3 Top Ranger Execs Resign

[slonezp]

I bought my first Nitro in 2010, it was a leftover 2009.  It had a slight hook in the starboard side, just ahead of the stern.  I bought it for 19,500 dollars with a few options, the trailer brake package being the most important, and a Nitro ratchet boat cover.

 

It did struggle to get on plane, but a prop change cured that.  Someone had put the wrong prop on the motor.  Not enough pitch.  In the heat of the summer, that "hook" disappeared.  And yes, the fit and finish left something to be desired.  Open the hatches and the center forward storage area was fiberglass covered plywood, painted a battleship gray.  That was more cosmetic than structural. 

 

Two years later I traded it in for a new leftover Z-8.  The original bottom line price was 34,000 dollars.  Options were trailer brakes on all four wheels, a Nitro boat cover, and retractable tie downs for the stern.  The boat was reduced by 5,000 dollars.  And I got a thousand dollar BPS gift certificate which brought the price down to 28,000 dollars.  It has the standard 200 hp Pro XS. 

 

It has the, then new, rapid planning system.  It jumps right up onto plane fully loaded with two big guys (about 500 pounds total).  The fastest I've seen on the GPS is 62.8 mph with just me in the boat.  Plenty fast since I generally rarely cruise faster than forty mph.  Massachusetts has a speed limit of 45 mph on all state ponds and lakes.  The ride is much better than the Z-7.

 

The center forward compartment is now a "tub" molded into the one piece deck and cockpit.  The "rigging area is huge, easily accessible and can handle five batteries with room to spare.

 

I have no illusions that it is as good as a Ranger, or Bass Cat, or fill in the blank when it comes to quality or goodies.  But I would not catch one more fish out of a nicer boat, and I liked having that extra twenty or thirty thousand dollars in my pocket. 

 

My two lobster boats were "slabs" compared to most of the boats that fished out of the same port, but I caught more lobsters than those with their nicer, better, bigger and faster lobster boats.

 

I subscribe to the theory that the man in the boat is more important than the boat the man is in when it comes to catching fish, either recreationally or commercially.

 

1971  Cape Cod Bay out of a 15' wood work skiff, fishing alone. Stripers and bluefish.  Caught on a 6" Rebel, mackerel finish.

 

A typical day out of my 38' old Novi lobster boat. Circa 1978

 

 

 

Man in the boat? I've heard that somewhere before. Hmmmmmmm...............

[slonezp]

fishnkamp, Driving the company into the ground isn't a great business plan, but I get where you're coming from. The great thing about living in the U.S, is the free market and there are plenty of other bass boat brands to choose from if Ranger ends up in the crapper. Personally, I believe the dealer network is as important as the product itself. 

[South FLA]

Time will telll, what will happen with Ranger. I hope the pre BPS Ranger's go up in price, because I own 2 (2003 185vs Intracoastal, 2011 2410 Bay) . 

 

@Fishing Rhino, I understand your point of why spend X amount more for something that has the same utility, but its a Ford vs. Chevy argument, its subjective. With that said I would rather buy a well maintained used boat w/ Engine warranty left (2-4 yo) from a top quality manufacturer (Yellowfin, Sea Vee, Ranger, Legend) versus a new boat from a lesser known quality manufacturer (Mako, Polar Kraft, Nitro, Tracker), especially if I will be keeping the boat for over 10 years.    

[Fishing Rhino]

Time will telll, what will happen with Ranger. I hope the pre BPS Ranger's go up in price, because I own 2 (2003 185vs Intracoastal, 2011 2410 Bay) . 

 

@Fishing Rhino, I understand your point of why spend X amount more for something that has the same utility, but its a Ford vs. Chevy argument, its subjective. With that said I would rather buy a well maintained used boat w/ Engine warranty left (2-4 yo) from a top quality manufacturer (Yellowfin, Sea Vee, Ranger, Legend) versus a new boat from a lesser know quality manufacturer (Mako, Polar Kraft, Nitro, Tracker), especially if I will be keeping the boat for over 10 years.    

 

At age 74, just about any boat will be likely to serve me for as long as I can continue to fish.  I certainly do not need a boat that will last me twenty years.  But even if I were younger, I'd have the same philosophy.  I'm fortunate in that I have a large 34' X 34' garage, so I can keep my boat out of the weather and harmful rays of the sun when it's not in use.

 

The sun will harm all fiberglass at the same rate unless, company X uses a plain clear gel coat for the metalflake application rather than a marine clear coat which has ultraviolet inhibitors in it.  But not to do so in a boat that may sit out in the sun and weather is worse than penny wise, pound foolish.  There is not a significant difference in the cost.

 

It is so little that I use it for the stock car bodies I make that have a metalflake finish.  I could easily use the plain clear because stock car bodies do not spend countless hours in the sun, and they rarely use a body for more than a year.  Most will put on a new body, and keep the decent body panels that survived a season of racing for use as spares.  During a season some will go through several body panels while others only bust up a few.  The point being is that they do not have to last for years.  If memory serves there may be a thirty dollar difference in five gallon pails of the standard clear and marine clear.

[Redlinerobert]

Now I wish I'd never sold my 2007 Z22. 

 

I think at this point I'll consider buying a used boat over a new one.  Ranger has discontinued the Z522 and sticking with the Z522D.  I've not seen it in person, from pictures it looks like a tub. 

 

Regarding the sale to BPS, I imagine Nitro will be the GMC and Ranger will become the Cadillac.

[Fishing Rhino]

I was at BPS today and saw the Z21 and it has the "transformer" console, much like the Ranger.  I say transformer because it has sharp angular lines like the mechanical gizmos in the movie, very different from other consoles. It looked like they "borrowed"  the seating too, but I didn't check it out to see if there was storage under the center seat.  But it was definitely a much smaller seat than the outboard jobs.  The bottom curves slightly downward at the chines which will give it more lift and deflect spray downward.  The downside to that downward curve is that it will tend to make the hull slap going into a chop.

 

It had a single console and two large Lowrance units.  Bottom line price was 57,000 dollars.  I just gave it a cursory once over.  The forward running lights are built into the gunnel and must be bright LEDs because they are tiny.  The lens might be a half inch across.

[fishnkamp]

One reason Ranger has held its position in the market place was its customer service, one phone call to Ranger parts with your serial number and almost any part you may need was available.  That won't work if your manufacturer has been shut down!  As I read through your responses many suggest there are plenty of other makes to choose from.  Really, look at the number of bass boat manufacturers that no longer exist.  Look here, I am worried that 3 premium brands may disappear all at once. The choices are dwindling.  That has been the point I am trying to make and you  keep missing it. Cabelas is on his radar now.  They sell some brands BPS's does not carry, and sometimes competes directly on price on the shared brands.  Do you really think he is interested in buying them to own or eliminate the competition?  Be honest remember his history not his words. I do!

[K_Mac]

fishnkamp I understand your concern. I am not missing your point. Morris is not the problem here. The market will determine what is available. If Ranger doesn't offer what folks want then someone else will. Do you really think that Morris can corner the market? The only sure thing is nothing remains the same or lasts forever. The auto industry is a perfect example. When the big three arbitrarily decided what we would buy, others offered alternatives. The consumer ultimately benefited. Tilting at windmills is a waste of time.

[Catt]

Allison

BassCat

Bullet

Legend

Phoenix

Skeeter

Xpress

Still plenty of choices

[RyneB]

Glad I made the switch from ranger to skeeter. Ranger priced themselves out if the running when I was boat shopping. Between basscat, ranger, skeeter, and nitro. It was skeeter that got my business. Good bang for buck, rode better than the other 3 (wasn't even close), and came with a Yamaha. The fit an finish of the ranger was almost flawless, but for a smaller boat and motor I would have been paying several thousand more than for the bigger more powerful skeeter. I would have liked to have tried out a phoenix or legend, but nowhere near me sells them.

[WPCfishing]

Quite frankly, I don't give a dam. I won't buy his reels either.......

[Justbass11]

All I know is that I will most likely be buying my first bass boat around the first of the year give or take a few weeks or months but I will be getting one. Those of you that have bass boats are lucky to have one. I really don't care which brand I get because its more like do you like walmart or kmart, ford or chevy...Ranger or Nitro.....just my .02 cents worth

[WIGuide]

Just saw this statement this morning from Bass Pro:
"Last week we regretfully accepted the resignations of three executives at Fishing Holdings; Randy Hopper, Keith Daffron and Mendel Hughes. These actions were voluntary and do not reflect any changes in philosophy with regard to management. We remain deeply committed to the Ranger, Stratos and Triton brands and have tremendous respect for the strong, independent dealer network. The dealers and fantastic team of associates in Flippin, Ark. continue to have our full support and admiration."

I don't know that I buy that though. Randy Hopper had been with the company for over 45 years and Keith Daffron I believe is Forrest's son-in-law. I don't think they would all just resign if something wasn't up.

[flyfisher]

Why wouldn't they want to resign?  i mean if i was in a company for 40+ years and was a high level executive in said company and we were bought out by another company I would seriously consider dong the same thing.  He has the money so why not retire and spend time with his family or doing something he loves instead of working for someone else?

 

It happens all the time in big companies when they merge and it makes life easier for most too because ultimately the people at the very top of the food chain don't stay unless they truly are only owners in name only.  I am not one to get too concerned with people leaving companies or companies merging until it actually impacts me or the product itself.  Speculation is just that, speculation. 

 

Besides, I fish from a kayak and for now I am not buying a motor powered vessel anytime soon but i can say that when kayaks i have been using merged with other companies i haven't seen any issues,.

[tomustang]

All I know is that I will most likely be buying my first bass boat around the first of the year give or take a few weeks or months but I will be getting one. Those of you that have bass boats are lucky to have one. I really don't care which brand I get because its more like do you like walmart or kmart, ford or chevy...Ranger or Nitro.....just my .02 cents worth

 

Actually with the current trend it'll be comparisons of walmart vs walmart, ford vs ford, nitro vs nitro etc

[scbassin]

The word I received this morning was that when Johnny Morris Got the word they were leaving he was on the plane to meet with them. One of the big problems was that the bean counters at BPS was not happy with the profit margin & were recommending layoffs at the Ranger plant. If you have ever been there you know its like one huge family. That did not set well at all & with other changes it did not go well & they moved on. Once again my source is 50/50 take it for what it is worth. But this does make some sense to me as to why the might leave.

Robert I am sorry you sold your boat. I am sure going to keep my 2008 Z-21.

[Fishing Rhino]

The word I received this morning was that when Johnny Morris Got the word they were leaving he was on the plane to meet with them. One of the big problems was that the bean counters at BPS was not happy with the profit margin & were recommending layoffs at the Ranger plant. If you have ever been there you know its like one huge family. That did not set well at all & with other changes it did not go well & they moved on. Once again my source is 50/50 take it for what it is worth. But this does make some sense to me as to why the might leave.

Robert I am sorry you sold your boat. I am sure going to keep my 2008 Z-21.

 

That sounds like a reasonable scenario.   These three fellows had been with Ranger for decades.  No doubt there was more than a business relationship with them.  It is not unusual for a takeover and its changes to be upsetting to the existing management and workers.  It's difficult to change what had been a way of life and adapt to changes that cut across their grain.  They did not find that the changes were something they agreed with.  There is more than the money involved with these three.  I commend them for their integrity. 

[fishnkamp]

I have no doubt "bean counters" working for Johnny could cause a collapse in the management of companies he takes over.  They have been overseeing his boat operations for decades, we see what their choices result in.  Remember though, they work for him so ultimately he is still responsible for this shake up.  When a company allows their bean counters to force changes most often quality and customer service are the first to suffer!  Just watching for what is next, similar "reductions and changes" at the other two? 

[FrogFreak]

Maybe I'm in the minority here but I bought a Crestliner VT17 aluminum boat and I'm happy as heck with it! I understand the arguments above but I bet there are a ton of anglers who can't or won't pay over 30K for a boat no matter who makes it.

 

However, for those of you who are willing to pay that type of money for a boat, you can and should "vote" with your wallet. If you don't like what BPS stands for, go with another brand. There is one heck of a movement out there where people will only buy from companies that align with their beliefs. That's why I avoid Walmart like the plague.

[K_Mac]

FrogFreak there are many Nitro owners who have voted with their wallets based on price and value. Nitro is a major player in the bass boat market because they make a decent product for a good price. A Z8 with a 250 ProXS is a great fishing boat that rides and performs very well. No it is not a Ranger, but it is not priced like a Ranger either.

I wish Ranger well. If I had deep pockets it might be my first choice, but times are changing. Remember when "Solid as Sears" was effective advertising based on their rock solid reputation. Now Sears is struggling to survive. Ranger will either survive or not. Johnny Morris and his empire is in the same position. As long as he gives consumers what they want he wins, and when he doesn't he will fail. Blaming Morris for Ranger's problems doesn't really tell the whole story.

[slonezp]

FrogFreak there are many Nitro owners who have voted with their wallets based on price and value. Nitro is a major player in the bass boat market because they make a decent product for a good price. A Z8 with a 250 ProXS is a great fishing boat that rides and performs very well. No it is not a Ranger, but it is not priced like a Ranger either.

I wish Ranger well. If I had deep pockets it might be my first choice, but times are changing. Remember when "Solid as Sears" was effective advertising based on their rock solid reputation. Now Sears is struggling to survive. Ranger will either survive or not. Johnny Morris and his empire is in the same position. As long as he gives consumers what they want he wins, and when he doesn't he will fail. Blaming Morris for Ranger's problems doesn't really tell the whole story.

Sears could have been Amazon had they changed their business plan. Ranger and Tracker are the 2 top selling freshwater fishing boats in the U.S. From a business standpoint, the purchase makes all the sense in the world. The money all goes in the same pocket. I believe It's been roughly a year since the purchase. As far as I know, nothing has changed in the manufacturing process. Nothing needs to change. The businesses can continue to run independently and be profitable. 

[carlm01]

scbassin I was stationed in Charleston on 2 different ships , Miss the place

[Tom18xs]

The dominant culture always wins.  BPS culture wins and will dominate the Ranger culture.  Look at Ranger top management.   They left.  So how does BPS price point culture play out for future Rangers, Tritons and Stratos?  I don't think that is a $64,000 question.  I have a 2014 Triton and glad I have it and will not be selling it anytime soon.

 

None of these developments are negative.  BPS makes a great boat for the price.  Ranger makes a great boat at a premium price.   Just sayin'. 

[FloridaFishinFool]

Bass Pro Shops Updates Dealers on Management Issue

Ranger's Z520C bass boat is just one of the company's models that qualifies for the promotion.

Dec 08, 2015 - 2:12 pm

 

In a letter to its dealer network, Bass Pro Shops Founder, Johnny Morris, reassured dealers that the company's future is “unchanged” after three senior staff members resigned. 

In late November, Fishing Holdings' management team, consisting of President, Randy Hopper; Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Keith Daffron; and CFO, Mendel Hughes; has resigned from the company. Fishing Holdings, owned by Bass Pro Shops since late 2014, is the maker of Ranger, Stratos and Triton boats.

The letter contained the following:
This was a very sad day for me personally and I know it has to be deeply concerning for many of you as well. There can be no doubt that each of these very fine and most capable men will be sorely missed – we sincerely wish for them the very best.

This development has no doubt caused many of you to have questions and concerns. While we have not fully developed a detailed go forward plan, there are several key points I feel it is important for us to share with you.

• Our deep commitment to the company's future is unchanged.
• There remains in place a fantastic team of committed associates in Flippin, Arkansas that have our full support.
• Recruiting the most talented leaders possible to fill these vacated positions is a top priority.
• We plan to align significant additional resources to further strengthen product offerings and dealer and customer support.
• We will maintain separate new product development teams to ensure unique, differentiated product offerings.
• Maintaining the extraordinarily high-quality product standards of the legendary Ranger brand, developed by Forrest Wood, is considered an absolute top priority.
• We are contemplating moving the production of Triton and Stratos boats from Flippin to increase capacity and enable us to better serve Triton and Stratos dealers and their customers. We believe this action will also free up space for increased production of Ranger brand fresh and saltwater boats and accessories in Flippin. We want to get you and your customers boats, parts and accessories in a timely and efficient manner.
• A strong independent dealer network is vitally important for the success of the Ranger brand. Supporting your efforts to meet and exceed the high expectations customers have come to expect from Ranger remains our primary focus. With that goal in mind, we plan to appoint and convene a dealer council in the very near future.
• To be clear, when we invested in Fishing Holdings one of our primary motivations was investing in the opportunity to work alongside you, the absolute best fishing boat dealers in the world. We remain steadfast in this commitment.
• At this time, we are pursuing renaming Tracker Marine Group and Fishing Holdings to a new, more united “White River Marine Group.” In this regard, we are eager to share and to make available as appropriate many of the significant resources available from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker to help strengthen the Ranger brand and your business. At the same time we respect the need to maintain independence and brand integrity, and in that regard, we have no plans to sell Fishing Holdings brands through Bass Pro Shops stores.

We are excited to share a bright future together and are most grateful for your support.

As Morris mentioned, the production of Triton and Stratos boats could possibly be leaving Flippin, Arkansas plant. This now begs the question of where it would be moved to and what impact it would have on the employs involved in the construction of those lines.

[Preytorien]

And I'm over here just wishing I had a bass boat......