Tigress clamp on T-top outriggers

[Brett D]

Was wondering if anyone has experience with these. They mount on the "grab-bar" of the T-top. If they work, it would save me a lot of $$$, as I would not have to buy mounting plates, have them welded in, or purchase mounting plates.
Thanx in advance

[Mumblerone]

I personally don't like anything Tigress makes. Take a look at these CE Smith rod holders at Cabelas CE Smith rod holders Very high quality.

[TG_190]

I had the same question regarding these tigress clamp ons. Nobody had any comments on them, so this is a bump, and a request for further info. I have the 15' Tigress telescoping poles, but did not mount them yet. I tried using them in rod holders, but that is a half-fast solution IMO. I am coming to the conclusion that the poles are very good, and have some advantages over other telescoping riggers, which is why I bought them, not price (i.e. they have a track, and are as strong or stronger than the others - so no regrets with the poles). I am coming to the conclusion though, that any other mount than a welded in plate on the T-Top is gonna suck. My feeling is if the mount cracks the tubing, or slips somehow just ONCE, game over for the rigger and potentially a big hassle....so I am curious what people think of these clamp on riggers, but I personally am going to get laydown mounts welded in and use the poles.

One other consideration with these clamp on poles: They only pivot in one direction so however you mount them, the mounts must be able to lock in the deployed position, and be able to lock in a good looking spot while under way (not deployed). You must also be able to telescope them in and out as desired from a locked (numerous holes in the mount that a heavy duty pin goes into) position - or else you will be dealing with the hassle of having to remove the rigger, open it, and then try to put it back in the base at its full length - not fun. I will say, that tigress support has been very flexible, and helpful so far in helping me to come up with a good solution...but I still would like to hear about the quality, and functional aspects of these clamp on bases.

Thanks,

TG_190

[UBETRUN]

Mumblerone - 1/27/2006 9:28 PM

I personally don't like anything Tigress makes.* Take a look at these CE Smith rod holders at Cabelas*

I agree completely, no comparison.

[davidridenour]

These are Perko clamp on rod holders and I made them work for me. Might not be feasible on a 2" Ttop. Without some type of support they all will spin on a round surface. Even if you clamp tight enough to dent the tubing they will spin.

http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com...p?gallery=1156

[ndb8fxe]

I'm considereing the same. I don't think the outrigger mounts will spin because they have "nipple" that goes in a holes drilled in the t-top.

[Kora Fishing Team]

I purchased a pair and am pleased so far. They are not the best outrigger; that needs to be welded in place like a Grand Slam or a set of Lee's.

They have limitations but also advantages. When you sell your boat you can move them to the new boat. They only rotate in one direction. Mine face either aft along the lowered antennas or out abeam and up 15`. Good enough for me.

Make sure you get the right size clamp on when ordering. Twice mine came in with a clamp for 1.5" tubing when I ordered 1.25" Box said 1 1/4" both times but the clamps inside weren't.

[Mumblerone]

Lets start over, how about these for the gunwale then...

GS-100A - Sport Slam

1-1/8" ID Sport Slam Outrigger Bases.
Innovative bolt down mount, Ideal for smaller center consoles from 15 to 21 feet. Operates from above the top with an easy spring pin that offers multiple fishing positions. Also has the lay down arm feature for bridge clearance

http://www.tacomarine.com/diypages/GS%20page.htm

[TG_190]

Kora Fishing Team - 1/28/2006 6:06 PM I purchased a pair and am pleased so far. They are not the best outrigger; that needs to be welded in place like a Grand Slam or a set of Lee's. They have limitations but also advantages. When you sell your boat you can move them to the new boat. They only rotate in one direction. Mine face either aft along the lowered antennas or out abeam and up 15`. Good enough for me. Make sure you get the right size clamp on when ordering. Twice mine came in with a clamp for 1.5" tubing when I ordered 1.25" Box said 1 1/4" both times but the clamps inside weren't.

You say they are not the best outriggers, but are you saying the poles lack in comparison to others (i.e.Taco, etc.), or are you saying the clamp on mounting bases are not the best. I think the taco poles are not as good as the tigress poles, but you really can't compare a welded or bolted mount to a plateto the tube type clamp-ons that in this thread that tigress sells - they are not in the same league, and the mounts that mount to a plate or get welded in are much better IMO.

You state the valid advantage of being able to take them off the boat, but how much of a compromise is it to have the poles swing in through only 1 plane - some days you want the outriggers closer to the water than others, and do they stick straight up, or are thy in an aesthetically pleasing swept back position when stored? How is it to telescope the poles in and out while the poles remain in the bases on your boat?

Got any pics?



I think the Tigress poles are very good, but I have my doubts about the clamp-ons. Tigress does make laydown and welded in bases that do compare with the functionality of the Taco, Lee, E-tech - but as far as the quality of the all important bases go, I have not done enough homework yet to say if Tigress' products are as good as the others.

Quality in these sorts of things is mostly determined by how well they function, and for how long without corrosion...



TG_190

[Kora Fishing Team]

They sweep back parrallel to the antennas when the antennas are down. Rotating on 1 plane has not been a problem yet. They are quality poles; as good as any others I've seen. If you want to avoid welding plates on an existing T-top; I think this is the best choice.