Installing Outriggers on a Hardtop

[rschild]

I just bought a 2002 Hydra-sports 2800WA with hardtop but no outriggers. I would like to know if anyone has used bolt on versions such as the Taco Grandslam 250A. I was planning on using a backing plate and bolt through the hardtop without attaching to the frame. Will the hardtop alone support this or is welding to the frame a requirement?

Thanks for your help.

Ric.

[Dick_Formula233]

Hey rschild,

Maybe this will give you some ideas, here's a picture of how I've done mine.* They are Lee OH277T T-Top 1 1/2"ID Outrigger Holders and Lee AP3716XS 16' 1 1/2"OD Outrigger Poles.

I've been very happy with this setup.* More pix can be seen at http://myweb.cableone.net/dfischer/base.htm*and http://myweb.cableone.net/dfischer/ORmount.jpg

The aluminum plate is welded to the frame on three sides, and I believe anything less is apt to fail.* There is a tremendous amount of stress there when those 16' poles start whipping around in heavy seas.

[rschild]

Thanks, Those are some great pics also!

[ocnslr]

No pics, but Taco Grand Slams mounted to custom hardtop.* Hardtop fabricator welded in thick aluminum plates to support the Grand Slams.* I would not mount them without a welded-in plate.

Or:

http://www.tacomarine.com/tech/clamp-on-plate.pdf