Lee 15' Skiff Outrigger pole replacement

[Capt. B]

I have a pair of Lee gunnel mounted "Skiff" outriggers that need replacement. The outside diameter or the pole is 1-1/8" which is what I believe is considered a 1-1/4" model (because the female bent tube that goes into the bracket is 1-1/4" OD). Has anyone ever used an alternate brand of pole? I am considering the telescoping type (Bass Pro has their own brand in fiberglass for under $100 per pair) but I have also read that all the main brands (Taco, Lee, Rupp) are not interchangeable. Looking for a smart solution even if it is an economical pair of Lee's.

 

[gradyfish22]

Those lee's are about as economical as they come for a decent set of outriggers, for gunnel set ups, telescoping outriggers are not something I recommend, they flex a lot compared to what you had. You have to remember, you get what you pay for, and in an outrigger riggidity is important, flex makes your hook up ratio go down and hook sets not as common, so skimping out on a few bucks now can put less fish in the boat and less rods bent, the 1-1/4 skiff aluminum poles are $225 from lee brand new, anything under $150 is not going to be good, might as well replace it with what you had instead of wondering if it will fit. I've seen those same poles for around $200 on ebay, and as low as $150 on various fishing forums for sale. I just used one of mine for a center rigger actually and sold the other to a friend to sue for his boat as a center rigger, but used it as a 12ft rigger instead.

 

[Capt. B]

I ordered a pair of Lee OEM's. Went though Consumers Marine and paid $190 + tax and shipping. All told $211.

 

[Tuna Man]

Sorry for the late reply, but I think you made the right decision. I had the Lee skiff gunwale mounts on my last boat and they certainly did the job. Just don't do what I did an push it with trying to run large spreader bars off the tips (yes they will bend). I used mine all the time offshore and they held up pretty good. I suggest you single rig them as they are not stiff enough for double rigging unless you only troll small lightweight stuff in your spread. I only single rigged mine and it worked fine.