I host an open tournament once a month. For years we would have 8 to 10 boats with a "shotgun" start. Now we have reached over 20 boats and I am trying to get ideas for take off other than "shotgun" or calling out numbers.

A shot gun start with that many boats is dangerous for all. 
You have the more aggressive boaters constantly vying for position with blinders on. Nothing less than open water in front of them and the first to a specific spot will do. 
 

The more safety conscience ones will fall back which has its problems. 

Calling numbers every 3-5 seconds is safer for everyone and it makes each boater more strategic in thier landing spot. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

I wouldn’t do a shotgun start with 5 boats on any waterway, I’d strongly suggest protecting yourself as well as your tournament fisherman and other recreational boaters as well..

Ask your insurance company that covers your tournament.  If you don’t have insurance, that’s another topic all together.  After all paid entries, you either assign takeoff spots in order of entry paid date and any who pay at ramp go to the rear, or you do a drawing of boat captains for takeoff position. 

I fish two trails regularly. The Jon Boat trail has a 9.9 HP limit (ends up being 20) and has been averaging 20 boats this year. We do shotgun starts and haven't had any issues. The Wednesday night league has everything from Jon boats with 6HPs to glitter boats pushing 100. We do takeoffs in order of sign ups with a boat going off every 5-10 seconds. 

I would recommend drawing for takeoff order. When our weeknight tourney got over 20, we has a couple of close misses with a shotgun start. This might be specific to my location due to the narrow body of water but it is better to be safer than having an accident. Remember, it is not only the tourney boats that are out there. Recreational boaters, skiers and jetskis can make it a bit more riskier.