I have a PURSUIT 3070. It is an "express" style boat with a very sturdy hardtop. While I have never been a fan of outriggers...too much work as far as I am concerned...my teenagers have convinced their Momma to "surprise" me with a pair for an upcoming birthday. So, for the last week I have been getting questions as to which ones would be best for the boat. I am SURE I want them mounted on the hardtop so that I can operate them from the helm station but that is about as far as I've gotten. Any suggestios you boys could give me on brands, length of polls, etc would be GREATLY appreciated.
I doubt you will like my opinion on riggers since you are sure you want top mounted riggers--- I ask why? Side mounted riggers are alot easier to set and are functionally much more efficient than dealing with the mess on top--- no doubt about it. Side mounted allow alot cleaner rigging (especially if you plan on using a spreader). Try setting a top mounted rigger in a 4' chop--- I've had the cheap kind you have to climb up as well as Taco's w/ the handle that twists from underneath--- it's a wrist breaker and when that pole starts moving it's a ***** to stop it where you want (when its rough). I would suggest you look at an express boat with Lee's Juniors or the Shaffer or Rupps equivelents before you make up your mind.
What ever you do get a pole that will accomodate spreaders (Taco's POS will not). For a 30' boat I would want a 20' - 22' pole---- you can't twist that long of a pole from underneath.
Now, about this "sturdy" hardtop--- I've seen Pursuits tops--- You need some serious reinforcing. On my last boat (Glacier Bay), the micky mouse reinforcing plates sold with the riggers were a joke--- I removed the headliner, cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to fit all the way accross the top and glued and bolted it in place (then covered with the original headliner).
Poles--- you have a nice boat--- don't put garbage on it. 1 3/4" OD poles minimum or 2" are even better.
Spreaders?---- they turn a toy into a tool and are mandatory on 20' + poles.
Good outriggers will improve your fishing tremendously--- and any good outrigger is stiff and rigid to enable your baits to swim properly---- I don't know squat about speader bars, but I would imagine a flimsy outrigger would just about take the cake with these bars in and out of the water.
Oh, and plan on losing a good 2' of reach on each side if you opt for the top mounts.
my old cat boat came with Taco poles and they are exactly what is stated above - garbage!! I switched them over to Lees poles and they were MUCH better. Add a spreader too will make them even better.
There is no substitute for a "real" outrigger though. A true side mounted set of Lees with a spreader will be easier and waaaay more functional than any brand of top mount. Also, as said above - you really need very good bracing for top mounted units. Top mounted poles are very whippy and many folks have had them bend when running (especially the tacos). I would not ever recommend any collapsable pole!
Thanks for saving me from myself! Those roof mounted riggers sure sounded like a good idea until ya'll explained it to me. Lee juniors with 22' poles and spreaders will be the deal. I wanted the rigs up top to keep everything out of the way in case somebody needed to go forward to fight a fish, but after reading your replies and thinking about the situation it dawned on me...I'm always driving the darned boat...what the hell do I care if somebody has to duck and dodge to get forward! Glenn W's comment about turning a toy into a tool sold me. In the end, function is ALWAYS more important than form isn't it? I really do thank each of you for your help. You saved me from making a mistake that would only have continued to irritate me. When I get her rigged up next month I'll post pictures.
whatever you do, dont go cheap. i got a pair of top mounted lees and their great. had to go to a machine shop and get 5" x 8" x 3/8" stainless backing plates made. i use aftco roller releases. outriggers deploy with just the hit of a switch on the base.
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I JUST DROVE FROM CAPE MAY TO CAROLINA TODAY AND I AM WHIPPED....
