gearbox. I've been running it from the same battery as the motor.

I looked up the specs on 3/4 motor. 4 wire is supposed to be alright. The caveat is the length of the run of wire to the battery.

Your motor draws around 60 amps near the battery. Battery will supply less the further away.

Try new cables first. Welding cable will work.

Jim Bright · June 07, 2024, 11:04:26 AM

I'm gonna go with 2awg like you suggested. I ordered a new switch as well. What switch do you all use?

Jim Bright · June 07, 2024, 11:08:06 AM

Photo of the switch

jack1747 · June 07, 2024, 11:08:28 AM

Is it possible to mount the lug to the motor oriented so the wire is up? Keeping water from wicking into the cable... $:-\$

Jim Bright · June 07, 2024, 11:12:18 AM

Best shot I have of the wires. They're definitely exposed.

jack1747 · June 07, 2024, 11:27:40 AM

After replacing the wires I would coat the terminals/wire ends with this....

Jim Bright · June 07, 2024, 11:50:43 AM

I have a can of that in my shop and for some reason I didn't use it. I will this time.

Jim Bright · June 07, 2024, 11:54:11 AM

Wires run 10 feet. I have the negative wire straight to the battery from the winder. The positive from the winder to the switch, and the positive from the battery to the switch.

Mr. Ray III · June 07, 2024, 06:01:13 PM

Quote from: jack1747 on June 07, 2024, 11:27:40 AM
After replacing the wires I would coat the terminals/wire ends with this....

I have an eternal grudge with that stuff, a can spilled in the cupholder of my old truck...

reds · June 07, 2024, 06:10:24 PM

Quote from: Jim Bright on June 07, 2024, 11:08:06 AM
Photo of the switch

Just make sure the switch is rated for about 80 amps. Better to be over then right on 60 amps.

I had all my wire, switches and batteries larger then needed for my winder. Never had a problem on any of my boats.

jack1747 · June 07, 2024, 06:20:56 PM

Quote from: Mr. Ray III on June 07, 2024, 06:01:13 PM
I have an eternal grudge with that stuff, a can spilled in the cupholder of my old truck...

Your not supposed to drink it...

Jim Bright · June 07, 2024, 06:31:11 PM

Quote from: Mr. Ray III on June 07, 2024, 06:01:13 PM
I have an eternal grudge with that stuff, a can spilled in the cupholder of my old truck...

Ha...you gotta screw the lid on it.

Crabslayer · June 11, 2024, 10:27:32 AM

My winder never has issues. I use the Hand over Hand model. Hasn't failed me in over 60 years of service.

partime59 · June 11, 2024, 03:14:09 PM

Quote from: Crabslayer on June 11, 2024, 10:27:32 AM
My winder never has issues. I use the Hand over Hand model. Hasn't failed me in over 60 years of service.

the amish crabber

double E · June 24, 2024, 06:53:33 AM

One thing I started doing is when I strip my wires rather 2awg or 20awg I put dielectric grease on exposed wire then crimp and heat shrink. Seems to help a lot.

Jim Bright · June 24, 2024, 07:19:13 AM

Ended up being the 3/4 hp motor. All fixed up now. Used 2awg cables, heat shrink, and then coated it with the liquid electric tape, and finally sprayed all the connections with Fluid Film.

Lucky for me my 17 year old son was with me when the winder went out so he got a lesson in pulling the line in by hand.

Slow crabbing for me lately and I've been on the Choptank.