BASS rules for tournament boats

[Black Bass]

At my bass club meeting on the 7th, we were told that BASS was going to enforce the 250 HP max engine size and that BASS was going to raise the minimum boat length to 17 feet. Do any of you have any information corroborating either of these statements? I have an 1975 Ranger that is only 16' 3"  long.

[StatosDadRI]

The 17' rule was in place for 2006 and 250HP has been there for a few years. Local T's can alter size but if you make it to a BASS, TBF Divisonal any boat measured from bow to stern not including the rubber bumper arount the cap it must be over 17'

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/federation/news/story?page=bass_fed_documents

rules are 5th on the list.

[cart7t]

At my bass club meeting on the 7th, we were told that BASS was going to enforce the 250 HP max engine size and that BASS was going to raise the minimum boat length to 17 feet. Do any of you have any information corroborating either of these statements? I have an 1975 Ranger that is only 16' 3"  long.

Why would this affect your bass club?

I can't imagine anyone fishing in a BASS sponsored event in anything under 17' in length.

[HPBB]

You club can change the rule for "club tournaments" allowing boats under 17 feet. But if you plan of fishing any other tournaments. State fedreation ect. then boats under 17 would not be alloud.

i know here is Western Pa, lots of club allow boats smaller than 17 feet. There are many lake with 10 and 20Hp limits.Most of the boats that run these lakes are 14 to 16 feet.  So clubs that fish "small boats tournament" will allow boats under 17 feet.

My club is a BASS affiliated club.

In my club I know we have 2 boats under 17. A 16 ft hydro sports with a 110hp and a 16 foot tracker with 50Hp on it. Both boats are aloud to fish our club tournament. I also have used my 15 footer in club tournaments when my big boat was in the shop. We are not about to turn guys way and tell tem they can't fish with their boats.

[Hale]

Each set of tournaments / series by BASS is different about this rule too. For instance, The Bassmaster Opens allows boats 16' and greater to enter.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

What is the purpose of the length rules?

[Hale]

Safety & Liability...a larger vessel is more likely to handle rough water conditions and be less likely to capsize under most any circumstances.