TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit Review

The Final Word on the TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit

For anyone outfitting a boat with outriggers, the TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit presents a seemingly straightforward solution to a common task. As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of practical application across diverse environments, I’m always on the lookout for kits that streamline complex setups. This particular offering from TACO Marine promises to bundle everything needed for their Grand Slam 170 Outrigger poles, aiming for speed and cost savings on the water. My own experience often involves rigging and re-rigging various marine equipment, and the need for a reliable, all-in-one solution for outriggers became apparent after a particularly frustrating attempt to source individual components for a client’s refit. This kit arrived in a simple, unassuming package, hinting at practicality over flashy presentation. Initial impressions revealed decent quality components, though the “one size fits all” nature of some items always raises a slight eyebrow in my line of work. Compared to piecing together a custom kit or buying lesser-quality generic parts, this seemed like a potentially sensible starting point. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism, hoping it would indeed simplify the process as advertised.

Real-World Testing: Putting TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for this kit was aboard a 24-foot center console fishing vessel, specifically during a period of scheduled maintenance and upgrade work that included recalibrating and re-running the outrigger lines. The process involved working in the confined space of the boat’s cockpit and on the leaning post, with intermittent exposure to salt spray and bright sunlight. The kit’s components, particularly the rigging cord and various clips, were handled repeatedly as I worked through the installation.

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit proved largely intuitive, although the specific order and method for attaching the various elements to the outrigger poles required a close look at the included (albeit minimal) instructions. There were no significant surprises, but the slightly fiddly nature of crimping the double sleeve connectors required a bit more patience than I initially anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple fishing trips in varying sea conditions, the rigging kit has held up reasonably well. The outrigger lines have seen consistent operation, retracting and extending under load from offshore trolling lures.

Durability seems to be a mixed bag. The Dacron rigging cord itself shows minimal wear, a testament to its strength. However, the adjustable tension release clips exhibited a slight stiffness after repeated exposure to saltwater and sun. While they still function, a touch more lubrication or perhaps a more corrosion-resistant material would be beneficial for long-term, heavy use. Maintenance has been straightforward; rinsing the components with fresh water after each saltwater excursion is sufficient.

Comparing this kit to previous experiences, it falls somewhere in the middle. It’s significantly more convenient than sourcing individual parts from multiple suppliers, and the quality is generally better than bargain-basement generic rigging kits I’ve encountered. However, it doesn’t quite reach the robustness of some higher-end, specialized marine rigging solutions that might incorporate more advanced materials.

Breaking Down the Features of TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit

Specifications

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit is designed to rig up to 22-foot outrigger poles. It includes a glass ring with brass strap clips, which is a crucial element for smooth operation and preventing chafing. The core of the kit is 1/8″ thick, 100′ Dacron black rigging cord, a standard and durable material for this application. You also get adjustable tension release clips, the number of which is essential for a complete rigging setup.

Further components include 1-1/4″ outrigger line stops to control the travel of your release clips, a pad eye with screws for securing the cord, a double sleeve crimp for creating secure loops, a swivel to reduce line twist, and a snap swivel for easy attachment of leader lines. Finally, a quick-dry mesh bag is provided for storage. These specifications collectively aim to provide all the necessary hardware for a functional outrigger setup, saving users the effort of identifying and purchasing each item individually. The 100′ Dacron cord, in particular, is a generous length that should accommodate most standard outrigger pole configurations within the specified 22-foot limit.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this kit is to enable the smooth and reliable deployment and retrieval of outrigger lines, and for the most part, it succeeds. The Dacron rigging cord runs cleanly through the outrigger poles and the various eyelets and guides. The swivel and snap swivel work as expected, effectively preventing line tangles when deploying lures.

The adjustable tension release clips are a strong point, offering good control over lure strike release tension. However, as noted earlier, they can become slightly stiff with prolonged saltwater exposure. The glass ring with brass strap clips is a classic and effective design element that has proven its worth in marine environments. The outrigger line stops perform their intended function precisely, preventing over-extension.

Design & Ergonomics

TACO Marine has opted for practical, marine-grade materials in this kit. The Dacron cord is robust, and the metal components, such as the swivels and crimps, feel substantial. The pad eye and its accompanying screws are standard fare, suitable for mounting on most boat surfaces.

Ergonomically, the kit is designed for installation rather than daily use; once rigged, the components are mostly static or move along the line. The adjustable tension release clips have a decent grip, making them easy to manipulate even with wet hands. The quick-dry mesh bag is a thoughtful addition for keeping all the smaller parts organized and preventing them from scattering across the boat.

Durability & Maintenance

Under typical use for outrigger rigging, this kit is expected to offer a reasonable lifespan. The Dacron rigging cord is known for its UV resistance and low stretch, suggesting it will last for several seasons. The metal components, particularly the swivels and snap swivels, appear to be well-plated or treated for corrosion resistance, though repeated immersion in saltwater will eventually test this.

Cleaning is as simple as rinsing with fresh water and allowing the components to dry thoroughly. The mesh bag aids in this by allowing air circulation. The main point of potential failure, as observed, would be the stiffness developing in the adjustable tension release clips over time due to salt buildup and lack of lubrication. Regular rinsing and occasional application of a marine-grade lubricant could extend their life significantly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit is quite comprehensive for its intended purpose. It includes virtually everything needed to rig a pair of outrigger poles, up to 22 feet in length. The key components are the glass ring with brass strap clips, the 1/8″ thick, 100′ Dacron black rigging cord, and the set of adjustable tension release clips.

The inclusion of a double sleeve crimp and a swivel with a snap swivel simplifies the creation of secure, functional loops for line management. A pad eye with screws provides a mounting point, and the 1-1/4″ outrigger line stops offer precise control. The quick-dry mesh bag is a useful accessory for keeping everything together. There are no significant customization options within the kit itself, as it’s designed as a complete package. However, the components are generally compatible with standard marine rigging practices, allowing for the potential integration of other manufacturer’s release clips or specific leader attachments if desired.

Pros and Cons of TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit

Who Should Buy TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit?

This TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit is an excellent choice for the average recreational boater or angler who needs to set up or re-rig their outrigger poles. It is particularly well-suited for those who value convenience and time savings over sourcing individual components from multiple marine suppliers. If you own TACO Marine Grand Slam 170 Outrigger poles, this kit offers a direct and efficient solution.

However, serious offshore fishermen who frequently encounter harsh conditions and demand the absolute highest level of durability and corrosion resistance might want to consider higher-end, specialized rigging kits or individual components made from premium materials like stainless steel or titanium. Beginners may also benefit from more detailed, step-by-step instructional guides than what is typically included. Essential complementary items would be heavy-duty crimping tools and potentially marine-grade lubricant to maintain the release clips.

Conclusion on TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit delivers on its promise of providing a convenient, all-in-one solution for rigging outrigger poles. Its comprehensive nature, featuring robust Dacron rigging cord, functional adjustable tension release clips, and essential hardware like the glass ring with brass strap clips and swivel, makes it a valuable purchase for many boat owners. While the release clips might show some stiffness over extensive saltwater use, the overall quality and the inclusion of a useful quick-dry mesh bag justify its price point for the average user.

For those looking to quickly and efficiently get their outriggers operational without the hassle of piecing together parts, this kit is a solid recommendation. It strikes a good balance between affordability, convenience, and functional performance, making it a sensible choice for most recreational fishing applications.