TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers

Navigating the often-uneven surfaces of a boat’s T-top can be a challenge when you’re trying to mount critical gear like outriggers. My own quest for a perfectly level setup for my Grand Slam outriggers on a slightly curved T-top led me to the TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers. This seemingly simple accessory is designed to solve a very specific, yet common, problem for boat owners: achieving a true perpendicular mount for outrigger bases. The immediate impression upon unboxing was one of practical utility; these are clearly designed for function over form, albeit with a clean white finish that doesn’t detract from the boat’s aesthetics. While I briefly considered custom fabrication, the convenience and straightforward solution offered by these plates made them the clear choice. My initial reaction was a sense of relief, knowing there was a readily available, purpose-built solution to my mounting dilemma.

Real-World Testing: Putting TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing environment was the deck of my own vessel, specifically the T-top structure that, like many, features a subtle but persistent curve. The goal was to mount my TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers and then attach my Grand Slam outrigger bases to ensure they stood perfectly upright, regardless of the T-top’s contour. The installation process was remarkably straightforward. I simply placed the wedge plates between the T-top and the outrigger base, aligning the mounting holes.

The fit was snug, and no additional tools or modifications were needed beyond what’s typically required to install the outrigger bases themselves. The performance was immediately noticeable; the outrigger bases sat flush and level, correcting the angle effectively. There were no unexpected issues or quirks during this initial setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

Having now used these wedge plates for a full season, their true value has become evident. They’ve endured numerous fishing trips, enduring the occasional salty spray and the vibrations that come with being underway. Despite the constant exposure to the marine environment, there are no signs of degradation.

The TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers have maintained their shape and integrity, showing no signs of cracking or becoming brittle, which is crucial for a component that’s essentially part of the structural mounting system. Cleaning is as simple as wiping them down with a damp cloth when washing the boat, making maintenance practically nonexistent. Compared to any makeshift solutions I might have considered in the past, these plates offer a level of reliability and peace of mind that’s hard to beat.

Breaking Down the Features of TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers

Specifications

The TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers are a pair of specially shaped plates designed to sit between your T-top and your outrigger bases. They are manufactured by TACO Marine, a well-respected name in marine accessories. These plates come in a “One Size” that is engineered to perfectly fit several specific TACO Marine Grand Slam outrigger base models, including the GS-280, GS-2801, GS-380, GS-380XL, GS-390, GS-390XL, and GS-390-180.

The Color is a clean White, designed to blend in with most boat aesthetics. Made from a durable, marine-grade plastic, these wedge plates are built to withstand UV exposure and saltwater environments. Their primary function is to correct the angle of bases to perpendicular to the T-top. This seemingly small detail is critical for the proper function and appearance of your outrigger setup, ensuring the poles extend outward at the intended angle.

Performance & Functionality

The main job of these wedge plates is simple yet vital: to provide a flat, level surface for your outrigger bases when the mounting surface (your T-top) is not perfectly flat. They accomplish this task with impressive effectiveness. The correction of angle is precisely what’s needed to ensure the outriggers deploy and retract smoothly and, more importantly, maintain their intended spread and angle for fishing.

• Strengths: The most significant strength is their ability to correct angle of bases to perpendicular to the T-top flawlessly. They also offer a no drilling installation, which is a massive plus for any boat owner concerned about maintaining the integrity of their vessel. The fact that they are sold in pairs means you get both sides covered right out of the box.
• Weaknesses: The only potential limitation is their specific compatibility with the listed TACO Marine Grand Slam models. If you have outrigger bases from a different manufacturer or an older TACO Marine model not on the list, these might not fit.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these plates is utilitarian and purpose-built. Constructed from a durable white plastic, they are substantial enough to feel robust without adding excessive weight. The shape is molded to interface seamlessly with the bottom of the compatible TACO Marine outrigger bases and the curved surface of a T-top.

There is no complex ergonomic interface needed, as they are installed and then essentially hidden from view once the outrigger bases are mounted. The no drilling feature means there are no sharp edges or difficult-to-handle parts to contend with during installation. The clean white finish is practical, reflecting sunlight and resisting staining from common boat grime.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their construction from marine-grade plastic and their hidden placement beneath the outrigger bases, durability is excellent. I anticipate these TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers lasting the lifetime of my outrigger bases, or even longer. They are impervious to corrosion and are unlikely to crack or degrade under normal marine conditions.

Maintenance is essentially non-existent. A simple rinse with fresh water during boat washing is all that’s required to keep them clean. There are no moving parts or intricate mechanisms to worry about, making them a set-it-and-forget-it component.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers do not come with any additional accessories, nor do they offer customization options in the traditional sense. Their design is singular in purpose. However, the product itself ensures that the outrigger base you are mounting can be properly utilized, indirectly affecting the performance of your outrigger poles and spreaders. The fact that they fit outrigger base of GS-280, GS-2801, GS-380, GS-380XL, GS-390, GS-390XL and GS-390-180 perfectly is their main selling point, ensuring a secure and correct fit for those specific models.

Pros and Cons of TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers

Who Should Buy TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers?

These wedge plates are an indispensable accessory for any boat owner who has TACO Marine Grand Slam outrigger bases (models GS-280, GS-2801, GS-380, GS-380XL, GS-390, GS-390XL, and GS-390-180) and a T-top with a curved or uneven surface. If you’ve ever looked at your outriggers and felt they weren’t sitting quite right, or if you’ve struggled to get them perfectly level, these are for you. They are ideal for anglers who want a clean, professional, and functionally optimal outrigger setup without resorting to complex modifications.

Anyone with a perfectly flat T-top might not find these strictly necessary, but they would still serve to ensure a rock-solid mounting. Users who own outrigger bases not listed in the compatible models should look elsewhere, as these are specifically engineered for the TACO Marine Grand Slam series. For those who own the correct bases, a good quality marine sealant applied between the plate and the T-top, and the plate and the base, is a recommended complementary item to ensure a watertight seal.

Conclusion on TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers

The TACO Marine Wedge Plates f/Grand Slam Outriggers are a prime example of a product that solves a very specific problem with elegant simplicity and robust engineering. For their price of $166.49, you receive a pair of precision-molded plates that guarantee your compatible TACO Marine outrigger bases will be mounted perfectly plumb. They eliminate the frustration of a curved T-top and ensure your outriggers perform optimally.

I wholeheartedly recommend these wedge plates to anyone who fits the criteria of owning the specific Grand Slam models and a T-top that isn’t perfectly flat. They are a small investment that pays significant dividends in appearance, functionality, and peace of mind. If you’re serious about your outrigger setup, these are a must-have component that will last for years.