New Boat Company announment Friday

[12poundbass]

I'm a little bummed but not surprised. I was hoping for something new in the lower price range. As the years go on the prices of every boat including the lower end boats keep going up and up. 

 

Oh well. Tracker makes affordable boats. Some of the Ranger tins aren't out of this world. Lund with the new Renegade is pretty sweet. I know there are others too, but this three stick in my mind. 

 

It'll be neat to see if they come up with something cutting edge and a game changer or just another $70-100k boat. 

[Megastink]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

Xpress and Crestliner are not independently owned.

What i meant was, “not owned by JM”

[J Francho]

Gotcha!

[12poundbass]

1 hour ago, Megastink said:

What i meant was, “not owned by JM”

Oh no not you too!

[Megastink]

1 minute ago, 12poundbass said:

Oh no not you too!

He does not need more money, especially mine. This business needs to grow, and discontinuing brands like Legend, Stratos, and (I read somewhere) Triton doesn’t help. I work for a family owned business in an industry full of corporations. I root for the little guy.

[12poundbass]

23 minutes ago, Megastink said:

He does not need more money, especially mine. This business needs to grow, and discontinuing brands like Legend, Stratos, and (I read somewhere) Triton doesn’t help. I work for a family owned business in an industry full of corporations. I root for the little guy.

Don't get me wrong, I root for the little guy too. I spend my hard earned money at a small tackle shop 90% of the time.

 

I worked for the largest company in the field I'm in and it was an unpleasant experience. The company I'm at now in the same field only started 9 or so years ago with less than 15 people. We've now grown to over 500 in 4-5 states. 

 

We the owner of my company and JM and so many others have done is what makes this country great and it's what this country was built on. One of my all time favorite TV series is "The men who built America". It's about the industrial revolution and famous names and how they got where they did. 

 

My point is JM started with nothing and look at what he has now. The companies he buys are selling voluntarily so what's wrong with that? Does he need more money? Of course not but what he's doing with all this money isn't all that bad either. Some could call him a modern day Teddy Rosevelt. 

 

Again I support small businesses the majority of the time. I also tip my hat and admire JM and so many others who started out as a small business and build it from the ground up. Who wouldn't? 

[Russ E]

while I believe one company controlling the boat market is not good for the industry, I am not going to get rid of my Johny Morris built ranger.

I agree with @12poundbass.  Bass pro started as a small business and turned into a outdoor supply empire. sounds like JM is living the american dream.

 

 

[12poundbass]

26 minutes ago, Weedwhacker said:

while I believe one company controlling the boat market is not good for the industry, I am not going to get rid of my Johny Morris built ranger.

I agree with @12poundbass.  Bass pro started as a small business and turned into a outdoor supply empire. sounds like JM is living the american dream.

 

 

I'm guessing you weren't 100% serious when you said he controlled the boat market. As you probably know the Government would quickly step in and split it up.

 

Something else I thought of about JM vs small business @Megastink the Tracker brand is one of if not the most affordable boats on the market. There are only a couple boats I can afford or I'm comfortable forking over the cash for. Basscat is a small business, I don't think I could afford. Ranger before JM a RT178 or 188 is about it. Phoenix, Legend, Trition minus the tins, Skeeter, and so many others are out of mine and many others price ranges unless we buy a 20 year old one of these. JM with his Trackers and smaller Nitros keep us little guys in mind. The other small family owned boat builders cater to the higher end clientele which is perfectly fine and great. 

 

My point, while JM is on a buying spree and has more than he'll ever need, he got there catering to us little guys. 

[Russ E]

13 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

I'm guessing you weren't 100% serious when you said he controlled the boat market. As you probably know the Government would quickly step in and split it up.

 

Something else I thought of about JM vs small business @Megastink the Tracker brand is one of if not the most affordable boats on the market. There are only a couple boats I can afford or I'm comfortable forking over the cash for. Basscat is a small business, I don't think I could afford. Ranger before JM a RT178 or 188 is about it. Phoenix, Legend, Trition minus the tins, Skeeter, and so many others are out of mine and many others price ranges unless we buy a 20 year old one of these. JM with his Trackers and smaller Nitros keep us little guys in mind. The other small family owned boat builders cater to the higher end clientele which is perfectly fine and great. 

 

My point, while JM is on a buying spree and has more than he'll ever need, he got there catering to us little guys. 

controlling the boat market was an exaggeration. 

I have nothing against the tracker or nitro's. fished out of both, they are reliable boats.

From my own boat shopping experience the lower cost is partly attributed to the lack of standard features. 

 

When I was in the market for my latest boat I quoted a Ranger Z175 and a Nitro Z7.

the baseline prices were quite a bit different. with the ranger costing significantly more.

once I added all of the extras of the ranger to the nitro, they were only $1000.00 different.

That difference was worth the sealed waterproof storage and ranger trail trailer in my opinion.

 

[12poundbass]

43 minutes ago, Weedwhacker said:

controlling the boat market was an exaggeration. 

I have nothing against the tracker or nitro's. fished out of both, they are reliable boats.

From my own boat shopping experience the lower cost is partly attributed to the lack of standard features. 

 

When I was in the market for my latest boat I quoted a Ranger Z175 and a Nitro Z7.

the baseline prices were quite a bit different. with the ranger costing significantly more.

once I added all of the extras of the ranger to the nitro, they were only $1000.00 different.

That difference was worth the sealed waterproof storage and ranger trail trailer in my opinion.

 

Agreed. You add things to these boats there are other boats that compete. When I was quoted a Tracker 175txw this spring I was quite disappointed to find out they're basically a cookie cutter boat. That being said the things I wanted to change I can live without except the "fish finders". So for me it isn't a deal breaker. 

[Megastink]

4 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

I'm guessing you weren't 100% serious when you said he controlled the boat market. As you probably know the Government would quickly step in and split it up.

 

Something else I thought of about JM vs small business @Megastink the Tracker brand is one of if not the most affordable boats on the market. There are only a couple boats I can afford or I'm comfortable forking over the cash for. Basscat is a small business, I don't think I could afford. Ranger before JM a RT178 or 188 is about it. Phoenix, Legend, Trition minus the tins, Skeeter, and so many others are out of mine and many others price ranges unless we buy a 20 year old one of these. JM with his Trackers and smaller Nitros keep us little guys in mind. The other small family owned boat builders cater to the higher end clientele which is perfectly fine and great. 

 

My point, while JM is on a buying spree and has more than he'll ever need, he got there catering to us little guys. 

This brings the conversation full circle: I originally said that I was disappointed that Vexus will be a higher price point boat: not made for us little guys. And I’m not saying that buying most of your competitors isn’t the American Dream, but more competition = better prices. Maybe that’s why boats are getting more expensive? If the five or six top selling boats brands are all under the same umbrella, and they creep their prices up, what’s that going to do to the rest of the industry? WHAT HAS IT DONE SO FAR? Certainly hasn’t made anything more affordable.

[12poundbass]

54 minutes ago, Megastink said:

This brings the conversation full circle: I originally said that I was disappointed that Vexus will be a higher price point boat: not made for us little guys. And I’m not saying that buying most of your competitors isn’t the American Dream, but more competition = better prices. Maybe that’s why boats are getting more expensive? If the five or six top selling boats brands are all under the same umbrella, and they creep their prices up, what’s that going to do to the rest of the industry? WHAT HAS IT DONE SO FAR? Certainly hasn’t made anything more affordable.

If the consumer doesn't buy a boat at $60-100k they wouldn't charge those prices. Prices these day are absolutely ridiculous, but people are buying them. The prices were sky high before and companies were sold. You and I and all the other little guys are his bread and butter and you know you can't bite the hand that feeds you. He has Ranger now for his higher end consumers. 

 

I would love to see the actual cost of these boats and the electronics that go on them. I know glass boats are very labor intensive but high enough to justify those prices? Garmin just slashed their prices $400-500 for black Friday. You know they still made money. Yet we still buy buy buy. ?

[slonezp]

47 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

If the consumer doesn't buy a boat at $60-100k they wouldn't charge those prices. Prices these day are absolutely ridiculous, but people are buying them. The prices were sky high before and companies were sold. You and I and all the other little guys are his bread and butter and you know you can't bite the hand that feeds you. He has Ranger now for his higher end consumers. 

 

I would love to see the actual cost of these boats and the electronics that go on them. I know glass boats are very labor intensive but high enough to justify those prices? Garmin just slashed their prices $400-500 for black Friday. You know they still made money. Yet we still buy buy buy. ?

Do we have a choice? and a better question is why do some have issue with paying $50k for a boat that could potentially bring them joy, happiness, better relationships with family and friends for 20 years or more, and have no issue paying $1k for an iphone they are going to get rid of in 2 years so they can then pay $1500 for the same thing only newer.

Back to question 1. All of these boats and engines and trolling motors and electronics are manufactured in the United States by skilled craftsman. The jobs aren't being shipped to Mexico like the Big 3 automakers to keep costs down. Boats are not a disposable item in the same sense as a car or cell phone is. The fact is we are putting demands on the manufacturers to build better rigs. Look at the innovations over the last 20 years in fishing boats. Hull design, storage, livewell innovation, the use of different materials in the build process and so on and so forth. R&D cost money retooling the shops and retraining employees cost money, and the jobs are staying here. 25 years ago a moderately equipped F150 cost $15k. Today, a moderately equipped F150 cost more than 3 times that and the Toyota Tundra is more American than the Ford. I don't think increased costs in boat building have exceeded that of the automobile. We must also take into consideration a boat is really a luxury item and not a necessity.

BASS hasn't helped average Joe fisherman and is probably the best proponent for the increased desire that us poor souls to spend our hard earned cash on a stupid boat to catch stupid green and brown fish. I know a young man in his late 20's who still lives at home with his folks. He just dropped $50k on a used Skeeter and financed it for 15 years. My only thought was "This boy ain't never gonna be able to afford to leave home"   

Lastly, we live in the good ol' USA. We don't have to buy new and we have plenty of choices due to competition. Let someone else take the depreciation hit and buy a 3 or 4 year old boat. 

[12poundbass]

10 hours ago, slonezp said:

Do we have a choice? and a better question is why do some have issue with paying $50k for a boat that could potentially bring them joy, happiness, better relationships with family and friends for 20 years or more, and have no issue paying $1k for an iphone they are going to get rid of in 2 years so they can then pay $1500 for the same thing only newer.

Back to question 1. All of these boats and engines and trolling motors and electronics are manufactured in the United States by skilled craftsman. The jobs aren't being shipped to Mexico like the Big 3 automakers to keep costs down. Boats are not a disposable item in the same sense as a car or cell phone is. The fact is we are putting demands on the manufacturers to build better rigs. Look at the innovations over the last 20 years in fishing boats. Hull design, storage, livewell innovation, the use of different materials in the build process and so on and so forth. R&D cost money retooling the shops and retraining employees cost money, and the jobs are staying here. 25 years ago a moderately equipped F150 cost $15k. Today, a moderately equipped F150 cost more than 3 times that and the Toyota Tundra is more American than the Ford. I don't think increased costs in boat building have exceeded that of the automobile. We must also take into consideration a boat is really a luxury item and not a necessity.

BASS hasn't helped average Joe fisherman and is probably the best proponent for the increased desire that us poor souls to spend our hard earned cash on a stupid boat to catch stupid green and brown fish. I know a young man in his late 20's who still lives at home with his folks. He just dropped $50k on a used Skeeter and financed it for 15 years. My only thought was "This boy ain't never gonna be able to afford to leave home"   

Lastly, we live in the good ol' USA. We don't have to buy new and we have plenty of choices due to competition. Let someone else take the depreciation hit and buy a 3 or 4 year old boat. 

I don't have any issue with how people are spending their money at all. It's your hard earned money you can spend it how you want. I think the higher end boats are ridiculously priced, but it's simple economics. Let the market dictate your price. 

 

I would be ok with buying a $40-50k tin boat such as a Lund. Tin boats will practically last you a lifetime, so divide that cost over say 20-30 years ($1800. Year +/-) that isn't too bad for entertainment and like you said quality family time. Money well spent in my eyes. 

As far as phones go.... I've had 3 smart phones and I've paid $15 for all 3. All were unused. I'd never pay that kinda money for a phone. I'm ok with people who do.

[RenegadeBassin]

13 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

I don't have any issue with how people are spending their money at all. It's your hard earned money you can spend it how you want. I think the higher end boats are ridiculously priced, but it's simple economics. Let the market dictate your price. 

I was shocked yesterday when I went on ranger's website for the heck of it and saw that one of their new boats price tag is 98k. If I had 98k, I'd buy a 40k boat and and a matching truck to pull it 

[12poundbass]

3 minutes ago, RenegadeBassin said:

I was shocked yesterday when I went on ranger's website for the heck of it and saw that one of their new boats price tag is 98k. If I had 98k, I'd buy a 40k boat and and a matching truck to pull it! 

@slonezp posted a pic of a Ranger that I think was $104k. Granted it had a ton of add-ons but still. 

[slonezp]

1 hour ago, 12poundbass said:

@slonezp posted a pic of a Ranger that I think was $104k. Granted it had a ton of add-ons but still. 

Have you looked at the price of ski and wake boats recently? They make bass boats seem affordable 

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, 12poundbass said:

I would be ok with buying a $40-50k tin boat such as a Lund.

That'll get you an 18' boat, well equipped.  Tinnies are expensive, too.  Priced out a 20' Pro Guide w/ a 200.  I was a little shocked.  One tip if you finance, don't finance electronics...

[Megastink]

I paid just under $14k for my 16’ Crestliner Storm 1600 with a 20hp Merc (local lake has 20hp max). 

 

Sounds like this’ll be my last boat for a good long while. Haha

[slonezp]

6 minutes ago, J Francho said:

That'll get you an 18' boat, well equipped.  Tinnies are expensive, too.  Priced out a 20' Pro Guide w/ a 200.  I was a little shocked.  One tip if you finance, don't finance electronics...

In defense of purchasing a Lund, i could sell mine as it sits for just about what i paid for it 5 years ago taking a hit only on the electronics and talon.

[12poundbass]

18 minutes ago, J Francho said:

One tip if you finance, don't finance electronics...

I'm not going to lie when I was looking this spring and was asking the dealer about them, of course he said he could throw them into the loan, it would add about $7/month per $1k. That's pretty tempting when you see all the new electronics and everything they can do. 

 

My mind still isn't made up which route I'm going as far as the upgraded boat goes. I'm paying cash for the electronics though.

[J Francho]

Yay, $7/mo on a 20 year old fish finder.  No thank you.

[12poundbass]

12 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Yay, $7/mo on a 20 year old fish finder.  No thank you.

I agree.

[boostr]

I'll stick to my recently bought 10 year old Stratos thank you very much. And I'll buy used as well if I ever replace this one.

[rangerjockey]

If your talking about a new boat I don't think I'd worry about financing the electronics.

Your going to be financing and paying interest on a bunch of other stuff that's going to wear out or become obsolete like batteries, trailer tires, trolling motor, charger ect.

 Get what you really want and can afford.