Walker Downriggers

[Bduck]

Ryno, I like my Walkers. I started with the Tournament Series that had just the short 2' arms with autostop. I upgraded the same riggers to the auto weight retrieval system with autostop which required a longer boom to 4'. With the rigger sitting at a low profile on the gunnel, weight retrieval will swing the weight in at the boat. While this is viewed as a con, it is fixable by either installing a 6" stantion which is under the downrigger (recommended) or I found a way by adjusting the autostop where the weight slows down just before its full up travel rest. The up/down switch is simple with a center neutral position. When you push up its moving, when you push down its moving too and the weight splashes in the water,there is no slow speed. It is not a spring loaded switch to put you back in the neutral position when you release it. The lag time Dave mentioned is only with that one DR. The switch is getting a little tired. The other DR is performing well and does not have lag time. I have the lifetime warranty with these riggers which requires me to send them in for certain maintenance. The switch will be replaced eventually but as long as it keeps functioning and I start noticing a drastic change is when it will go in for repair and hopefully not during the fishing season. I'm on my 8th year now with these DR's. Big Jon, Cannon, & Walker are the top 3 direct gear drive downrigger systems that are competing with each other. Scotty on the other hand is not in this class uses a belt system which I'm not sold on but have seen them perform well. How often is the belt recommended for replacement or those who use it wait for it to fail? This is my opinion only. Storing a spare belt may not see usage for a while going thru a dry rot condition yet you would want to have that spare. We all spend good top dollar amounts no matter what DR we get. But like any mechanical or electrical item, something will require maintenance later on. I'm more of a believer in preventative maintenance. But SHT happens.

 

[downriggeral]

I've had Scotty for years (same set) on two different boats. I checked the belts recently and they are not weather checked and don't show any signs of wear. I with you and PM is GOOD. I keep a spare belt....just in case. They can be manually cranked up if needed. Always smooth and predictable along with a lifetime warranty and low profile to boot; what's not to like? Oh, by the way, the belts are made of the same material the timing belts in Honda etc are and they run 90,000 miles at high speeds. That material does not rot.

So it's probably like arguing Ford/Chevy trucks.....I drive a Ram with a Cummins thumbsup Bottom line ; use what you like and go get them Kokes - Alan

 

[Bduck]

So it's probably like arguing Ford/Chevy trucks.....I drive a Ram with a Cummins thumbsup Bottom line ; use what you like and go get them Kokes - Alan

This is so true. Its what one see's in the equipment and learning their functions. Then it comes down to the final "how is this going to look on my boat?" Like putting a little bling on the truck. BTW, I'll keep my SuperDuty with the 7.3L motor. 101ok101

 

[Ryno]

Thanks a bunch for all the input on Walker specifically Bduck!

 

[Bduck]

One other quick note to add about Walker DR, an all metal constructed swivel base mount comes with the DR. I haven't seen any other options for mounts. This is one of the better mounts I have seen.

http://www.walkerdownriggers.com/

Walker ServiceCenter
2530 Harold Dr
Allegan, Michigan
269-673-7442 Talk to Neil Wilson

Walker Dr's are Canadian built.

 

[TrollNFisher]

ryno I put them on and loved then best 30 bucks I've spent in a while,my friend did the same to his also the new rollers are also better quality and roller much smoother.

I hate to hijack the forum, Ryno where did you order the new cannon swivel heads from?

Thanks TNF

 

[SuperD]

I hate to hijack the forum, Ryno where did you order the new cannon swivel heads from?

Thanks TNF

go to the website www.fish307.com they have a good selection of cannon parts.

 

[TrollNFisher]

go to the website www.fish307.com they have a good selection of cannon parts.

SuperD Thank you, I'll check it out.

 

[Bduck]

UPDATE for Walkers

I'm back in the hunt to add 2 more riggers on my boat. I've decided that I would stay with Walkers. As I found out currently Walkers were originally made in the US. In 1994 the company sold out to a Canadian company which they have been there since until this year. A sports company(Bert's Custom Tackle, Walled Lake, Michigan) based in Michigan purchased Walker. Now its back in the states. The US service center which is still in survival confirmed this. Noticed that Cabelas is more expanded in selling Walkers and parts as confirmed. Bass Pro shops are starting to carry a line of Walkers too. Until the US base company gets more up into sales, Cabelas & Bass Pro shops will be the prime suppliers for Walkers and some parts. The limited lifetime warranties will still be in effect and purchase of new Walkers will still carry the warranty upon proper registration.

 

[Ryno]

Well, I took your advice and bought the ball snubbers. I've used them twice and so far I'm impressed. They soften the jarring when the ball stops (up or down) considerably! Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[dragonfly]

glad to see the snubber helped. some times the simplest solution is the best dfly