Tournament Ready

[Johnson556]

I fish some local tournaments just a bunch of guys having a good time. But to fish a bigger tournament people always say you need a tournament ready boat????? Is the boat supposed to be a certain length or speed or what??? Can someone tell me just what is tournament ready???

 

[kenneths]

Re: Tournament Ready

High volume re-circ pumps and cooling coils to reduce water temp in the livewells would mean tourney ready to me, although you must have aleast 1000hp, with a 43" pitch prop, windshields that have been tested to 400mph with live chickens, and a classy paint-job, triple axle trailer and brakes.........

 

[DJ]

Re: Tournament Ready

I thought you were supposed to test them with frozen chickens! <br /><br />I think "Tournament Ready" is a marketing term.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Tournament Ready

We have tournys and derbys here, and I have seen everything from bucks up fish missiles to ragged out garbage scows. If the boat has the rigging for YOU to catch fish, thats all you need, but at the same time, there may be some sort of regulations for the tournys you fish. I would imagine any regulations would involve typical safety items on board, a minimal type of comunication equipment, the boat is safe (not overpowered or in such bad structural or mechanical shape to be dangerous). You may need to demonstrate navigational skills and have good knowledge of boatsmanship in all conditions as well. Or you may only need to pony up the cash and have a good ol' time.....

 

[DJ]

Re: Tournament Ready

All joking aside, if you're looking for a BASS rig, I would look for the following.<br /><br />1. At least 18'.<br /><br />2. Capable of reaching 70 mph.<br /><br />2. At least two recirc. livewells with remote opertated drains and valving.<br /><br />3. In dash flasher sonar.<br /><br />4. At least one LCR that reads sideways also.<br /><br />5. 36 Volt trolling motor.<br /><br />6. GPS, best if combined with LCR sonar.<br /><br />7. Handheld VHF radio.<br /><br />8. A big name like:<br /><br />Allison, Ranger, Triton, Skeeter, Cajun, the list goes on.<br /><br />If I had my choice, it would be a Triton.

 

[scamper]

Re: Tournament Ready

Pay your entry fee. Your tournament ready.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Tournament Ready

Many tournys have certain boat qualifications/limitations.<br />Such as "no stick steering", no hp over the rating for the boat, safety equipment. Marine radio. Must have kill switch with tether. pfd must be worn when running above trolling speed.<br />Some may require a minimum hp or length, but I haven't seen those in writing.<br /><br />I would contact a tourny promoter and ask them for the details.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Tournament Ready

Interesting post, You all forgot that the wheels on your trailer MUST match the wheels on your truck!!<br /><br />Seriously, It depends on who is sangtioning (sp) the tounament. Here in Oregon anyway, they check your boat to see if your livewells operate properly, fuctioning Kill swith, current boat registration, You cannot overpower your boat, You have to show proof of insurance, have a current fishing license,"Duh", thats about it!<br /><br />LubeDude