SportFishing and Charters Forum - Outrigger question

Guys, my new boat has outriggers, I have fished with outriggers on charters but this is my first expierience with ownership.

I took the boat out 2 weeks ago and the riggers seemd to work fine. I do have a question though. When I put the outriggers out the outrigger line (the actual rigger line... with the clip on it) was slack. This did not seem to be a problem as far as funtionality but didn't seem right.....is it??

Ideally they should have enough tension to prevent 'halyard creep', i.e. the clip drifting back down toward the boat while trolling. A very slack halyard could also cause some issues in rough weather, as it could could foul from flopping about = no release = losing a fish and/or bending the rigger if you get a strike.

You'll need to make an adjustment at the pulley/shock cord end to take up the slack in the 'out' position. Many boats will have an second eye to clip the shock cord into that provides the right tension with the riggers out. Or use the existing eye and figure a way to otherwise shorten the shock cord. You want enough tension to prevent creep, yet still be able to work the halyard without undue effort. If the clip still creeps down, just cinch a rubber band around both sides of the halyard where they exit the pulley (or glass ring). Good luck!

The halyard should be on even plane, with the outriggers. It functions like a door hinge, would. If your outriggers are mounted along the side of the house.... apply masking tape along the outrigger supports to aft. Along this line, is where the halyards should be mounted. Lowering the outriggers, will have everything working on the same hinge.....

Captain Hank,
You know i've never known what made the difference between riggers that needed adjusting versus those that just work right on their own. Thanks for your explanation. That (along w/ the picture) demonstrates perfectly what it takes.
Thanks!
Ed