taco vs tigress outriggers

lunasea17 · #1 03-18-2008, 03:37 PM

I need new 15' outrigger poles and could use some feedback on which are better. I like the fact that the Tigress poles are repairable but I have heard negative things about them. Actually, I have heard a lot of complaints about both brands. Any help?

gofastsandman · #2 03-18-2008, 05:55 PM

I too was in the market and did some research b4 Dania. The Taco`s, Cannon`s , Tigress, Scotty`s, and others ALL looked exactly the same and all made in china. Sorry china no cap c for you. I picked up some lightly used Tigress poles w/ elbows and halyard kit which was nice except for the dubro clips. I have some Trip ezzzzz clips which I love for their consistent release point. I already had some Lee`s pads @ 1 1/8" on my boat. The Tigress elbows looked really weak n cheap. I found some nice Lee`s elbows for 20 clams too. Took the crap back 4 refund.

Lee`s are made in U.S.A. and STRONG. Pricey too.

Years ago Brian`s bro took his out under a bridge and I learned how to fix them, courtesy of the fine folks at Birdsall. Cut back past the bend . Sleave w/ tubing that is @ 3/16 smaller in dia. Wrap w silicone bead like whipping rope and "screw" back together, line up and enjoy.

gfs
Damn china
GFS

lunasea17 · #3 03-19-2008, 12:29 PM

Does anyone know if the Tigress poles are "easilly repaired" as they state? Are the Tacos not repairable? I broke my old Schaefer poles four times last year and they are now about ten feet long. I know I set the clips too tight. {Blacks}. I'm limited to 1 1/8 poles because I have some decent old Perko bases on my T top that I'd rather not change. I too have the Tigress elbows without the cast base and though cheesy they work ok so far.

gofastsandman · #4 03-19-2008, 07:39 PM

Just got done fixing a loose collar. Tiny 1/8" Allen screws w flat heads NOT conical and tubes not countersunk for positive lock. 5/64 Allen is WAY too small. Hard to get everything apart even though they are not old. Galvanic corrosion, poor design and execution .If you are good w/ an ez out and can spot weld , then yes they are easily repairable. I`ll use them hard and keep looking for a nice used set of Lee`s
GFS

lunasea17 · #5 03-19-2008, 10:45 PM

Unfortunatly Tacos and Tigress are about the limit of my wallet right now. I heard about corrosion problems with the finish on Tigress's too.

76Red18 · #6 03-20-2008, 12:38 PM

Had some aluminum tigress rod holders that corroded pretty fast.