Penn Surfmaster 200 repair or rebuild with reel overview and tips

You will learn how to repair or rebuild the Penn SurfMaster 200 in this video. The techniques also apply to the SurfMaster 150 and 250, which have difference dimensions but the same internal mechanics. I have been repairing reels for over 20 years and I am sharing my experience here. If you like the video, please click "Like". Click "subscribe" if you would like to see others as I post frequently and cover all types of reels

[@Mahigeer1]

Usually I disassemble the reels than look on KZbin to see how others do it. I am glad to first check here. the "cup hand" tip was is very useful. Could not see the flat spring positioning too well, But now I know what to watch out for. Thank You for your time to record. All the best.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to help. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@Mahigeer1]

@@2ndChanceTackle I missed the purpose of the slight turn of the plate. Had a hell of time removing the front plate. I even went from the back. I took the guts out, no deal. Soaked it with penetrating oil. No good. socket and hammer was useless too. By shear persistence and luck, I turned the plate and came it did.

[@Mahigeer1]

One more question if you do nit mind. How does one lube the reel using the several spots having a ball and spring indicating lube here?

[@mikemcelveen2973]

Your video on the 14/ 0 senator helped me rework my pop in laws 12/0 . Thanks for your videos!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you for viewing - Dennis

[@brianfmueller]

Thanks. My dad has one from the early 60's and needed service. This helped out a lot!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad this helped. This was one of my dad's favorite reels as well. He called it the poor man's squidded as the size and use is the same, but without the ball bearings. Thanks for viewing - Dennis

[@jsldvr]

Good video and thanks for the info on the screw placement. I recently bought one of these reels and the internals were upside down due to someone not knowing what they were doing with it.

[@diegoaguirre3213]

Thanks for this video, very good !!!!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching - Dennis

[@BrandonEbz]

Dennis I assembled the main gear portion according to the video and checked to make sure the anti reverse was working before final assembly. I don't have free spool; the anti reverse engages in both directions. I've tried several times but same results. What did I miss?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I would take the assembly off and check it again. I think your A/R dog may be trapped behind the main gear and not riding on the gear sleeve - Dennis

[@davidleonard2055]

GREAT video, but you forgot to install two things! the Eccentric Spring for the release lever, and the tension spring on the bridge. i just rebuilt my penn surfmaster 200, and found these two pieces "left over". i took all apart and figured it out. but thank you, so much, for posting this.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hmm - i will go back and check! I use a parts tray and Cant recall any left overs. If i got it wrong, I will correct. Thank you for noticing - Dennis

[@davidleonard2055]

unless there is a difference between the really old ones and the just sort of old ones . . . mine is about 30 years old, and it definitely has these two parts. in fact, they are shown, too, on the penn schematic at mystic parts. funny thing is, the reel works without them, but not nearly as well. the release lever has no bite without it's spring, and the spool just doesn't sit tightely without the tension washer.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

They all have them. Now I need to go relook the video. I don't normally take the Eccentric spring for the free spool release off when servicing the reel. Ditto the bearing side plate tensioner as these don't require service unless they are broken. I put a dab of lube on the spool tensioner and eccentric, but do not remove them. I am going to watch the video now. Thanks - Dennis

[@davidleonard2055]

oh, there it is. i do see it in yours. you just never removed it. ok, well, thanks!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for keeping me honest. We are all human and I make a lot of mistakes. That's how I learn. Best wishes - Dennis

[@homerhiers6086]

Is it possible to narrow this reel like other old penn reels?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Penn did that for you with the model 100 and 150 Surfmaster. The gear side plate is the same on all three, but you would need the whole backside to marrow the frame. That would be the cross posts, reel seat and spool. At that point, it would be cheaper to just by a good used 150 or 100 rather than investing in the parts to modify your reel - Dennis

[@ChrisSchwamb]

Do you have any tricks for freeing up a side plate that is frozen onto the frame? I love the take-apart function on these reels with the exception of those that refuse due to age and neglect.I hate being forced to turn one into just parts.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes. Start with a heavy spray of penetrating oil around the rim of the gear side plate and try again. If that does not work, remove the non-gear (bearing) side plate and take the spool out and then replace that side plate. Once it is reattached, put a long blade of a screw driver or file inside going high and low between the frame bars. Use that a a lever while holding the reel handle and screw and turning counter-clockwise. That should give you the extra torque to help remove the stubborn plate - Dennis

[@ChrisSchwamb]

@@2ndChanceTackle, once again......., thanks!

[@hikiula]

Loosened take apart screw and reel wouldn't come apart. Removed screws non-drive side to take it apart. No corrosion, why did it not come apart? Since discovering 2nd Chance Tackle and your guidance I am not afraid to TACKLE any reel. How does take apart screw come out of plate? Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Fourth time for me watching this video.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The take apart screw is spring loaded. Did you pull out on the screw head after loosening it? You need to pull out and hold the screw out hail you turn the plate to release the side plate assembly. If you did that, then your channels where the side plate pins sit, may be clogged. Best to use a penetrating oil to try and loosen that by spraying the inside track where the side plate joins the ring. Hope that helps - Dennis

[@tphvictims5101]

If the bearings were the same as the 140 can they be upgraded to ceramics?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 200 is not the same as the Squidder even thought it has been referred to as the poor man's Squidder. It does not have the same bearings. The 200 is almost identical to the Beachmaster 155. They share most frame and internal parts. The difference is that the Surfmaster has the one screw take apart system, where the Beachmaster has the side plate attached to the cross posts with multiple screws - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@easyfishing9152]

My s master 200 works fine... But when i loose that 1 screw it wont move..so it's so hard to take the side plate off.. I need to put alot of pressure to turn it back off.. So what is bent??..that makes the side plate get stuck..?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The cause is usually built up gunk, salt and worn grease inside the tracks of the side plate. There are 3 pins and grooves. Make sure these are cleaned and clear of debris. If you are having trouble getting it off for the first time. Take the non-gear side plate off and remove the spool that way. You will then be able to spray the gear side trim ring with WD40 and let it work in behind the assembly. That should loosen some of the gunk. You can then reassemble the reel and try to remover the plate again - Dennis

[@victorl9051]

I cant see where the parts go??

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Which parts?

[@luisbustamante1584]

De 10

[@rbwellen]

Reposition your camera. Much of your work was not viewable when you brought your hands close to you and out of camera.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you. This was one of my earlier videos and I am trying to do better with the more recent ones. One of the problems is I work alone and the other angles I have tried make it difficult for me to work on the reel and show the work. Thanks for the feedback - Dennis