[2002 38 Open] Suggestions for outriggers

[CaptGregSTX]

The time has come to consider adding outriggers to my 2002 38 Open. In general, [like everyone] I don't like drilling holes and adding non-factory options to the boat and certainly don't want to change the "clean" look, so hoping some of you have added riggers either on the hardtop or radar arch that look really clean. I'm not married to Taco Grand Slams, just they seem to be the cleanest/lowest profile ones out there and I see a lot of them. I could really use some advice & photos.

Thanks much!

[Sans Peur]

I have a 2000 41 Open with a set of 21' riggers mounted to the  Lee's Wishbone style of mount. They are mounted on the side of the radar arch and work pretty well. They are fairly low profile to the side and stay out of the way when walking to the front of the boat. I can deploy them, even in rough seas, without much effort and they are pretty stable. They do require a bit of maintenance every few trips. I find that if I take a little WD40 sprayed on a paper towel and just wipe the part of the shaft that slides through the wishbone it will allow the riggers to drop down and be pulled back up much easier that if they are dry.

Paul S    

[Capt James]

Capt Gregg,
What did you end up going with for your outriggers? I just purchased a 2003 38 Open and I am going through the process of selecting outriggers myself. The taco 500 is currently the front runner. I am interested to know if you did go with a telescoping outrigger on the hardtop and where are you mounted it? Any pictures you have would also be fantastic.
Thanks!
Capt James

[OurHighLife]

Capt James,

What outriggers did you get? Where did you mount them?

I also have a 38 open here in the northeast. Have not been able to get offshore for much fishing so considering this for next season. Seems that high quality bases & carbon fiber telescoping poles all come in at the $6-7K range plus install. I want to be able to deploy & retrieve them from inside the boat (no climbing on gunwales.