Let’s Dive into Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in
The Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in isn’t exactly the sexiest piece of gear on the market, but for those of us plagued by the dreaded rooster tail emanating from our boat’s transducer, it’s a potential lifesaver. Manufactured by Rig Rite, this marine-grade plastic spray guard promises to knock down that annoying spray, keeping you and your passengers drier and happier. After years of battling this issue with makeshift solutions, I decided to give it a try.
My primary motivation for seeking out the Rooster Tail Tamer was simple: avoiding the constant shower while trolling for walleye. Every time my boat hit a certain speed, the transducer would kick up a huge spray, drenching anyone sitting in the back. I was looking for a simple, effective solution to this problem without requiring major modifications to my boat.
Upon unboxing the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The marine-grade plastic felt durable, and the included black powder-coated L-bracket and stainless mounting hardware seemed more than adequate. The overall construction appeared solid, and I appreciated the inclusion of stainless steel hardware, essential for marine environments.
I considered several alternatives before settling on the Rig Rite. One option was a DIY approach using a mud flap, but I wanted something more refined and purpose-built. Another involved adjusting the transducer’s mounting position, but that risked compromising its accuracy. The Rig Rite offered a non-invasive solution that seemed easiest to install and adjust.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was hoping for a simple, effective fix, and the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in appeared to deliver just that. The real test, however, would be on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in on a local lake known for its choppy conditions and plentiful walleye. The installation process was straightforward, taking about 30 minutes using basic hand tools. I mounted it directly to the transom, following the included instructions.
The Rooster Tail Tamer’s performance was immediately noticeable. The annoying spray that had plagued my previous fishing trips was significantly reduced. While it didn’t eliminate the spray entirely, it knocked it down to a manageable level, keeping us much drier and more comfortable. Even in slightly rougher water, the Tamer continued to perform well.
Using the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in was incredibly easy. Once installed, there was nothing more to do; it simply did its job. I didn’t need to make any adjustments or modifications during the day.
Initially, the black powder coating on the L-bracket had a slight metallic sheen, but that faded quickly with exposure to the elements. Other than that, there were no real surprises during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in continues to hold up well. There are no signs of cracking or warping in the plastic, and the stainless steel hardware remains rust-free. The black powder coating on the L-bracket has shown some minor scratches from contact with fishing gear, but it’s purely cosmetic.
The Rooster Tail Tamer has proven to be quite durable. I’ve accidentally bumped it a few times while loading and unloading gear, but it hasn’t shown any signs of damage. The marine-grade plastic seems resistant to UV exposure and weathering.
Maintaining the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in is incredibly simple. I usually just rinse it off with fresh water after each fishing trip to remove any salt or debris. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps it looking clean.
Compared to my previous (nonexistent) spray-reduction solutions, the Rig Rite is a game-changer. It’s far more effective and less cumbersome than anything I could have rigged up myself. This product definitely outperforms my expectations, especially considering the affordable price.
Breaking Down the Features of Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in
Specifications
- Marine Grade Plastic Spray Guard: This is crucial for durability and longevity in harsh marine environments. It resists corrosion and UV degradation, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Dimensions: 12in x 6in: This size strikes a good balance between spray reduction and minimal drag. The dimensions are appropriate for most transom setups.
- Black Powder Coated 3″ x 3″ L-Bracket: The bracket provides a sturdy mounting point. The powder coating offers protection against rust and corrosion.
- Stainless Mounting Hardware: Essential for preventing corrosion in saltwater or freshwater environments. Stainless steel ensures a secure and long-lasting installation.
- Designed to Knock Down Spray from Transducers: The primary function, directly addressing the problem of rooster tails created by boat transducers. It reduces water spray and improves visibility.
- Can be Mounted onto Transoms or to Rig Rite Transducer Mounting Plate: Adds to the flexibility of the product, making it usable across a variety of boat transom configurations. Mounting versatility is key here.
Performance & Functionality
The Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in performs its primary function admirably: reducing spray. While it may not eliminate the rooster tail entirely in all conditions, it significantly minimizes the amount of water thrown up by the transducer. This greatly enhances visibility and comfort for boat occupants.
One strength of the Rooster Tail Tamer is its simple, effective design. Its straightforward functionality requires no special skills to install or use. A potential area for improvement is providing multiple bracket mounting hole locations for a wider install base.
The Rig Rite meets expectations. It offers an affordable and easy-to-install solution to a common boating problem.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rooster Tail Tamer’s design is functional and unobtrusive. The marine-grade plastic is lightweight and durable.
The installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of time. No special expertise is needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The marine-grade plastic construction suggests a long lifespan. The stainless steel hardware further enhances durability.
The Rooster Tail Tamer requires minimal maintenance. A simple rinse with fresh water is typically sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in comes with the necessary mounting hardware. It can be further customized by painting the plastic to match the boat’s hull.
The Tamer is also designed to be compatible with the Rig Rite transducer mounting plate, offering an alternative mounting option. This provides the user additional flexibility based on their transom configuration.
Pros and Cons of Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in
Pros
- Reduces transducer spray effectively.
- Easy to install with basic tools.
- Durable marine-grade plastic construction.
- Stainless steel mounting hardware resists corrosion.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- May not completely eliminate spray in all conditions.
- Limited customization options beyond painting.
Who Should Buy Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in?
The Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in is perfect for boaters experiencing excessive spray from their transducers. This would include anglers, recreational boaters, and anyone prioritizing a drier and more comfortable boating experience.
Those who require absolute spray elimination or prefer highly customizable gear might want to explore alternative solutions. However, for most boaters, this product offers an excellent balance of performance and value.
Consider adding thread locker, such as Loctite, to the mounting hardware to prevent loosening from vibrations over time. You could also consider painting the Tamer to color-match your boat’s hull.
Conclusion on Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in
The Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in is a simple, effective, and affordable solution to a common boating problem. It’s a well-designed product that delivers on its promise of reducing transducer spray.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the improved comfort and visibility it provides. It’s a small investment that yields significant benefits on the water.
I would absolutely recommend the Rig Rite 2000 Rooster Tail Tamer 12in x 6in to anyone struggling with transducer spray. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to enhance your boating experience. Stop getting soaked and start enjoying your time on the water!
