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Just bought a pair of 15' outriggers (screw together) for use on my 22' outrage. The boat already had 1-1/8 holders in the gunnel, thus everything fit perfect.
What I did notice is when I rocked the outrigger up and down, the gunnel seemed to flex, which surprised me since it doesn't budge under my weight (230#).

Looked under the gunnel and the holders were just bolted to the gunnel, no backing plate of any type.

1) is this flexing normal ? anything to worry about?
2) should I add a backing plate? Any suggestion on the backing plate ( Channel, angle or just a flat plate?)

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I would add a backing plate just to be safe but, when you think about it, 15' of tubing cantilevered out over the side of the boat carries a lot of potential momentum. I am not surprised it would flex a bit.

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1. The flexing is normal, mine does it as well. I have Lee rod holders installed, a whaler supplied option for the 18 Outrage. The tubing on mine is over 16 foot long.

2. Not sure it will help, as the entire gunnel is flexing, not just around where the downriggers are mounted. Also there is no backing plates on the spring line cleats or the grab rails, both thru bolted to the gunnels.

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If you can find one, the outrigger mount on the console may be the way to go. There is a picture of it to the left in the Latest Parts Photo area. It is made for the Lee's 1-1/8" outriggers.

I just got an old set of outriggers this year. I have only used them a few times, but I really like the setup. They are high enough that you can walk under them. I can even have the shelter & flying top up with them deployed (Irish here, not a huge fan of the sun). THe only thing is that you cannot have the windshield in place.

That is my 78 Outrage 21 on the picture on the right on the Whaler Models, and I have a few pictures on my page for an idea of the setup.

I recently spent an entire day fishing & flying around with the outriggers. Did not notice any problems with this setup; center console does not move at all. This would take care of your concerns of flexing the sides of your boat.

You see these on Ebay every once in a while; gotta keep an eye out & be prepared to spend a few bucks. Ask around, someone out here may have one for sale.

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I just added a picture to my personal page showing them in place. It is hard to see anything with the shelter in the way of the mount., but it gives you an idea of what they look like when deployed.

I will take a few more pictures & add them next time I am out fishing.

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I have one of those Whaler outrigger castings for sale, complete with the Lee bases, pole holders and Lee AP315 poles. Poles have been used, still in nice shape, but everything else is factory new.

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GTL,

I also have gunnel mounted outriggers (Lee's screw together). They have been great and I haven't noticed any flex in the gunnel itself, however that doesn't mean there isn't flex, I just haven't noticed it..I would bet if it supports your weight the outrigger pole would not stress it...I don't have a backing plate beneath my mounts but I do have oversized washers and a starboard type schim beneath the actual mount on the top of the gunnel, so they stand nearly vertical when in the upright position. Not sure if having the schim adds support or strength, maybe alittle stability? I believe the schims were added so there isn't a wishbone look when they are in the upright position. Having done extensive trolling offshore with gunnel mounted outriggers I prefer them over the console mounted type. I believe you can get a greater spread incorporating the actual beam of the boat where as with a console mounted set you lose some. The console mounted type may not work with a t-top anyway?? You could always test your current set up and then modify it later, good luck.

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Thanks for the comments.
Mike Homewood is correct, with my T-Top the console mount will not work.
Think I'll try them as is, as Mike suggested. Then this winter make a backing plate/ angle that will also back up the cleat which is forward of the outrigger holder

Just bought the clips and releases for the outriggers, now I've doubled my investment, certainly hope I catch some Spanish mackel on them ....

Again, Thanks for the comments

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Does anyone know a trick to pulling the Lee poles apart for storage? Mine look like they come in sections and have been togeather since 1987. It would be great to pull them apart and store them in the shed?

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Kamie,

Mine are probably the same vintage as yours and will not separate. I guess over the years they have fused together? Hercules might get them apart, lol. I store mine using a ziptie as a coupling, I attach the end of the bungie to the elbo mount on the base of the pole. This keeps the outrigger lines from tangling and makes the outrigger pretty much fish ready, no assembly required. When trailering I place the outrigger on the gunnel and using a velcro strap I strap it to the cleats or just lay them on the deck. I store them on the rear of my home suspended between an elbow down spout and flod light assembly, up and out of the way hardly noticeable...Sorry for the ramble.

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Mine use to be hung from the rafters of the garage. I took them down to the river and now they are sitting on top the extension ladder which hangs on brackets outside the shed. I guess that's where they will live.

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Hey Kamie what kind of fishing are you doing with the outriggers ? I know your trolling but I am interested in what kind and how far do you have to run to get whatever your catching. THanks BG

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Barry,
me too :)
The outriggers were on the boat when I bought it, and I have resisted removing them, repairing the gunnels and installing spring cleats for 4 years. I figured it was time to use them. Up until this year, I mostly fished with smaller spinning rods but I just picked up two trolling rods off eBay with some nice Penn 6/0 reels on them. Hoping to target some striper this fall, the question will be, can I find them in the river; 5 miles from my house or will I need to run closer to the Bay which is a 20 mile run.