bodegacowboy
2014-01-18 02:22:30
O.K., So I guess you could have worse problems, but looking for some input from the experts! Warning, I'm on my third cocktail, so don't focus on spelling!!! O.K., so I fished all last season (my first) with Kolstrand 3 spool gurdies out of Bodega Bay (If I have to do it again, I'm gonna wear em to the bottom of the ocean). I recently found a set of Simplex in Alaska, purchased them and had em shipped here (Thanks Steve), well while I was waiting a set of Easthopes came up on Craigslist in Oregon, fortunately the guy met me half way and I bought em in Eureka. I really like the feel of the Easthopes and they are in remarkably nice condition. Looking into it, I don't think parts are available for the Easthopes for future. Now, the Simplex, Nice condition, loaded with fairly new wire. I'm going to take them to Stan West (rebuilds gurdies west coast Ca), this week for evaluation (Simplex is his favorite). I think parts are readily available for these.
I'm going to build an aluminum hayrack (which is a whole another issue) and mount a set. ??????????? Leaning towards the Easthopes.....any suggestions?
Capt. Midnite
2014-01-18 16:13:16
You don't want those old Easthopes, Terrible gurdys, take Mr. Wests advice and keep the Simplex gurdys ( which are what are on the Shooting Star) and then you can sell the Easthopes to me, I have a couple of sets of Kolstrands out in my shop that you could use for parts, and you would be set for life.
F/V Shooting Star
Ft. Bragg Ca.
Salty
2014-01-18 18:44:58
There are hand gurdies, then there are power gurdies, then there are Easthope Gurdies. In my family we have fished everything from Pacific King to Kolstrand to Simplex. I would say simplex are fine gurdies. But if you have a choice of two comparable sets I would recommend the East Hopes.
carojae
2014-01-19 05:30:08
Old Salty quote: "there are gurdys, and then there are Easthopes". I agree.
curmudgeon
2014-01-20 05:55:42
I also have Easthopes. I agree with the Salty quote above. Smooth and consistent and trouble-free.
Parts are not a problem, cause unless they're totally worn out, they never need parts. And I dunno about what worn out really is, because in my observation I've never seen any become disfunctional and need overhaul. Anybody else?
Only thing I've needed to do in the last couple seasons was to put new O-rings in the hydraulic valves and use the food-grade grease on all the zirks every few weeks during the season. The brake clutches will tell you when the gurdies need more grease as they will start chattering when letting down when dry. And these are 1979 vintage.
Salty
2014-01-20 19:34:31
You are the first troller I have heard that also uses food grade grease on all deck grease fittings.
Salty
2014-01-20 19:38:24
I did wear a set out. 25 years of trolling and dingle barring about 200 days a year. Need to be rebuilt. Still working when I took em off though. Stainless pins started to go, one shaft was bent. Springs started to wear out. Hard use.
curmudgeon
2014-01-20 20:10:16
Murray's has that grease right on the rack by the grease-guns. Seems to work just fine and i like it better cause it's clear and doesn't make a mess when it inevitably gets on other equipment. Now I need to clean the tar-pit disaster out of my shaft ally too and start using that clear grease there as well on the center bearing and packing.
My Easthopes do have a little shaft wear, but nothing that affects the performance. I thought one of the clutches was a bit loose (on the third drum that we also use to retrieve the stabilizer-vanes) because it would slip unless i slowed down to dead-idle. So i tried to adjust it and then it wouldn't release enough for a good neutral, so i put it right back where it was and smiled.
Could use some new red and green handle knobs if anyone has a source! :-)
bodegacowboy
2014-01-21 01:55:56
Thanks guys, Easthopes it is! Can't wait to put them to use. Oh, found a guy in Oregon that knows all about them and makes spare parts if anyone needs something. He even makes the replacement cones out of Delron.
Mike
Salty
2014-01-21 06:00:23
For years I had to go get food grade grease from the processors because the fuel docks, Murray, etc. did not carry it and I was one of a very few asking for it. After years of whining it is now available in Sitka at Murray's and Petro Marine. All of use trollers should be using it on all above deck grease fittings.
latitudes
2014-01-25 21:17:20
We were actually able to get food grade grease from our fish buyer. I think they liked the idea that we cared.