Outrigger

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This article is about the Outrigger canoe. For the hotel chain, see Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.

An Outrigger is a part of a boat's rigging which is rigid and extends beyond the side or gunwhale of a boat.

In a canoe or bangca and in sailboats such as the proa, an outrigger is a thin, long, solid, hull used to stabilise an inherently unstable main hull. The outrigger is positioned rigidly and parallel to the main hull so that the main hull is less likely to capsize. If only one outrigger is used on a vessel, its weight reduces the tendency to capsize in one direction and its buoyancy reduces the tendency in the other direction.

In a rowing boat or galley, an outrigger (or just rigger) is a triangular metal frame that holds the oarlock (into which the oar is slotted) away from the gunwale to optimize leverage. Harry Clasper (1812–1870), a British professional rower, is credited as the inventor.

[edit] See also

• Outrigger canoe
• Outrigger canoe racing