Best Outriggers for Jon Boat: Stability, Safety, and Versatility on the Water
Jon boats are prized for their shallow draft and maneuverability, but adding outriggers can dramatically improve stability, especially in windy conditions or when casting. This guide highlights top outriggers and compatible accessories designed for jon boats, focusing on durability, ease of installation, and ease of use. You’ll find options ranging from solid clamp-on oarlocks to inflatable stabilizers that extend your fishing, crabbing, or hunting days on the water with more confidence.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Marine 2X 316 Stainless Steel Clamp on Oarlocks | Smart Marine | Clamp-on oarlocks with high-grade stainless steel for corrosion resistance |
| TACO Marine OT-0542VEL15-HD Tele-Outrigger Pole | TACO Marine | Aluminum tele-outrigger pole with adjustable length |
| VEVOR Kayak Stabilizers, 2 PCS | VEVOR | PVC inflatable outrigger floats with Sidekick arms for stability |
| Pelican Intruder 12 Jon Fishing Boat | Pelican | Stable, high-capacity jon boat built for fishing and hunting |
| CE Smith Jon Block | CE Smith | Natural rubber boating tool compatible for trailer handling |
Smart Marine 2X Oarlocks: Stainless Steel Clamp-On
The Smart Marine 2X Oarlocks are designed for rugged marine use, featuring Marine 316 Grade Stainless Steel for superior corrosion resistance. The high-temperature resistant material enhances durability in varied climates. With a tube size of 1-5/8 inches and a 2-inch length, these oarlocks provide secure mounting while the adjustable shaft accommodates oars from 1.34 to 1.8 inches in diameter. This makes them suitable for jon boats requiring solid, clamp-on attachments that won’t wobble under load.
TACO Marine OT-0542VEL15-HD Tele-Outrigger Pole
The TACO Marine Tele-Outrigger Pole is an aluminum, 1-1/2 inch by 15-foot extendable outrigger designed for stability on smaller craft. It ships as a single unit and is ideal for jon boats converting to a stabilizing platform for trolling or casting. Its silver finish complements most boat configurations, and the pole’s length provides reach without excessive bulk. The unit’s compact package dimensions make storage and transport straightforward for anglers who travel to remote fishing spots.
VEVOR Kayak Stabilizers: Inflatable Outriggers
VEVOR’s inflatable kayak stabilizers offer a portable solution for jon boats needing extra balance. Included are two sidekick arms and a connecting rod that provide a total length of up to 94 inches. The system uses PVC with sealed seams for air-tight stability. It inflates and deflates quickly via a dual-valve system, and folds into a compact bag for easy transport. The adjustable length (81.5 to 94 inches) enables deployment in varied water conditions, making it a versatile choice for anglers and boaters seeking quick stabilization on the water.
Pelican Intruder 12 Jon Fishing Boat
The Pelican Intruder 12 is a compact jon boat featuring RAM-X construction for durability and high-impact resistance. With a maximum payload of around 420 pounds and up to 36 cubic feet of interior cargo capacity, it supports stable fishing setups and gear. Its design emphasizes stability and balance, essential characteristics when adding outriggers for enhanced performance in choppy conditions. This model provides a solid base platform for aftermarket outriggers and related accessories in calm or moderately rough water.
CE Smith Jon Block
The CE Smith Jon Block is a natural rubber boating tool designed to withstand harsh marine environments. Sized at 3 inches by 3 inches, it is compatible with a 3/4” shaft and is useful for supporting trailer handling and minor rigging tasks around a jon boat. While not an explicit outrigger component, it complements overall boat handling and stability strategies by aiding smooth movement and secure mounting of associated gear in trailer and water deployments.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Intended use and water conditions: For calm lakes, lighter stabilizers may suffice; for windy seas or larger game fishing, longer and more rigid outriggers provide better leverage and stability.
- Material and corrosion resistance: Stainless steel oarlocks offer durability in salt or brackish water, while aluminum or PVC options reduce weight and complexity. Consider your boat’s typical environment.
- Installation and compatibility: Clamp-on oarlocks and universal outrigger poles should fit your jon boat’s railings or gunwales. Check diameter compatibility for oarlock sockets and mounting brackets.
- Storage and portability: Inflatable stabilizers save space and are easy to transport. Rigid poles deliver consistent performance but require more storage space.
- Adjustability: Look for extendable poles and adjustable sidekick arms to tailor stability to your size, load, and water conditions.
- Maintenance: Stainless hardware resists rust longer but may require lubrication and inspection for wear points. Inspect inflation valves and seams on PVC systems regularly.
- Cost vs. value: While higher-end options deliver more durability and range, consider how often you’ll deploy outriggers. For occasional use, lighter setups may be more cost-effective.
- Safety considerations: Outriggers add stability but also increase the risk of entanglement or collision in crowded waters or low-hanging structures. Ensure proper training and practice in calm conditions first.
In selecting outriggers for a jon boat, balance stability gains with ease of use, weight, and storage needs. The products above cover a spectrum from rugged clamp-on oarlocks to inflatable stabilizers and sturdy outriggers, enabling a practical upgrade path for improved on-water performance.