Outriggers

[sstew]

I have a 2005 Grady White 300 Marlin. Am looking to add outriggers. Have seen the Taco hard top ones. Pros and cons please on the Taco Hard Top ones vs the traditional outriggers.

Thanks

[Glenn W]

I'm a bit biased, I admit. I like outriggers that are a tool and not a toy.
I've had the Taco top mounted Grand slams before-- they are a toy--- especially on your boat. They work--- but not like a true tool. Consider the top mounted set-up.
First, you'll loose a good 2' of separation due to the mounts being closer to the boats center line than with wish-bone mounts.
Next you'll get to climb up to reach the mess to set the riggers down each morning as you begin the troll (assuming you don't get the non adjustable mounts). I know you twist the riggers out from underneath with the little handle--- I'm referring to lowering the the poles into position.
Then assuming you buy the Taco brand poles you get to contend with 2 wet noodles for poles--- try pulling a double (short & long) with a teaser on each rigger--- your lines will be like an accordian.
Don't even talk to me about attaching the halyard to the roof top to keep the gunnels clear for walking by to the bow.--- I ain't ever seen such dumber and more dangerous set ups in my life (Unless you are 7 1/2' tall).
But you'd have the luxury to collapse the poles at the end of the day like a Popiel Pocket fisherman or one of those "travel" fishing rods"--- top quality mess there allright.

Or you can outfit the boat with a quality tool--- wishbones-- like Lee's Juniors or Rupps. A Single Spreader on each pole to keep your lines taut with your baits not jumping 12' back and forth on a normal weather day. Halyards where you can reach them. Somthing that will last and works for years and years.

I dunno, I like stuff to not just get by, but to work well and last.

[Fishin-N-Wishin]

I mounted the TigressII outriggers on my Pursuit last year. The nice thing about these are there is no "Monkey Barring" outside the CC. The handles are within reach from the console ans are relatively easily deployed while safe inside the boat! Now granted I'm not an expert but these work O.K. to me. With my limited experience, I'm happy with the Tigress!

[SHARKEY]

any more opinions i am also starting to look for outriggers on my cc

[Admin]

I have been very happy with my Taco's

[LuckyLady]

I agree with Glenn here on this one.

Especially taco's with hardtops. Backing plates need to be installed, not the ones that you buy as an option with the outriggers. Depending on the construction of your top they will flex the top badly. With the Wellcrafts we would have custom plates cut and installed. Installing custom spacers on the thru bolts also cut back on the flex of them as well

Other than taco & tigress the normal players Lee Sidewinders & Rupp Top Gunns are out of the question unless you want to go thru the pain staking process of have the built in bases installed.

It might be a good idea to find another boat like yours with the install complete. Climb up on the gunnel and grab ahold of the base and see what the movement and flex is.

One thing to also remember is that you do not want water to get in to your top. With flex there is a chance of breaking the seal and allowing water in your top. Which leads to delamination and the possibility of the top freezing and cracking in colder climates. I have seen tops split wide open.

Again I am not sure the construction of your top exactly. I hope this helps

[alltackle]

I recommend the Rupp Z-30 Top Guns.



The install is straightforward in most cases and back plates are available.

[fmoore]

I have been extremely happy with my Lee Sidewinders (SW 9300). First year with them, but I love them. And Lee makes nice stiff poles, too. I have the 16' XS. Love them to death.

[Seaker]

A very dear friend has the exact same boat and he mounted Lee Jr riggers without spreaders and they worked very well for that application.

I had the Lee product on little Seaker a CC and they proved very well the other products mentioned work well ....

It's always a balancing act but if you want i'll try to get a photo of the install on the lee jrs for you

Oh and BTW..nice riding boat He has twin yammie 200 4 strokes on it