Carbon fiber outriggers for 265 Express

provisions

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I bought a 2001 265 Express in January and did an extensive overhaul on the electronics (new chart plotter,radar, fish finder/sonar, radios, etc., and safety systems (pix posted when the shrink wrap comes off in a couple of weeks). Now to the fishing - any comments on the benefits of carbon fiber outriggers to replace the current aluminum ones? The boat has Rupp Top Gun outriggers now. Does anyone have experience with carbon fiber, especially on a 265 Express? Any comments would be most appreciated.
 

beachbum

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cannot comment on them on your model, but in general, they are lighter/stronger/stiffer- so you can go with a longer outrigger and not add weight- the downside (as I understand it) is if they get hit/notched, they can break ...and they are costly. My friend has a pair on a 33' Cat- he went from 15' aluminum outriggers to 20' carbon.They are stiffer than his previous aluminum ones

I am getting a carbon fiber center rigger this year- not sure if I will replace my current aluminum outriggers yet but if they got damaged, I go carbonfiber

That's my 2cents!
 

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Thanks for the info. Yes they are a bit pricey, but I was looking for something lighter. Good luck with yur center rigger.
 

Sea Shift

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I have a 265 with the aluminum ones. Not an issue for me. The weight is fine. The only time its and issue is when you are installing them. Once mounted they are great. If you are removing them frequently then I can see where you may want carbon fiber ( and the cool look!)
 

drbatts

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Sea Shift said:
I have a 265 with the aluminum ones. Not an issue for me. The weight is fine. The only time its and issue is when you are installing them. Once mounted they are great. If you are removing them frequently then I can see where you may want carbon fiber ( and the cool look!)

I agree. It still is an easy one man job to put them up and take them down. My lees are not telescoping so they need to be broken down to take off the boat at the end of the season. Still not a big job.
 

dale1

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Jeff. Hey I might be interested in buying your old ones if they're for sale. Dale. 2002 265 express
 

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Haven't pulled the trigger, yet, on the carbon fiber, but think that's the way I'll go.

Dale, I'll be in touch later if you're still interested.