| Installing Outriggers: Introduction and Choosing the Right Outrigger |
From "Shipshape Boating"
episode DSSB-112 |
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If you're a fisherman then this week's episode is perfectly suited for you because DIY's Shipshape Boating host John Greviskis is demonstrating how to install outriggers (figure A) to your boat.
Outriggers are nothing more than poles that you mount to the back of your boat in order to troll for fish.
Outrigger Selection Process
Traditionally, whenever you're talking about a boat with an aluminum tower (figure B), you'd have to hire a metal fabricator in order to incorporate the outriggers right into the frame. For this particular project, however, Greviskis is working with a smaller boat. He's going to demonstrate how to install the popular gunnel-mounted (figure C) outriggers.
You'll have poles of different lengths for the gunnel-mounted outriggers. Some of the standard lengths include 12', 15' and 18', but what you'll need to do is match the length of the pole to the length of the boat. Use the following dimensions:
- If you have a 21' boat or under, go with a 12' length outrigger pole.
- If you have a boat that is from 21' to 28' in length, go with a 15' outrigger pole.
- And if you have a 28' to 32' long boat, go with a 18' long pole.
Outrigger Components
- Outrigger Base -- The base mounts right through the gunnel. In fact, you have to cut a hole in order to get the base to slide down through the gunnel. There are different types of bases. You can go with the ones that require cutting a hole in the gunnel or bases that are flush mounted, which mount on top of the gunnel.
- Outrigger Arm (figure D -- outrigger arm and base seen here) -- The outrigger arm slides right into the base and locks with a nut-into-a-socket system. The arm can be moved into many positions. For example, it can come straight up from the gunnel, be turned out from the gunnel so you can cast the fishing line out away from the boat, or if you want to clear a bridge, you can turn the outrigger pole so it's parallel with the craft. Also, if you're towing the boat, you can remove the outrigger pole altogether and place it inside the boat.
There are also different types of outrigger poles. Some have screws that you loosen to diminish the size of the pole and the one Greviskis actually installs for this particular project is the 15' telescoping outrigger (figure E), which can be broken down easily for stowing.
Location, Location, Location
Once you've chosen the type of outrigger base and pole for your craft, the next thing you must do is find the proper location for mounting. You want to make sure the base is at least 6" in front (figure F) of the forward rod holder.
Before you start the installation process, make sure you check under the gunnel for wires. If wires are present, simply clip tie straps to pull the wires out of the way.
In the next segment, Greviskis begins the outrigger installation process.
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