I just bought a 23’ contender with rupp top gun bases but the seller did not have the poles. My question is, are bigger better as far as length. I plan on running a short n long rigger with possible teaser. I have a lead on a pair of fixed 20’ riggers with 1.5" base. Will this be to large for the boat? Adding to much stress on bases n t-top. Thanks in advance. And I know the telescoping riggers would be much more convenient.
Thanks
G & W Boatworks, LLC
Detailing & Bottom Painting
843-991-1495
Sthrnby1886 - For fishing bigger is always better. I have 22’ on my 26’ Glacier Bay but they are carbon fiber and are extremely light and I don’t run over 30mph and the boat really never lands hard while running. They also telescope in much easier than my previous Taco 18’s. Be careful on the weight on the top, having 20’s on a 23’ boat will be a lot of stress but could be managed if you always telescope them in to run, if you are talking fixed length outriggers at 20’ I would not do that as I have seen welds in the tops break from this and even outriggers bend on small boats from the pounding. As far as dragging a teaser off these a daisy chain squid rig that should be fine, but I would not drag any size dredge or heavy lure from these, you are asking for problems. Best of luck to you, plan this right for your boat, every boat is different and how much you pull will depend on not only the length of the outrigger but the position on the top, how low you can set them to troll, and how all the rigging lays into the boat - GT
Game Time
I would be worried about breaking one at that length when running in rough seas if you have a low angle. On all the cc’s I have owned it has been 16 or 18 riggers with a high angle(30 / 35 degrees from the vertical) when up and flat layout when down. If your bases are capable of a running angle of 30 to 35 degrees you should be ok.
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-HT Bugbuster
I run 18’ fixed Rupp poles on my Contender 31. After 6 years running in all types of WX there are no signs of stress cracks on the mounting plates, and the poles remain true. Keep in mind the end of the poles may terminate well behind the transom when trailering or stowing
31’ Contender
Most people fish 18 or 20s you should not have a problem