Boat Selection

[Hiatus]

Are the boats used by the “big name” (PWT, FLW, MWC) tournament anglers “stock”. I guess what I’m asking are the same model boats available to the public or are they modified rigs that have been beefed up to meet the rigorous demands of the tournament angler.

Also, is there a list or does someone have statistics on what everyone is using? Length, model, configuration (side console, full windshield, etc) I’m sure sponsorship might have something to do with it. I’m always curious – these guys have to purchase a durable boat. “Joe Average” could learn quite a bit from their selections.

[stock]

They are stock, and are the same models availible to the public. Most pros that fish more eastern lakes tend choose longer boats (21 feet). A lot of the pros that fish western waters will select 19 foot or 20 foot boats because of boat control. Most have dual consol bubble windshields, but there are several tillers and single consol boats on the tours.

If you look on the WC classifieds under "pro boats", you'll get a good cross section of the types of boats guys are running. I personally run a Ranger, but I don't think there is a bad boat on the market...

[Juls_OH]

The same model boats are available to the public. Most pros do however get most of the extra options available in their boats. They also have a lot of experience when it comes to rigging their boats with all the latest and greatest toys, so that's a headache a buyer wouldn't have to deal with. By the time a buyer buys a Pro's rig, it has been broken in and tested for the best set up for it's highest level of performance..ie: props, motor height etc...all the kinks have been taken care of.
You can also save a buck or two by buying a used boat over a new one.

Juls

[Burr ND]

Juls brings up a really valid point. Pro's CUSTOM RIG a new boat every year. Pro's rig their boat with redundancy, durability, and convenience factors learned over many years to perform when $50,000 is on the line. The boats are stock, but if you want to see some of the best rigging possible, look at a pro's boat.

Anything from Rod holder placement, to meticulous wiring, optimal placement of electronics. Typically, you will find the rigging to be a significant customization on the stock boats. If it takes a little longer, or involves a little more cost, a pro will likely include it in the rigging process. There is too much money on the line to not do it right. I think you will also find the Pro's know how to take care of their boat. The veteran pro's treat their boats in ways to prevent breakdowns from abuse. Those that are abusive to their equipment are quite often 'new' to the pro ranks. They either learn, or don't last very long.

[Burr ND]

Juls brings up a really valid point. Pro's CUSTOM RIG a new boat every year. Pro's rig their boat with redundancy, durability, and convenience factors learned over many years to perform when $50,000 is on the line. The boats are stock, but if you want to see some of the best rigging possible, look at a pro's boat.

Anything from Rod holder placement, to meticulous wiring, optimal placement of electronics. Typically, you will find the rigging to be a significant customization on the stock boats. If it takes a little longer, or involves a little more cost, a pro will likely include it in the rigging process. There is too much money on the line to not do it right. I think you will also find the Pro's know how to take care of their boat. The veteran pro's treat their boats in ways to prevent breakdowns from abuse. Those that are abusive to their equipment are quite often 'new' to the pro ranks. They either learn, or don't last very long.