I am in the process of buying a new boat and am looking for some info on all the downrigger choices out there.

I have had Penn's on the old boat and may sell those with it. What are your recommendations for brands and models of new downriggers?

I have two penn 600's and have never had a problem with them. One of them is 16 years old the other is about 10 years old.

Scotty's without a doubt. For the money I really don't think you can do better. I have Big Jon Captains pac myself but fish with Dangerous Dave and Rick68 and they both have the Scotty Electrics and when I need new ones they will no doubt be Scotty's. You can get them at Tyee Marine for a great price too. tyeemarine.com.

I have 1 Penn electric and 1 Scotty electric and would definatly go with the Scotty. These riggers were on the boat when I bought it and the Scotty is faster and much easier to use.

Scotty's!!! I bought 7 of them in Canada from Berry's Bait & Tackle for $265.00/ea. delivered (#1100 electric) about 3 years ago. I just checked though and the price has really gone up in Canada?! Great 'riggers with great service if ever needed!

Just a note, check out Outdoor Emporium in Seattle, they usually have pretty good prices on their downriggers.

Thanks to all, it looks like Scottys are the winners!

Without a doubt it would be the Scotty's. I have tried the Penn and the Canon and would never give up my Scotty's!!

Scotty's have a faster retrieve rate, use less amperage, have fewer moving parts, and include a lifetime warranty. When I was selling sporting goods, we would sell Scotty's 3:1 over Cannon and 10:1 over Penn. I also never had one return. I would guess that most, if not every Cannon electric I sold came back but that was in the mid-nineties. Maybe they are better now.
But there is no question in my opinion.
Good Luck

JTD has hit it on the head. Additionally, nothing come close to the warranty and service- nothing!

I easily fish 100-days a year on the salt and of the two small problems I have had- fixed- no questions asked...

Go with the Scotty electrics. This is money well spent for the boat.

I'm just a manual guy, but have had Scotty's for years, good gear.

Have had my Cannon Mag 10's for over year and wouldn't change them for any other. Bought them refurbished from Jerry's Surplus in Everett for $350. Full warrenty still applies. Really like the retrive when the ball stops before coming out of the water. Plus like the postive ion control feature. Scotties / Cannons I think you'll be happy which ever you decide on. I probably would have gotton Scotties due to they are usually cheaper in price than Cannons, but couldn't pass up the price on the Mag 10's.

Erndog