MLF boats?

Has anyone else noticed that a lot of the guys boats are smaller with like a 150 on the back instead of the 250? Just been noticing this throughout the last few episodes

Part of the rules, everyone has an 18'6 boat with a 150.

I think some might be 19' but yes they all have 150

Probably cheaper for them to get a small fleet of them vs a big rig.

Sponsored by Nitro. They should be Z7's. Part of the rules. When MLF was at Ray Roberts/Lewisville, they were staying in Denton. I pulled in to the hotel to look at all the boats. Must have been 40 or 50 of them all the same.

I believe some of them are BassCats as well.

Basscat has been a sponsor since day one as well. They've provided Margays in past years, and this year it's a Pantera 2.

Beat me to it KO..

Gotcha...just thought it was odd that such elite guys didn't have the best rigged boats

Oh they're still loaded, just not huge.

I'd probably have an 18'6 myself if the big ones didn't handle bad weather on big lakes so much better. That's the only reason I continually buy used 20ft boats instead of new 18'6 boats.

They are using the same size boat and engine size to keep everyone as equal as possible. This is a competition where the fishermen has to use his experience and know how instead of who has the latest and greatest gadget.

So what's the difference between everyone having 18ft boats than everyone having 20ft boats? Not like anyone on Pro series has a real disadvantage they all run 20+ft boats with 250s. I understand the cost issue for sure. But a 18ft boat and all these rods and a camera man seems pretty cramped. Would of sucked if they got stuck on ray bob in 20-30mph south wind that ride is scary in a small boat

They did it as an outreach program to the weekend angler. Sort of like IROC back in the day. The thought was they would sell the mid-range boats to tourney anglers.

Back in the day when 150 was the limit 17&18 foot bass boats ruled the roost...the pro's ran all the big bodies of water including the Great Lakes with these little rigs...I wish the boat manufactures would again offer a 17 footer rated for a 150 with all the bells and whistles...the 17 footers today are rated for 115's and are lacking tournament grade features...with a 17 footer you'd be able to get out the door tax tittle for under $30k...but NOoooo...to get all the cool features and necessaries to keep 5 good fish alive you got to plan on 50-60-75K for a boat that ya need a barn to store it in cause it's tool long for the average garage...it's a shame....well that is my two cents...lol

The 18 footers seemed to do pretty well when they fished Florida with a hurricane blowing in. I like it better with the small rigs. Keeps that mind set of having to have all the best just to catch fish out of it. Plus, I'm sure most of those guys run the biggest boat because of sponsorships, be it a free boat or discount. I talked with a pro staff guy that said he would run the 19' model but wasn't allowed because they want to push the big models.

anyone know if the Grapevine Episode is online somewhere, cant seem to find it.

I went from a 14ft. Jon boat to an 18'6" with a 150 and I feel like it is huge and fast! Right now I can't imagine needing more boat.

I fished 17 footers for most of my tournament days and never had anymore issues than the guys in the 20 foot rigs.....they are fine......

I can always use more boat, but it would at this point involve more tow vehicle too! I was licky enough to snatch up this 18 1/2 rated at 175 HP. But you can see I started small. I wouldn't have traded the experience. It taught me a lot, digging in and changing out stuff on that 15' Skeeter! Gave me the confidence, and taught me to handle it in a package I paid cash for before making more of an investment!

Do the guys actually win anything or do they all get proceeds from the show? They never talk about the prize...

I did the same thing about 6 months ago - I know how you feel!

I would like a 20+' but it wouldn't fit in my garage, and sometimes trolling through timber seems tough with and 18'6" - 20-22' would be harder for me at least.

I'm in a 2014 Stratos 189 VLO with 150 on it for under $30,000.00. Now you add 2 PP's , upgrade graph and add another graph up front, upgrade trolling motor. At this point still under the $38,000.00. Designed with the tournament fisherman in mind and is a mid size boat.

Hull design is more important that an extra foot or two in rough water, actually way more important. But the bigger heavier rigs require a bit less trolling motor time when fishin in the windy rough stuff.

Marketing has fisherman believing they have to have an aircraft carrier to catch fish. My regualar tourney boat is a Z520 on big lakes but on small lakes it's the 14-4 Raycraft with the 48 HP. And my son and I have won more out of the "puddle jumper" than the Cadillac. It aint' the boat folks...

great question. is it like profit sharing since the fisherman are part owners?