Tournament Launch Question

[TheBassinBarber]

Was wondering how much time I should leave between boats when doing a launch order for a tournament.  We normally do around 15 seconds between boats, but thats on ponds.  We are holding one on a river, so is 15 seconds between boats enough time to seperate anglers, or is that too long or too short?  Any input is appreciated.

[Lund Explorer]

In most of the clubs I've fished with, blast off rate was determined by when the boats, one or two at a time, got up on plane.  It was more about making sure nobody got run over than a specific amount of time.

[Kevin22]

When the boat in front gets on plane and starts going, let the next go. 

[J Francho]

I'd probably let them get up on plane, and let the next boat go. I've fished a couple that were "shotgun starts," and that was fun. Mayhem, but fun.

[gulfcaptain]

yeah, don't think it has anything to do with time intervals, more to do with the safety of the competitors leaving and making sure nobody gets run over.  When I fished a weeky bass club event, we always waited till the 2 boats were up on pad before calling the next 2.

[J Francho]

That doesn't always guarantee safety, though. One guy in our club gets on plane, and then has engine trouble, and slows. Next guy, who's boat is slow to plane, plows into him. They were luck, just minor boat damage and no injuries.

[ww2farmer]

I call two at a time up, they idle by me on either side for livewell check, then go. By the time the next two are up the other two are safely away.

[slonezp]

When the boat in front gets on plane and starts going, let the next go. 

This is how we do it 

[CDMeyer]

In most of the clubs I've fished with, blast off rate was determined by when the boats, one or two at a time, got up on plane.  It was more about making sure nobody got run over than a specific amount of time.

I totally agree with this, just make sure it is safe and if it is in a no wake then just give them enough distance so when it is a wake zone it will still remain safe