1. Here is the finished project on my Hobie Outback using 1 1/4" diameter PVC. This size PVC fits the Ram tubes perfectly.
2. In order to provide a solid mount for the RAM balls, I used a 2" x 5" piece of aluminum stock (from HD or Lowes) as a backing plate and then thru-bolted the RAM ball mounts. This provides a fairly solid mounting surface and cuts down the hull flexing. I also used the right hand side of this 5" piece of aluminum stock as a base in order to thru-mount an extra SS eyestrap (from K-Mart) on each side that won't pull out. This is a good place to mount a port side handle for lifting the Outback. The 2004 and later Outbacks now come with a built-in starboard handle that is a very useful addition.
3. The floats are 5" x 11" lobster pot buoys from Hamilton Marine (in Maine, natch) mounted on 1/2" diameter PVC.
http://www.hamiltonmarine.com/
4. You use a right-angle elbow on the main PVC arm in order to mount the lobster pot buoys on 1/2" PVC pipe. Note below that there are several ways to do this using various reducing fittings, depending on what you can find at your local PVC supplier. Home Depot and Lowe's use different PVC suppliers so it is always a good idea to check out both sources in order to find the appropriate fittings.
5. Here is a second way to skin this cat using a reduction elbow off the 1 1/4" main PVC pipe or arm.
6. Closer view of one outrigger (using a 30 inch piece of 1 1/4" PVC) using the RAM mounts.
These outriggers work great, are extremely easy to use and remove, and provide a nice stable platform for sit-down fishing, or standing to sight cast or fly fish. Haven't tried the fly-fishing gig as yet, but it is probably coming.
Have fun,
Dick
