"Modified" Tiller Tournament Boats!

1) If the console did not have remote steering, the HP rating goes to USCG Tiller ratings. The builder can choose to warrant the boat or not,that's a business decision, but tiller ratings are usually considerably less that console ratings so it would make no sense to deny say, a hull warranty based on HP being reduced to tiller.
2)It doesn't matter to the PWT or the public who authorized a modification. If the tiller ratings are legal by USCG standards, it's a legal boat. Nothing in the design of the hull or interior was changed, just the manner of steering the craft.
3)A tournament director should only require the HP rating is legal and the boat isn't overpowered. In this case it appears to be legal, and is not overpowered. If the console model takes say a 225 and is 20' or more in length, a 135 or 150 is legal by USCG certifications standards and shouldn't exceed safety measures in design. By the way, the MMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association)is a Manufacturer's umbrella group who is forwarding a more stringent certification program, according to the website, than the USCG. Here's a link.

http://www.nmma.org/certification/about/why.asp

Note it isn't a legal requirement for a boat to be NMMA rated, it's considered a 'higher standard' according to material on the website and is frequently used as a 'feature/benefit'.

[fishhogg]

Marv,
I too came up with these same questions. I was on a quest last year to buy a Ranger 620t w/Merc opti. Along the way I had a few occasions to purchase a "modified" tiller boat. I never got any answers that made me feel comfortable enough to pull the trigger on one, ecspecially on a boat under 20'. I personally feel that a Lund 2025/1900, Alumacraft 185, would easily and safely accomidate a 150hp tiller motor. The problem I was worried about was the liability on that "modified" rig. Please let us know what the PWT/FLW people tell you. A Lund 2025/1900 tiller w/200hp Opti, kicker, troll motors and all the trimmings would be a boat that would be hard to pass up!!! Oh no here we go again!

Hey, Fishhogg!!

I called Jim Kalkofen yesterday. Jim was very cordial and upfront about the whole deal with the modified 2025 at Winneconne! There was discussion between the PWT officials and the pro angler regarding the use of the 2025 in the tournament. According to Jim, the tournament staff called Lund and got their opinion. And, while the manufacturer would prefer that no one modify the original configuration, they did indicate that a 135 Opti was well within the acceptable range for tiller/power assist controls. And so, an agreement was reached at Winneconne! Owner/operator "modification" processes seem to remain in the "gray area," (no offense, Gary), but perhaps these discussions and questions will clear the way for the development of new models and/or clarity on "what works and what doesn't!" As far as resale of a owner modifed boat, and the impact that a configuration modification has on warranty, I do not know. Jim and I never got into that part of the discussion. We started talking about Devils Lake, and that was the end of that! I enjoyed your post, Fishhogg!! Have a great season on the water!

"Minnesota Marv"

Not to mention the implications of insurance. I don't think an insurance company would cover a modified boat.

[Reels]

Thanks, great info Marv!


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