Ever feel like your center console boat is missing something? Maybe you’ve seen other boats with long poles sticking out the sides, and wondered what they’re for. Those are outriggers, and they can seriously change your fishing game!
But choosing the right outriggers can feel like a puzzle. There are so many types and sizes, and you want ones that fit your boat perfectly and help you catch more fish. It can be tough to know where to start, and you don’t want to waste money on something that doesn’t work.
This post is here to make it easy! We’ll break down everything you need to know about outriggers for center console boats. You’ll learn what makes them great, how to pick the best ones for your needs, and how they’ll help you land bigger catches. Get ready to discover how outriggers can take your fishing adventures to the next level.
Top Outriggers For Center Console Recommendations
- Tigress XD Aluminum Center Outrigger, Durable 12' UVI Marine Grade Outrigger with Patented Tigress Tracking System
- Features : Patented Tigress Track Internal Tracking System
- Durable : Anodized cool draw tubes, UVI Thermoplastic, 316 Stainless Steel, Double 1/4" Cross Holes
- Includes : Heavy Duty Mesh Storage bag, 3 Year Limited Warranty
- Tigress Outriggers and Gear : Raising the bar for innovation, quality, ease of use, and convenience to the salt water sports fishing enthusiast
- High-end aircraft grade aluminium with Stainless Steel gear.
- Ideal for mounting outriggers to the T-Top
- Maximum corrosion protection with clear anodizing finish
- Can be mounted on most centre console boat rails
- Compatible with 1-1/2" Outrigger Poles and the 1-1/8" Tele-Outrigger Poles with the addition of the Base Reducer
- Stainless-steel and Anodized Aluminum construction
- Locking lever secures out-bound rotation to desired location
- 3-year limited warranty
- Sold individually
- Easy installation with the outrigger-ready mounting plates
- This TV cabinet creates an eye-catching focal point in your living room and provides ample open storage space for storing and displaying various components and accessories.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ENTERTAINMENT CENTER: Classic style, practical and beautiful, suitable for any room, such as living room, bedroom, apartment and rest area, provides ample space to organize TV-related items, keep your items organized.
- Powerful cable management system: The extra groove design on the back not only leaves enough space for the power cord, but also ensures that the TV cabinet can fit the wall well, and the basic long cable hole design feature can be threaded on the back of the TV cabinet.
- Size: The size of this TV cabinet is M: 180*35*45cm/70.86*13.77*17.71in, L: 200*35*45cm/78.74*13.77*17.71in.
- Structure: Made of oak wood, durable enough to provide long-term service, moreover, the four outriggers provide stability to the whole structure and have a very good load-bearing capacity.
- [All Weather Protection]: Made from 600D marine grade polyester UV treated fabric, provide maximum protection from the sun, rain, snow, dirt and other elements; Prevent damage to the boat's interior and exterior
- [Durable]: Waterproof coating and breathable material protect against rain, snow, and prevent moisture build-up under the boat cover; Double stitched interlock seams with rot-proof thread, tightly woven UV treated fabric, greatly prevents cover from aging and tearing due to the damage from sun exposure
- [Unique Dual Tie Down System]: Quick-release buckles work with tie down straps for easy fitting and fast adjusting; Sewn-on web loops properly keep the tie-down straps over the boat in place while on trailer for storage; Or use string rope with ratchet to secure the cover while the boat on water or on a lift
- [Purposeful Design]: Specifically designed top Velcro opening to accommodate VHF antennas, outrigger mounts, GPS & rod holders, also covers over radar dome up to 2' tall; Double-zippered entries on both port and starboard side allow convenience access to the helm while covering
- [Pakcage Includs]: Cover comes with a mesh storage bag, a set of webbing tie-down straps; One rope ratchet to work with tie down rope, one large 3.8'Lx1.8'W color match self-adhesive boat cover reinforcement patch
- [All Weather Protection]: Made from 600D marine grade polyester UV treated fabric, provide maximum protection from the sun, rain, snow, dirt and other elements; Prevent damage to the boat's interior and exterior
- [Durable]: Waterproof coating and breathable material protect against rain, snow, and prevent moisture build-up under the boat cover; Double stitched interlock seams with rot-proof thread, tightly woven UV treated fabric, greatly prevents cover from aging and tearing due to the damage from sun exposure
- [Unique Dual Tie Down System]: Quick-release buckles work with tie down straps for easy fitting and fast adjusting; Sewn-on web loops properly keep the tie-down straps over the boat in place while on trailer for storage; Or use string rope with ratchet to secure the cover while the boat on water or on a lift
- [Purposeful Design]: Specifically designed top Velcro opening to accommodate VHF antennas, outrigger mounts, GPS & rod holders, also covers over radar dome up to 2' tall; Double-zippered entries on both port and starboard side allow convenience access to the helm while covering
- [Pakcage Includs]: Cover comes with a mesh storage bag, a set of webbing tie-down straps; One rope ratchet to work with tie down rope, one large 3.8'Lx1.8'W color match self-adhesive boat cover reinforcement patch
- [All Weather Protection]: Made from 600D marine grade polyester UV treated fabric, provide maximum protection from the sun, rain, snow, dirt and other elements; Prevent damage to the boat's interior and exterior
- [Durable]: Waterproof coating and breathable material protect against rain, snow, and prevent moisture build-up under the boat cover; Double stitched interlock seams with rot-proof thread, tightly woven UV treated fabric, greatly prevents cover from aging and tearing due to the damage from sun exposure
- [Unique Dual Tie Down System]: Quick-release buckles work with tie down straps for easy fitting and fast adjusting; Sewn-on web loops properly keep the tie-down straps over the boat in place while on trailer for storage; Or use string rope with ratchet to secure the cover while the boat on water or on a lift
- [Purposeful Design]: Specifically designed top Velcro opening to accommodate VHF antennas, outrigger mounts, GPS & rod holders, also covers over radar dome up to 2' tall; Double-zippered entries on both port and starboard side allow convenience access to the helm while covering
- [Pakcage Includs]: Cover comes with a mesh storage bag, a set of webbing tie-down straps; One rope ratchet to work with tie down rope, one large 3.8'Lx1.8'W color match self-adhesive boat cover reinforcement patch
- [All Weather Protection]: Made from 600D marine grade polyester UV treated fabric, provide maximum protection from the sun, rain, snow, dirt and other elements; Prevent damage to the boat's interior and exterior
- [Durable]: Waterproof coating and breathable material protect against rain, snow, and prevent moisture build-up under the boat cover; Double stitched interlock seams with rot-proof thread, tightly woven UV treated fabric, greatly prevents cover from aging and tearing due to the damage from sun exposure
- [Unique Dual Tie Down System]: Quick-release buckles work with tie down straps for easy fitting and fast adjusting; Sewn-on web loops properly keep the tie-down straps over the boat in place while on trailer for storage; Or use string rope with ratchet to secure the cover while the boat on water or on a lift
- [Purposeful Design]: Specifically designed top Velcro opening to accommodate VHF antennas, outrigger mounts, GPS & rod holders, also covers over radar dome up to 2' tall; Double-zippered entries on both port and starboard side allow convenience access to the helm while covering
- [Pakcage Includs]: Cover comes with a mesh storage bag, a set of webbing tie-down straps; One rope ratchet to work with tie down rope, one large 3.8'Lx1.8'W color match self-adhesive boat cover reinforcement patch
Choosing the Right Outriggers for Your Center Console Boat
Center console boats are incredibly versatile. They are great for fishing, cruising, and exploring. Adding outriggers can make your center console even better, especially for fishing. Outriggers spread your fishing lines wider. This helps you catch more fish. This guide will help you find the best outriggers for your boat.
What are Outriggers?
Outriggers are poles that extend out from the sides of your boat. They hold your fishing lines far away from the boat. This is useful because fish can sometimes be scared by the boat. When your lines are spread out, the fish don’t see the boat. They are more likely to bite your bait. Outriggers help you cover more water. They also let you use more fishing lines at once.
Key Features to Look For
Adjustable Height and Angle
Good outriggers let you change their height and angle. This helps you get the perfect position for your fishing lines. You can adjust them for different types of fishing. You can also adjust them for different weather conditions. Some outriggers have easy-to-use crank systems. These make adjustments quick and simple.
Length of the Poles
The length of the outrigger poles is important. Longer poles spread your lines out further. This is great for covering a lot of water. Shorter poles are easier to handle. They are also good for smaller boats. Think about the size of your boat and the type of fishing you do. This will help you choose the right length.
Ease of Deployment and Retraction
You want outriggers that are easy to set up and take down. You don’t want to spend a lot of time struggling with them. Some outriggers have simple locking mechanisms. Others might be electric. Electric outriggers are very easy to use. They save you time and effort.
Durability and Construction
Outriggers need to be strong. They will be out in the sun, salt water, and wind. Look for sturdy materials. They should be able to withstand tough conditions. Strong construction means your outriggers will last a long time.
Important Materials
Most good outriggers are made from strong materials. Aluminum is a popular choice. It is light and resistant to rust. Carbon fiber is another excellent material. It is very strong and light. This makes the poles easier to handle. Some outriggers might have stainless steel parts. These parts are strong and won’t rust easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
High-Quality Components
Better outriggers use better parts. This includes strong pulleys, smooth reels, and tough lines. These parts make the outriggers work better. They also make them last longer. Cheap parts can break. They can also make the outriggers hard to use.
Good Design
A well-designed outrigger is easy to use. It is also effective. Good designs consider how the outriggers will be mounted. They also think about how they will be used on a boat. A bad design can make them wobbly. It can also make them difficult to adjust.
Proper Installation
How you install your outriggers matters. They need to be mounted securely. They should be placed in the right spot on your boat. Poor installation can cause problems. It can also make them less effective. Many people hire professionals to install them. This ensures they are installed correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Fishing
The main use for outriggers is fishing. They are especially good for trolling. Trolling means dragging bait behind a moving boat. Outriggers help you spread out your lines. This is great for catching tuna, marlin, and other offshore fish. They can also be used for inshore fishing. You can catch more types of fish with them.
Cruising
While mainly for fishing, outriggers can also be useful for cruising. They can help you fly flags or banners. This can make your boat look more festive. Some boaters also use them to hang lights. This can improve visibility at night.
Ease of Use for Different Skill Levels
Some outriggers are very simple. They are good for beginners. Others have more features. They might be better for experienced anglers. Think about how much you want to spend. Also, consider how much time you want to spend learning to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main benefits of using outriggers?
A: Outriggers spread your fishing lines wider. This helps you catch more fish. They also let you use more fishing lines at once.
Q: Are outriggers difficult to install?
A: Installation can vary. Some systems are easier than others. Many people choose to have them professionally installed.
Q: What are the best materials for outriggers?
A: Aluminum and carbon fiber are excellent choices. They are strong and resistant to rust.
Q: How long should my outrigger poles be?
A: The best length depends on your boat size. Longer poles cover more water. Shorter poles are easier to handle.
Q: Can I use outriggers on any center console boat?
A: Most center console boats can use outriggers. You need to make sure you have space to mount them.
Q: Do outriggers help with different fishing techniques?
A: Yes, they are great for trolling. They can also be adapted for other techniques.
Q: How do I maintain my outriggers?
A: Rinse them with fresh water after each use. Check for any damage regularly.
Q: Are electric outriggers worth the extra cost?
A: Electric outriggers are very convenient. They make deploying and retracting lines much easier.
Q: Can outriggers affect my boat’s performance?
A: Properly installed outriggers should not significantly affect performance. They can add a small amount of wind resistance.
Q: Where is the best place to mount outriggers on a center console?
A: They are usually mounted on the hardtop or the sides of the boat. The exact placement depends on your boat’s layout.