Outrigger Experiment
At this point the outriggers are still something of an experiment and were intended to be used for the following purposes;Outrigger specifications: 2 x Stock 18' x 26" Dia. Aire Leopard (whitewater) Hyperlon Cataraft tubes. Best photo's of the tubes can be found on the Aire website Idaho-USA,(under Leopard Cataraft). The units are attached each side by quick release plates simular to those used for heavy aux. 4 stroke outboards. There are Carbon support braces inside/outside that attach to articulating arms that use off-road shocks. Thus, between the air filled tubes & shocks, the units are able to withstand a great deal of pounding without transfering the loads directly to the hull. The origional purpose was to use the outriggers to help stabilize the boat when running downwind under a large 'kiteboard' wing without the water ballast. The wing is launched by lowering the sails, releasing the forestay pulling it back to the mast & using the inner-forestay to keep the mast up. This allows for a very practical bow launch & recovery of the wing (most of the time-control lines are still a major problem). The only run made with this set-up so far was Luperon D.R. to Jacksonville, Fl. (via the Turks Passage)in July 2004. While it was mostly successful I can't honestly say it is yet very practical.The outriggers are also used on river trips where they are very helpful when crossing strong eddy lines. They are stored when not in use in a 8' Walker Bay that is on Davits & covered so it does not fill with rainwater during squalls.However, I have to say the most practical use is for swimming on/off while on the hook, using as a tender, & keeping the boat from rocking heavy in wakes at busy anchorages. They also, keep fishermen & others in remote places from rafting up to you without fenders.