One of the common questions we receive at CKW Store is, "How do I know which outrigger to install on my boat?" While there are many options you can choose from and many factors to take into consideration, here are five basic tips to help you choose the right outrigger system for your boat.
1. Boat Size Matters
The most important thing to consider when searching for outriggers is the size of your boat. If your boat is 24 feet or less, the Pro Series GS-500 outrigger holders are not suitable. Conversely, if your boat is 40 feet or more in length, a pair of GS-170 outrigger holders likely won't be enough for your offshore sport fishing needs.
Alternatively, review the drawing below to find the right outrigger system for your boat size.
2. Manual Clearance of the Hardtop & T-Top makes a Difference
If you want a pedestal system that can be adjusted from underneath the top, it is important to analyze the mold, shape and design of the top, and the hand space required when adjusting the bases.
If your hardtop has a unique mold, it may prevent standard rotation handles, such as the GS-280. Therefore, mounting with a 30 degree offset handle may be better suited to your boat deck. The 30 degree offset handle allows more hand clearance from the underside of the top surface to adjust fixtures safely and easily without crushing fingers.
CKW STORE mounts with 30° offset handle include the GS-2801, GS-390, Pro Series GS-400, Pro Series GS-450 and Pro Series GS-500.
3. Check to make sure that you can turn the handle outward
Believe it or not, some boat tops make turning the outboard crank handle impossible. For this reason, your boat may need an outrigger stand with a 180-degree handle facing forward instead of back, which is the traditional handle orientation of outrigger stands.
The CKW STORE GS-390-180 and GS-500-180 mounts with 180 degree front handle. The GS-280, GS-2801, and GS-400 mounts can be used for either appointment, and our technical support team will be happy to assist with these field changes.
4. Location
Before choosing and installing your extension base, it is important to look at the current hardware installed on top of your boat to ensure you have enough space. Additionally, it is important to consider that other top-mounted accessories may interfere with the outrigger poles.
Remember that outrigger poles are usually facing backwards and are tilted slightly upwards when the boat is running. When columns are deployed, they are generally raised upwards and directed at the artillery.
If you have any overhead accessories, such as VHF/GPS or radar antennas, that would permanently interfere with racks or poles, you may not be able to install a pedestal system on the overhead portion.
5. Gunnel Options
If for any reason it is not possible to install a pile system on your boat deck, or if you do not want to drill any holes in your hardtop, you still have pile options.
At CKW Store, we offer cannon mounted striker bases as easy alternatives to outrigger installations. Although these require drilling gunwale holes, for some boats they are a great solution for their sport fishing needs.
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