If you are thinking about buying an outrigger for your boat, there are many different things you should know about them before you buy. Read on to learn what you should look for and the different kinds of outriggers available.
Which type of outrigger is right for you?
There are several types of outriggers to choose from. The best choice depends on your boat size and budget. You will also want to consider the rigging components.
Outriggers can be very expensive. Although they offer many benefits, they are not always needed. If you are an experienced fisherman, you will certainly find the added stability that they provide useful. However, if you’re just starting out, you might be better off without them.
An outrigger is a long pole with rigging at its base. Its rigging includes a series of release clips that help you release your fishing line. A few outriggers even have hydraulic systems, but these are usually more expensive than a basic model.
In general, the longer the pole, the better the performance. For a small boat, 15 to 18 feet should do the trick. But, for a large vessel, you will want to go for a pair of outriggers that are at least 20 feet.
If you plan to use an outrigger in saltwater, you’ll need to choose a material that will resist corrosion. Aluminum and fiberglass are relatively inexpensive options, while carbon fiber costs twice as much. Both materials can be problematic if you don’t take good care of them.
Fiberglass is also fairly flexible, but it is heavy. Carbon fiber is much lighter, though.
Which are the most common outrigger sizes?
Choosing the best outrigger size for your boat will depend on several factors. One of the most important is how large your boat is. Larger boats often require longer poles, while smaller boats are better off with shorter ones. Also, consider whether you plan on mounting your outriggers on your gunwale or on the top of your boat.
The outrigger poles are available in fixed or telescoping lengths, and are made from aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Telescoping outriggers are popular because they allow you to change the length to suit your needs. Unless you have a trailer, you will want to keep the poles shortened when not in use.
Depending on how you mount your outriggers, you may need a reinforcing plate. This can be added without drilling into the outrigger tube.
A deck mount is the most common mounting method on small boats. You can also mount outriggers to your center console’s T-top. However, you will want to mount the outriggers at a 45 degree angle.
For larger boats, you will need a wishbone style mount. This is a much more stable mounting area than a deck mount. Wishbones are expensive, however. Alternatively, you can mount your outriggers on the hardtop of your boat.
Besides the mounting system, you should also think about the weight of your outriggers. Having heavier outriggers on your boat can destabilize your boat. On the other hand, lighter outriggers will improve your speed and range.
Which are the most popular outrigger brands?
When buying a boat, you’ll want to make sure that you have the best outrigger setup for your needs. The benefits of an outrigger are numerous and varied. They help you run more lures at different distances and give you a wider range of surface presentation.
For many anglers, an outrigger is an essential tool. They provide stability and can reduce the chance of tangles. However, choosing the right outrigger can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help find the perfect outrigger for your boat.
Depending on your budget, you can purchase an outrigger for as little as $100. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality outrigger, you may need to spend a little more.
There are two basic types of outriggers. These are gunwale-mounted and hardtop-mounted. Gunwale-mounted outriggers mount to gunwales on your boat’s sides. Hardtop-mounted outriggers mount at a higher height and are usually more expensive.
The most popular outrigger poles are made of anodized aluminum. They are lightweight and have a good amount of stability.
You can also choose from an inflatable outrigger, which is easy to adjust and provides a nice level of stability. Both models have their advantages and disadvantages.
Some outriggers feature spreaders. This allows the poles to be adjusted from underneath the top of the outrigger.