outriggers

redhead · February 27, 2011, 20:44:42 CET

I am interested in fixing a set of outriggers on our boat. This should help to troll multiple lines at the same time. Has anyone used this system before

Our boat is a kaptan sway powered by an outboard which will be launched this coming season.

The_Gaffer · February 28, 2011, 07:31:30 CET

I have 15 foot outriggers fitted on my boat. What is it you need to know?

SEAFOX · February 28, 2011, 14:37:33 CET

Mine are also 15 foot but the telescopic type. If you have some basic skills you can do these yourself. Outriggers are pretty effective and as you correctly state you can troll additional trolling lines.

redhead · February 28, 2011, 18:02:34 CET

What I would like are suggestions like brands, where to buy, etc etc ...

I will not be trolling more than 4 to 5 lines at a time. What lenght would you suggest considering that my boat is 8ft wide

thanks again

Claudio

shanook · February 28, 2011, 18:18:56 CET

red I have short outriggers (home made) about 6ft, my friend has 12 foot ones and it easier to work with. I think if u go for the 15ft its better u will have more spread and when turning or its windy u wont have tangles. its like always ''the bigger the better''......that is if its not a mobile.....
PS let us know the outcome of the outboard and how the boat performs with it.

SEAFOX · February 28, 2011, 19:18:46 CET

Shanook is correct, but I dont know what he means by "the bigger the better!!"..DOM... Red, construct them yourself cos outriggers x 12 or 15 ft wont be less than 300$ each. You can find these on any "marine or fishing" sites in the USA. Look for on the internet....Tacomarine, Overtons and Rupp..but dont get a shock with the prices..& remember you have to add shipping VAT & duty on top of the cost..Mela just get hold of 2 good telescopic strong rods and have them done at home..you will save tons of money! Although my outriggers came with the boat either Shanook or myself can help you assemble them, xejn kumplicat.

fisheye · February 28, 2011, 20:45:17 CET

Before fixing or buying any outriggers I suggest to talk to the boat manufacturer and take advise about where best to fixed them. The fiber where they will be fixed needs to be strong enough or reinforced a 15' pole will have a lot of leverage on the fiber taking inconsideration swell, weight and drag of lures or any led or planers you might use. As others suggested if you have a bit of knowhow you will be able to build them yourself or else find someone with some knowledge of metal machining and he can build them for you from aluminum or stainless hollow pipes even if you want them telescopic. The advantage of making them telescopic is that you can make them longer than 15' and you can use them at what length you prefer by means of some sort of locking devises.

benri · March 01, 2011, 07:44:57 CET

I recently ordered a 15' set from Italy however I'm still trying to figure out a way how to mount onto the boat. As Fisheye correctly stated there will be a lot of leverage and they are very heavy! If I saw and felt their weight before I bought them, I doubt whether I would have gone ahead but now it's too late!
If you still wish to go ahead and order, please send me a pm and I can give you the details of the supplier in Italy.

The_Gaffer · March 01, 2011, 10:08:39 CET

@ Redhead: As I posted further up, I fitted 15' Aluminium Outriggers on my boat. They are Tigress Outriggers, bought from www.Westmarine.com. I did not order the mounts and extenders, as they were very expensive, I did these myself. I fitted mine to the side of the cabin, which is reinforced GRP with a stainless steel backplate. You're welcome to come and have a look if you like. Mounting the outriggers is the easy part, the difficult part is the extenders. Some outrigger mounts come ready with extenders, others you need to buy seperately. If you're thinking of a DIY job, do not consider stainless steel poles, as these are too heavy to mount. Go for either aluminium or fiberglass poles. You can buy these poles on the net in either form. As for the extenders, its best you visit the boatyard where 'The Gaffer' is laid up for the moment, and inspect for yourself. Additional to that, you also require the rigging setup for your outriggers, which includes 200lbs monofilament, pulleys, fasteners and release clips. If you need more info, just give me a shout. Another recommendation, for a Captan Sway, go for 12' outriggers. Esthetically, they look better. Also, if you're using 12' poles, I don't believe you need extenders, which basically offer additional support to the outriggers when deployed. What you really need is a good mount. There are outrigger packs available on the net (try www.cabelas.com) which offer outrigger poles and mounts as one pack.

shanook · March 01, 2011, 15:25:25 CET

red u can com eto burmarrad and have a look at another kaptan sway and see how we did them

benri · March 01, 2011, 15:37:34 CET

If you come over to the club in Burmarrad I can show you my outriggers too and what I mean by the weight. Who knows - you might even see Shanook inventing or modifying my boat to take their weight

Ghandi bzonnok Sur Engineer!!!
translate - I need you Mr Engineer!

shanook · March 01, 2011, 16:44:15 CET

hahaha yea keep pulling my leg u guys LOL
we will have a look see and somehow those outriggers are going to be tried and tested for the coming competition......u think a pair of sticks manufactured by a foreigner are going to get the best of a MALTESER..ha that will be the day....

redhead · March 01, 2011, 19:20:35 CET

Thanks for the feedback guys. I had no idea these things where so heavy.

The boat is currently at the manufacturer to have it modified to accomodate the outboard and remove the inboards. I will talk to him and have his opinion on where to fix the outriggers and have some reinforcements done by him if needed. I will then decide if to buy or build myself. As The Gaffer correctly stated 12ft will be enough for my boat.

thanks again

Claudio

SEAFOX · March 01, 2011, 20:41:29 CET

Claudio - outriggers are heavy simply because of the material thay are consructed with, or which make you buy. Most are constructed in specialized fibre, light & robust. Your boat would look good and nicely equipped with 12ft ones as well detailed by others on som,e posts, but if you wish to have "light" outriggers go for aluminum, or best to use is fibreglass. When I had a boat like yours I made do with strong fibre telescopic long fishing rods (easy to assemble & cheap) and they performed as any American make. Shanook has said it all. Flus kbar tiffranka hi.

redhead · March 02, 2011, 18:43:58 CET

Thanks again Seafox. I will build myself then ....