21ft boat for the weekend series.

[tipptruck1]

well next summer I will be getting a stratos 295 with a 150. But I want to fish the bfl or the bass master weekend series. But do I really need a 21 foot boat to fish the tunnrys? But i'am not sure if I will fish more then just them and club tunnrys. I do plan on useing it to fish on off time. Thats were i really don't want to have a 21 foot boat every time I fish.

[R Tilson]

Good question, do you have to have a 21' boat, no. All you have to do is meet the tournament rules minimum boat length and motor size.

What I would recommend is to make a pro vs con list of everything you'll face as a boater. Remember, as a boater you will have to be prepared for all types of conditions.

Some things to think about as you make your choice:

Water conditions; rough (storms) / calm

Fuel capacity; how far will your runs be

Partner; size and how much gear will they bring

On and on

It's going to be a tough decision. Just make sure you don't regret that decision because your making a big investment.

Good luck

[RandySBreth]

I see a cross section of boats at weekend tournaments here on Table Rock. There are some semi-pro types with sponserships that run 20-21 ft boats but most guys run 18 ft fiberglass rigs, some (like me) on a more limited budget run 17' high hp. aluminum rigs.

Lots of Trackers, Xpress, Lowe and War Eagle run by weekend guys.

It really depends on your needs and the minimum length and hp. required by your tourney rules.

[sodaksker]

I have a 21 footer, fish and ski,  works great for every application except the one lake that is full of flooded timber.  It makes it hard to manuever around there without hitting every peice of timber and making a lot of noise.  That is the one time when I wish I had a smaller boat.  I was going to fish that tourney as a non boater this year.

[fireandice]

I have a 19ft. Stratos and on most any lake, I sure wouldn't mind having the 21ft. for storage and fishing deck size.  Especially in a fish/ski combo.  My 19ft. fish/ski really has no rod storage which is a little piece I gave up for being able to ski with the family.  I'd think a 21ft. fish and ski would probably have full size rod lockers on it.  Trust me, with the extra seating of a fish/ski, that makes the decking shorter.  You can't have too big of fishing deck in my opinion.  My ultimate fish/ski would be a 21ft. with a wide beam for rough water, a 150HP is about right unless you're a diehard tourney guy who has to get to his one spot before the others do.  Just my two cents.

[cart7t]

A 295 Stratos is perfect for fishing any tournament unless you need gobs of storage area or will be fishing waters that have the potential to get rough.  21 footers are much more expensive, require a larger tow vehicle, need a much larger OB than a 150 to operate efficiently and are of such size, length and beam, that manuevering in tight confines can be a pain.  

[tipptruck1]

Thanks cart7. I put together a cons and pro list of these boats. To me they seam the same. I really didn't come up with a winner. But I think I will get the 295.

[Cajun1977]

best thing to do is go out and ride in the different boats    check out nitro alsoo  great boats