outriggers on a CC...up down off on, etc

[thunderfoot]

I have been thinking too much lately and not fishing enough, but I have come across a question lately.

Many people run with the T-top mounted outriggers extended and tucked in facing the stern. Some folks also deploy riggers once they arrive at the fishing grounds in sometimes rough seas. (Seems kinda dangerous to me)

However all I have ever heard was yes it may be OK to run with your riggers extended, it is NOT OK to trailer the boat with them extended and folded down level with the T-top. "Too much stress " is what I was told.

I say B.S. It seems to me that there would be much more stress on things running in the ocean coming from different directions, than the mere slight bumps (compared to waves) that our highway systems provide. Also, any bumps on the road would be coming from only one main direction which I would think would be mo betta for the boat,T-top, etc.

I may be off on this one, what do you all think that trailer boats? Because I know for a fact that we have enough things to fool with while fishing in order to hopefully have a successful day.

[offshore]

My boat is a 2001.... If that were true many would be Dust by now. They have always been run and trailerd extended.....They almost look like new..
Mark

[FinRazr]

They are fine trailering extended and down.The rupps on my boat didn't colapse at all.

[Glenn W]

I had spreaders on my 19' riggers so pulling the crap apart won't going to happen. I made up 2 cradels out of PVC pipe that fit right in the stern and mounted vertical to grab each rigger while trailering-- kinda like a transom saver on a bass boat. Worked great till I got too lazy for even this. Never had a problem.

[gradyfish265]

Some earlier model extendable outriggers that were base models did have problems where they would not stay extended and would flop around when running, and others did crack, but most of those issues have been fixed on newer models. Obviously you get what you pay for, if you buy a cheap base model outrigger it may not last as long or be as sturdy as an upgraded model, a god dealer or vender should be able to set you up with good extendable outriggers that can stay out when running. I have 18ft lee's on lee jr's, so they won't be what you have on your CC, but when I'm a few miles from my destination, the outriggers are lowered outward and we begin to prep the lines to hit the water, they do not flex or have any issues. If I go under a bridge, I can remove them single handed and lay them against the gunnels, outriggers are not very heavy.

[ultangler]

Actually if you read the fine print, all of the manufacturers say you shouldn't even run on the water with them extended, they should remain retracted until you've slowed and are ready to fish. That said, I've run 6 or 7 different boats with a couple different kinds, always ignored that instruction, and have never had a failure. I think you had it right--it's cover-your-butt BS and in reality, they'll do just fine barring a major mishap.

[Dads Dream]

I run a '05 22' CC Sea Pro w/ 15' Taco Grand Slams- this will be yr 3 with the set- I never trailer with them extended (why?- trees/ lines/ turns/ not worth the potential issues

I usually run in & out to the grounds (20-30 mi o/s) with them fully extended! You're right, it's a little hairy balancing while extending/friggin w/ em when yer in 4 footers

If you watch the riggers when yer running in sloppy waters- there's little play or waggle in them- I'm no expert but I've had no wear or slippage or issues with mine

Runnah!

[JB2C]

Seems it would depend as much on your supports/plates/backing plates as the outriggers. I worry more about the outrigger flex cracking the aluminum plates moreso than the outriggers. Also depends alot on how rough it is when you're running, and at what speed. I've always ran in and out with mine retracted. But it is a pain pulling them back in if it's rough out. And dealing with the shortened up outrigger lines is another pain. This year I'm going to run with them extended and see how things go.

JB

[wickeditch]

ill half to go with what offshore said i never pull mine , if the water is a little snotty i tuck them back to the stern and when i load the boat lay them down and boogie no probs!!!!

[BILLFISHS]

I keep mine extended and when im trailering i have supports that fit in the rod holders on my top just lay them in those and go you can get them from birdsall marine for about 75.00 bucks a pair.