Your kayak's outriggers are a great addition for a number of reasons, but they're all driven by one primary concern: stability.
Outriggers are a great option if you want to add a sail to your recreation boat or turn it into a fishing platform. A yak may not be able to provide enough balance for a tall, heavy angler.
You'll need to know plenty about these additions before you put your credit card down on Amazon. Check out the following buying guide and reviews to learn more.
Are you considering rigging outriggers? You should know these things.
Stability
Although outriggers can solve a variety of stability problems, this is the only reason you're looking into them.
Your 'yak can be a lot more versatile with a sail. You can have longer and more exciting adventures by stretching some 'canvas' over your head once you have mastered it. You can't handle much sail if your kayak doesn't have a keel. Think twice before dreaming of a spinnaker.
Under a sailboat's hull are long, weighted blades called keels. They counterbalance the force created by the wind on the sail. A heavy push will send your 'yak over because it lacks a keel. Outriggers can help fix this problem. Whether you're facing a light breeze or a strong one, they provide the stability you'll need.
Angling - Maybe you've bought a recreational kayak and have realized you'd like to start fishing on some of your trips. The best way to catch many species of fish is to cast directly to them. Coaxing your prey into a strike is easier if you see them before you cast. In addition, it's much easier to cast fly fishing from a standing position than from a seated position. When you try to stand up in a rec 'yak, you'll be surprised by how hard it is. A pair of outriggers is an easy fix. In no time at all, you'll be standing in your recreation boat!
A tall, heavy fisherman already knows what the problem is. It can be difficult for tall, heavy anglers to maintain stability in kayaks designed for sight fishing. If you want to stand tall so you can concentrate on catching fish, outriggers are an excellent option.
Your speed will be slowed down by outriggers
Outriggers have this major drawback, and there's not much you can do about it.
You probably don't want a lesson in physics about hydrodynamics. A kayak's hull length determines how fast it can be pushed through water. The longer the hull, the faster it can be pushed. In essence, outriggers are extra hulls attached to your yak that make a catamaran or trimaran out of it.
You will, however, be slower if they are shorter. Most of the time, you'll be slower than you were alone in your kayak. Outriggers are not favored by physics. With outriggers, you can add more sail than you can with a 'yak alone in sailing. In this very specific circumstance, you might be faster.
Inflatable or Solid PVC?
There are pros and cons to each, so you can decide for yourself.
An inflatable outrigger consists of an inner bladder enclosed by an outer tough membrane. When you're ready to hit the water, you can simply inflate them by mouth and store them when you're done. What are the downsides? It is possible to puncture the exterior membrane despite its toughness. It's something to consider if you're a fisherman or launch and land on beaches where debris could accumulate.
A solid float is used to create buoyancy in PVC outriggers. Their main advantage is their robustness. These are the kinds of materials that professional watermen use on their nets and traps because they are durable. Inflatable designs are easier to store, but they're not quite as portable.
Systems for installation and mounting
It is important to consider this issue as well. Getting outriggers mounted can be challenging if you aren't handy.
Your outriggers should be placed near the stern of your 'yak to prevent them from interfering with paddle strokes or fishing lines. It's important to find an open area that's the right size and measure carefully how much clearance you'll need.
Drill and hole-punching skills are required for mounting. There is a possibility that you may be intimidated by this project if you have no experience with basic DIY projects. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and remember to pilot-drill a hole to ensure accuracy with a larger bit.
An example of how to install the Hobie AMA kit can be seen in this video.
![Best Kayak Outriggers For Max Stability [2026]](https://shared-bucket-websites.s3.amazonaws.com/KayakOutriggers-1669763485167)
