Best Bass Boat out there now 2024

flyboy reply :

I hate to open a can of worms but I am ready to change boats, AGAIN. In the arena of top end boats, 21 ft. length, 250 Hp with all the toys; what is best? The boat I have now has given me fits and after a year and a half I am ready to change. The manufacturer of my present boat, after not answering my phone calls is telling me they have the best boat and will guarantee me great service--they gave me NO service in the past. I am leaning towards their boat again but actually would like to change brands because of the trust factor. I don't want to mention any names at this juncture but I hope to get feedback from the forum to see what is considered the BEST. I am in Central Florida and a good dealer with and outstanding product is a must if I am going to shell out 70K on a toy.

fishn hard reply :

70,000$ there is only one boat Allison call and talk to Dairs he is the owner i got a 1992 21ft and if you can find a stress crack on the boat you can have it

Rangerphil reply :

I am not familiar with all boats out there. But I love my ranger and the people at ranger boats. I have had questions about my boat in the past and called down there and they have put me on the phone with workers right on the floor, I could hear the work going on around them. That is customer service!!

fishn hard reply :

Ranger is a good boat but there not in the same class as The Allison

1 Rangers are built with chopper guns and mas produced Allison are hand laid and dont use fiberglass

2full aluminum transom

3 you will never understand untill you drive one

8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

Wayne P. reply :

The best ones are the ones that are not mass produced and a dealer doesn't have parking lot full of them. If you want one of them, you pick from the one or two they may have in stock or you have to order it and wait for it to be constructed. They don't sponsor tournaments or pros. and have a loyal following. Allison is one of them.

Rangerphil reply :

I just do not know about high end fishing boats, just giving my opinion on what I know. Sounds like an awesome boat!

fishn hard reply :

Dude dont get me wrong ranger is a fine ride

Rangerphil reply :

I understand I think I was thinking in terms of chevy vs. Ford and he may be looking for a Ferrari! ;D

hookingem reply :

70K Maybe one day ill be lucky enough to be able to shell out that much on a "toy"

scrutch reply :

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The best ones are the ones that are not mass produced and a dealer doesn't have parking lot full of them. If you want one of them, you pick from the one or two they may have in stock or you have to order it and wait for it to be constructed. They don't sponsor tournaments or pros. and have a loyal following. Allison is one of them.

Wasn't Viper Cobra one of these?

Catt reply :

Champion is still the #1 rough water ride, Skeeter & BassCat are tied for #2

flyboy reply :

Thanks for all your input guys. Anybody out there have any personal experience with Bass Cats?

Skeeter is claiming a partnership with Yamaha on the design of the FX to pair with the Yamaha SHO four stroke. Any of you engineer types believe this is significant or can you really design a boat to be paired with a motor? I rode in a boat with a SHO on it the other day--at 50 mph you could carry on a conversation almost like you were sitting in your living room.

Catt reply :

I've fished out of & driven Skeeter's new FX 20 with YAMAHA® VMAX® SHO. 250 its hole shot, top end speed, & maneuverability is absolutely amazing.

I dare anyone to try the NMMA 90 degree maneuverability test in any other boat!

This critical test is just one example of how we not only adhere to, but exceed our industry's technical practices. The test is conducted by accelerating the boat to its maximum top-end speed, and then sharply turning the steering wheel 180 degrees with no change in settings. The boat passes the test by completing a 90° change in direction without the driver losing confidence in his ability to maintain control. All SKEETER boats have passed at their maximum speed and horsepower ratingsSkeeterboats.com

promax200 reply :

I like mine, but that's probably just because it's mine and it's the only one of it's kind I've seen in real life. I'm a snob that way, though. I like having stuff that no one else has.

Wayne P. reply :

Catt, one boat company a few yeara ago used the 180 degree spin to promote their perfromance. I don't remember which one (maybe Champion).

I've seen a trimmed out Bullet skip like a rock across the water while spinning around. Didn't look too safe to me though, LOL

Grey Wolf reply :

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I like mine, but that's probably just because it's mine and it's the only one of it's kind I've seen in real life. I'm a snob that way, though. I like having stuff that no one else has.

You are talking about your boat , aren't you ?

promax200 reply :

Yep.

Catt reply :

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Catt, one boat company a few yeara ago used the 180 degree spin to promote their perfromance. I don't remember which one (maybe Champion).
I've seen a trimmed out Bullet skip like a rock across the water while spinning around. Didn't look too safe to me though, LOL

That would be Skeeter

flyboy reply :

Catt, have you been involved in testing of Skeeter?

Quote
I've fished out of & driven Skeeter's new FX 20 with YAMAHA® VMAX® SHO. 250 its hole shot, top end speed, & maneuverability is absolutely amazing.
I dare anyone to try the NMMA 90 degree maneuverability test in any other boat!

This critical test is just one example of how we not only adhere to, but exceed our industry's technical practices. The test is conducted by accelerating the boat to its maximum top-end speed, and then sharply turning the steering wheel 180 degrees with no change in settings. The boat passes the test by completing a 90° change in direction without the driver losing confidence in his ability to maintain control. All SKEETER boats have passed at their maximum speed and horsepower ratingsSkeeterboats.com

Catt reply :

Nope! Champion & Skeeter #1 & 2 on Texas lakes followed closely by Bass Cat & Legend

I actually learned that maneuver from a friend who is in the Coast Guard, his boat handling abilities will almost make you wet your pants!

Al Wolbach reply :

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Catt, one boat company a few yeara ago used the 180 degree spin to promote their perfromance. I don't remember which one (maybe Champion).
I've seen a trimmed out Bullet skip like a rock across the water while spinning around. Didn't look too safe to me though, LOL

Yes Wayne it was Champion in the late 90's to the tune from the movie "Top Gun". That advertising and three test rides convinced me to buy a 203 Champion and I'm still very happy with it. However I have never tried the 180 degree test with it and hope to never try it.

If I were looking for a new boat now I would look at Skeeter, Bass Cat, Ranger as well as Champion(now Stratos Elite series).

I live about 30 miles from the Allison factory but have never ridden in one. Most of them I see don't even have trolling motors mounted, they just race them up and down the lakes. I haven't seen many guys actually fishing from one. D*** they are fast. If a fast boat is a primary concern Allison should be at the top of your list.

Lund Explorer reply :

Quote
I hate to open a can of worms but I am ready to change boats, AGAIN. In the arena of top end boats, 21 ft. length, 250 Hp with all the toys; what is best? The boat I have now has given me fits and after a year and a half I am ready to change. The manufacturer of my present boat, after not answering my phone calls is telling me they have the best boat and will guarantee me great service--they gave me NO service in the past. I am leaning towards their boat again but actually would like to change brands because of the trust factor. I don't want to mention any names at this juncture but I hope to get feedback from the forum to see what is considered the BEST. I am in Central Florida and a good dealer with and outstanding product is a must if I am going to shell out 70K on a toy.

I won't even mention any brand name, but will pitch in a couple of pennies worth of advice based on the highlited part of your statement.

Buy with an eye towards resale value FOR YOUR AREA.

Everyone has their own idea of what the greatest boat in the world is, and if you notice many of those brands have regions or areas where they are the most popular. Unless you plan to make this $70k investment as your last ever purchase, then you need to consider which brand will give you the most of that purchase price back.

It shouldn't be too hard to scope out the used boat market in your neck of the woods to see which brands are keeping the most resale value. If that information lines up with the brand(s) you are looking at, it should give you the answer.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

February 12, 2009

Miami, Florida

Miami International Boat Show J.D. Power and Associates presentations

This morning in Miami, Bass Cat Boats was awarded it's fifth (5th) consecutive J.D. Power and Associates award, for Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Fiberglass Bass Boats 2009.

The award extends a five (5) season run by Bass Cat in the J.D. Power and Associates study, beginning with 2005, and now into 2009. Receiving this prestigious award in Miami were Rick Pierce and Stuart Malone, Production Manager of Bass Cat Boats.

Rick's (Pierce) comment: Over the past (5) five years we have been humbled by this study. It is overwhelming that our BCB owners have such a positive view of our product. We are extremely dedicated to that Bass Cat Family, and along with that are the Bass Cat dealers, and the Staff of the Bass Cat. They all are what make this award possible for those mentioned. This award it truly shared by all.

Comment from Stuart Malone expressed deep appreciation and that this award recognizes 37 ½ years of dedication and customer service by our staff. I can honestly say customer service at Bass Cat has always been number one to us.

Rick added: these are very difficult times for our nation, and especially our industry. While we do not feel that this yet matches the times experienced in 1981 and 1982, or the 1970's Arab Embargo, they are definitely the third most challenging times we have seen, going into our 38th year. These times should make us better, better at what we do, and better prepared for the next downturn. We know through our experience, that customer service and quality product are the most important. And finally, Thank you to J.D. Power and Associates for this study, which influences us to strive and improve.

Bass Cat Boats is an independently owned and operated company founded by Ron & Jan Pierce in 1971. Now into it's 38th year, commitment to it's dealers and owners is a longstanding tradition with Bass Cat. Ron Pierce began his roots on small wooden boats in the mid 50's, which he built in high school.

The receipt of this award for the fifth time is the most received by any bass boat company, in the study and only one (1) award per category is presented.

For further information, contact Bass Cat Boats at 870-481-5135 or, Gary Gould, Gould Design Associates at 501-835-7180.

Details as Shown on the JD Powers site in PDF format which provides "the numbers:"

http://www.jdpower.com/Boats/ratings/bass-boat-ratings

BASS CAT BOATS!!!!

Smoothest, driest, and most solid of all the rides I have been on. I have been on all the major brands, Triton, Ranger, Skeeter and Champion in the last few years and I have to attest that BassCat Boats are the peak of everything you would want. In addition to this their business is the MOST customer friendly of ANY business I have ever been a customer of. I didn't even buy my Pantera IV from a dealer, but they still treat me as if I did. What other boat company has a 24 hour a day sight just like this one for support from the staff, Rick Pierce (The Owner of BassCat), or other owners. I don't care what the deal is, I will never buy another brand. Top notch company, also the only one still owned by the founders who founded it in 1971! I love my Pantera IV for it's 19'5" size and its fishability. Other good options are the Puma FTD, Cougar FTD, or the Eyra. Also, they use as much as they can of 100% of AMERICAN Made Products.

Wayne P. reply :

Correct Al, now I remember a guy in the bass club I used to be in that kept doing that with his Champion. NO, I wouldn't ride with him if he was going to do that.

scrutch reply :

Sounds like seat belts might be a good idea for the new Skeeter. How the heck do you stay in the boat, let alone stay in control when turning that hard and fast at top speed?

More balls than I got. :-X

fishn hard reply :

Guys he said he had 70,000$ to spend and you guys are talking about Skeeters Champions doing 180s on the water Man that's a really good selling point and every boat you mentioned is A fiberglass boat built with a chopper gun mas produced that will be full of stress cracks in a few years And I would never own anther Skeeter as long as i live or a Yamaha any boat company that push the American public to buy a product that is built and owned over seas Ill keep my hard earned AMERICAN made money right hear in the good old USA and yes im partial to Allison's that's because Daris Allison builds about 30 a year and you bet your money when he hands you the keys it is the best built boat in the world his reputation depends on it

Fishing Rhino reply :

OK now, let's see. We have three, with more to come I'm sure, criteria for which is the best bass boat out there.

In this corner, we have Allison, with its advanced design, no wood, and a foam core construction. More buoyant, lighter, and will give you double the gas mileage of any other bass boat on the market. (This is from their web site).

In another corner, we have Champion, or is it Skeeter, whose main claim to fame is that you can go full bore, spin the steering wheel 180 degrees, and the bass boat transforms into a Frisbee, skimming over the surface in a watery pirouette.

In the third corner we have Bass Cat a five time (successively) J. D. Powers winner of the most satisfied customers award.

Let's examine these arguments. First, the Allison. I have to tell you, I was impressed by their construction. They don't use polyester resin, opting for the more expensive vinylester. Polyester resin will absorb water. Vinylester won't. They lay up their hulls by hand, not chopper gun like Ranger. They don't use wood. Wood is ok as long as it's not a structural component. Balsa wood was the first core material. Fiberglass coated wood stringers are fine, provided the fiberglass "beam" formed by laminating on them is of sufficient strength. Sadly, it appears that is not always the case. Allison uses closed cell foam upon which to build the fiberglass beam. Lighter, and will not absorb water, while providing equal or greater stiffness.

Allison uses the same type of construction as Boston Whaler. Two thin skins of fiberglass separated by a foam core. Very light, very stiff. Also more susceptible to being punctured than a thick glass construction.

A 21 foot Allison weighs less than my Z7 Nitro, and thus, it sits higher in the water. They tout their "flotation pads" which prevent water from washing over the stern during deceleration or from waves.

Guess which boat will drift faster in the breeze/wind.

As for the Champion. The gymnastics or should I say ballet the boat can do are impressive. Sounds like something that should be on eXtreme boating, but it has nothing to do with fishing. I cannot see how that enters into the best bass boat consideration.

Then the Bass Catt. Customer satisfaction has to do with expectations. Unrealistic expectations will always end up in disappointment. What the Powers survey tells me is that Bass Cat may have the best customers, not necessarily the best boat.

I'm satisfied with my Z7. I paid 19,300 for it new last year. I did not expect it to be a Ranger, Bass Cat, Champion, or Allison, and it isn't. I got good value for my dollar, but the best boat is not the best value for the dollar, it's about the best boat.

After doing a tiny bit of research, my vote would go to Allison as the best boat. The best value? That's another topic.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Quote
Guys he said he had 70,000$ to spend and you guys are talking about Skeeters Champions doing 180s on the water Man that's a really good selling point and every boat you mentioned is A fiberglass boat built with a chopper gun mas produced that will be full of stress cracks in a few years And I would never own anther Skeeter as long as i live or a Yamaha any boat company that push the American public to buy a product that is built and owned over seas Ill keep my hard earned AMERICAN made money right hear in the good old USA and yes im partial to Allison's that's because Daris Allison builds about 30 a year and you bet your money when he hands you the keys it is the best built boat in the world his reputation depends on it

Hey, gotta argue the Cats man. They are all hand built in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Allison is nice, but I don't find them to have the same fishability. However, the largest point is, BassCat or Allison - THEY BOTH ARE HAND MADE IN AMERICA!

slonezp reply :

Here is the Legend demo ride video

I've heard great things about the Skeeter FX series. Also nothing but good about Basscat and Ranger. My next purchase will be a Legend, BC, or Ranger. As far as Allison, their boats are in a league of their own. Take a look at their website.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Quote

Then the Bass Catt. Customer satisfaction has to do with expectations. Unrealistic expectations will always end up in disappointment. What the Powers survey tells me is that Bass Cat may have the best customers, not necessarily the best boat.

So you're saying I have low expectations? My 'low expectations' are the product has to be dependable, if I have an issue it is resolved to the highest degree possible, and my boat's performance will outlast any other boat I may have chosen to invest in. If anyone knows anything about fiberglass then they would know that the resin and processes used by Ron and Rick Pierce make the finest ALL FIBERGLASS construction of any boat. I do not have low expectations, sir, in fact many of my Marines and friends would complain that my expectations of everything is way to HIGH. You should really think about what you are saying.

Rangerphil reply :

I see a lot of guys talking about chopper guns being used. What is that and what does it mean and how important is it to use or not to use these?

Also I love my ranger but have never fished out of a allison or bass cat! Also, I have a 205 hull and it may not be the fastest but handles rough water extremely well.

That leads me to believe that maybe each company makes different hulls and one may be better than another. I do enjoy reading this thread because I am learning more about bass boats and how they are made!

Fishing Rhino reply :

Quote

Quote

Then the Bass Catt. Customer satisfaction has to do with expectations. Unrealistic expectations will always end up in disappointment. What the Powers survey tells me is that Bass Cat may have the best customers, not necessarily the best boat.

So you're saying I have low expectations?

Not at all. Realistic expectations is more like it. It was intended as a compliment about Cat customers. Some folks buy a Nitro and expect it to be like a Cat or a Skeeter. Guess what? They will not be satisfied, will they?

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote

Then the Bass Catt. Customer satisfaction has to do with expectations. Unrealistic expectations will always end up in disappointment. What the Powers survey tells me is that Bass Cat may have the best customers, not necessarily the best boat.

So you're saying I have low expectations?

Not at all. Realistic expectations is more like it. It was intended as a compliment about Cat customers. Some folks buy a Nitro and expect it to be like a Cat or a Skeeter. Guess what? They will not be satisfied, will they?

Realistic expectations gets you the customer service of many of the other companies, Ranger has decent customer service (friends who own them) and so does Skeeter. However, what about a company that literally goes out of the way to make sure their customers' well being is taken care of? Treating customers like family is not a 'realistic expectation', but they do it. Like I said before, one does not even have to buy a new boat or even from a dealer to be accepted into the 'family', just have a Cat. 1971 or 2011 models the BassCat owner is personally taken care of by the company staff for any situation. It is not about realistic expectations, but surreal customer service.

Fishing Rhino reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote

Quote

Then the Bass Catt. Customer satisfaction has to do with expectations. Unrealistic expectations will always end up in disappointment. What the Powers survey tells me is that Bass Cat may have the best customers, not necessarily the best boat.

So you're saying I have low expectations?

Not at all. Realistic expectations is more like it. It was intended as a compliment about Cat customers. Some folks buy a Nitro and expect it to be like a Cat or a Skeeter. Guess what? They will not be satisfied, will they?

Realistic expectations gets you the customer service of many of the other companies, Ranger has decent customer service (friends who own them) and so does Skeeter. However, what about a company that literally goes out of the way to make sure their customers' well being is taken care of? Treating customers like family is not a 'realistic expectation', but they do it. Like I said before, one does not even have to buy a new boat or even from a dealer to be accepted into the 'family', just have a Cat. 1971 or 2011 models the BassCat owner is personally taken care of by the company staff for any situation. It is not about realistic expectations, but surreal customer service.

God bless 'em at BassCat. Sounds like they are in the running for the best company. I'll agree with you on that customer service thing.

I'd never buy an Allison. Too much money, even if it is good value for the product. I could never justify spending that kind of dough for a boat that I would not catch one more fish from.

My Z7 will do close to 60. Most of the time I cruise at 40 - 45. If I don't use 60 mph, I'm certainly not going to use the 80 mph of an Allison.

Last year on the road trip Roadwarrior and I went with a guide. He had a BassCat. Nice boat, nice ride. I can see why some guys swear by them.

For 19,300, this works just fine for me.

For the record, I initially had a few complaints about the rig. Wiring running through bare holes in the trailer frame, a feeble license plate bracket that snapped off somewhere in PA on my way to the Pickwick road trip in TN last year, and a couple of other penny ante shortcuts that rubbed me the wrong way.

No complaints about the boat or motor, other than they installed the wrong prop and the boat had trouble getting on plane. Took it in, and they asked me if I changed the prop, which I hadn't. When they swapped the prop the problem was solved.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

It's not new, but a 2004 model Pantera IV. For $18,000 this is an awesome ride. The only complaints I have are half of the electronics are old and the previous owner was a pain in the butt as far as getting the paperwork for the trailer taken care of, and there are some cosmetic issues (paint scratches) because of hard use by the previous owner in tournaments.

Good notes:

Trailer was built for the rig by BassCat (not FOR BassCat by another company).

Smooth/Solid Ride.

Comfortable large seating area. I am 6'1" and almost have too much room at the helm, almost.

Fishing Rhino reply :

Quote
I see a lot of guys talking about chopper guns being used. What is that and what does it mean and how important is it to use or not to use these?
Also I love my ranger but have never fished out of a allison or bass cat! Also, I have a 205 hull and it may not be the fastest but handles rough water extremely well.

That leads me to believe that maybe each company makes different hulls and one may be better than another. I do enjoy reading this thread because I am learning more about bass boats and how they are made!

A chopper gun is used for making shower stalls, bath tubs, etc.

This is a photo of a chopper gun in use. Note the long "cord" going to the gun. It consists of a bundle of long glass filaments. The gun chops them, and they are fed into resin which is being sprayed onto or into the mold.

Typically they produce a resin rich mixture. Which makes for a weaker, more brittle product than a hand laid up piece. It's the necessary evil of a chopper gun. Mat is really just a filler, roving is what gives fiberglass construction greater strength. There are several types of roving, woven roving being the most common type. It looks like very coarse burlap, and is made up of continuous filaments that run the length and breadth of the roll.

The "fabrics" provide the strength, and the resin provides the shape. Thats it in a nutshell.

Fishing Rhino reply :

For those who may wonder how I know about fiberglass, here are a couple of my products. They are not painted. The color is in the gel coat. The bodies, as I produce them weigh about sixty pounds.

And, just for the record, beginning in 1996, and for five successive years running, cars with my bodies took home the top prize in the race car division at the World of Wheels car show in Boston.

It included drag cars, circle track cars, etc., from all the major divisions.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Clearly you know your stuff. Those look d@$# good. Just curious, how do they hold up to the bumps and nudges during the races?

flyboy reply :

That's called rubbing, and rubbing is racing.

Quote
Clearly you know your stuff. Those look d@$# good. Just curious, how do they hold up to the bumps and nudges during the races?

Lund Explorer reply :

Quote

Quote

Then the Bass Catt. Customer satisfaction has to do with expectations. Unrealistic expectations will always end up in disappointment. What the Powers survey tells me is that Bass Cat may have the best customers, not necessarily the best boat.

So you're saying I have low expectations? My 'low expectations' are the product has to be dependable, if I have an issue it is resolved to the highest degree possible, and my boat's performance will outlast any other boat I may have chosen to invest in. If anyone knows anything about fiberglass then they would know that the resin and processes used by Ron and Rick Pierce make the finest ALL FIBERGLASS construction of any boat. I do not have low expectations, sir, in fact many of my Marines and friends would complain that my expectations of everything is way to HIGH. You should really think about what you are saying.

You should really talk to my insurance agent. His 2010 Cat is going back to Mt Home because the cap in front of the battery compartment is split. He can tell you all about how the dealership didn't want to stand behind it, or how the factory simply told him "We'll look at it".

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Well they can't control the independently owned dealerships, but the whole 'we'll look at it' is strange. However there is the whole fiberglass warranty thing that should probably kick in. Something about a lifetime transferrable warranty that says they will likely take care of that, as long as they can determine your agent did not run into anything or hit it with anything.

Fishing Rhino reply :

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Clearly you know your stuff. Those look d@$# good. Just curious, how do they hold up to the bumps and nudges during the races?

They hold up better than any other fiberglass bodies on the market. One layer of 3/4 ounce mat, and one layer of 1603 stitched roving. They are very flexible, and the roving holds them together pretty well.

All the others use just mat in their construction. When the get smacked they sometimes explode like an egg shell.

The front fenders are the most vulnerable. Very little material at the wheel opening. The front end, by virtue of its suspension is weaker than the solid axle rear end, so the wheels provide little support.

Some of my customers have hit the wall and bent the rear clip over a foot, and the quarter panels were still fit to use. The concrete wall ground off the gel coat, but they stayed in one piece. The side by side bumping in the turns doesn't damage them at all. It's when someone hooks into the wheel opening the front of the fender gets torn off.

I've had a guarantee from day one. If any of my body panels shatter into several pieces I'll replace it free. It just doesn't happen.

A customer in Maine told me his quarter panel broke into several pieces. I shipped him a new one. Some of his fellow competitors were so impressed they began getting bodies from me.

Even if his story wasn't true, the public relations of giving him a fender paid off handsomely.

I used to go to the different tracks with a quarter panel, place it on the ground, good side up, and let them drive a truck over the length of the panel. It would crack along the top, but when the truck got off it, it would pop back into shape.

Sometimes it would actually fold the other way. I'd pick it up, give it a swift kick on the inside, above the wheel opening, and it would snap back into shape.

It didn't matter how many times that quarter got run over, the damage did not get worse.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

I'm impressed. I've had the fiberglass fenders break apart on HMMWVs (Hummers) at retarded times. Of course that was just during regular use. When they shatter because they get shot or shrapnel tear them up it's somewhat to be expected.

Lund Explorer reply :

Quote
I see a lot of guys talking about chopper guns being used. What is that and what does it mean and how important is it to use or not to use these?
Also I love my ranger but have never fished out of a allison or bass cat! Also, I have a 205 hull and it may not be the fastest but handles rough water extremely well.

That leads me to believe that maybe each company makes different hulls and one may be better than another. I do enjoy reading this thread because I am learning more about bass boats and how they are made!

If you ever get down around the NW part of Arkansas, you should take a day or two and take the factory tours in the area. For years, the area was called the fiberglass triangle for the number of boats built there.

Mt. Home is where BassCat is located, and Flippin just to the west is the home of Ranger Boats. When I was there a few years ago, both of these companies offered guided tours right out on the factory floor. It will give you the chance to see how these boats are built, from the minute they lay the hull down to the finish work.

Speaking of the hulls, every boat company has a different ones, by design. Everyone I saw built though was basically the same. Strange fact, the paint is the first thing that goes in the molds. After that, they are pretty close between the two. Large sheets of fiberglass material are laid into the mold which is then sprayed with a thin coat of chopped glass and resin. This is then hand rolled to take out any bubbles, and then the next sheet of fiberglass is placed into the mold. These steps are repeated until the hull's thickness is completed. At the same time, other workers are busy building the "cap" or top half of the boat. As it was explained to me, the cap is almost always built using a chopper gun. The is due to the fact that the cap has too many angles to make it cost efficient to hand lay sheets of fiberglass. The cap also doesn't take nearly as much of a pounding that the hull does. If you're lucky, you will be in the factory when they pop a boat out of the molds. Depending on a number of factors, it will take a day or so before the glass has cured in the mold and can be removed.

Once out of the molds, the two halfs ride along on carts where they go through installation of all the wiring, plumbing, gas/oil tanks, livewells, etc. The cap is drilled for instrumentation, wiring, gas cap, and other things at this time. After the inside work is complete, the two halves are finally tied together, and work on the outside of the hull can be done.

Finally, the gas motor is installed and it is placed with it's trailer.

Even though Ranger's factory is much larger than Cat's facility, each boat makes it way through the factory in the same steps. I've seen clipboards in each facility that shows the customer's name, dealer's name, and every option that the customer has ordered. As a boat moves through any stage of this process, they can track the exact boat to the exact customer. And those records are saved at the factory.

Whether it is a Ranger or a Cat I know that you can call to the service/parts dept, give them your hull number, and the technician can look right at what was built into your boat. If you need a new seat that matches the other ones, they can make it for you. Need some paint that will match? They've got it.

Me? I've been lucky enough to own at least one of each. I was impressed with both on many things, and learned to live with things that one had and the other didn't. I also was lucky enough to meet both Ron Pierce and Forrest Wood, and they are both good quality folks. So are their wives.

Moral to this long winded story? They're all good! Nobody can stay in business as long as these guys have by building junk. I'm sure Skeeter, Champion, and even Allison are good quality boats. And at least the ones I saw being built, were all built by hand.

Rangerphil reply :

Thank you for the detailed story. I was starting to think that ranger was not as good as I thought. Ever since I was 8-9 years of age I always wanted a ranger boat, when I got it I was in awe and still feel like a pro when I fish out of it! I guess that is what really matters, how you feel about what you love.

I have also met Forrest wood and his wife on several occasions and they are very nice people.

Fishing Rhino reply :

Lund, you are correct about the little steps in the topside of the boat. While fiberglass can be worked into large corners such as chines, it is only because there is sufficient surface resistance to prevent the material from lifting away at the corner. You can work the material into corners with a step of an inch or more, but it's very time consuming.

Get down to less than three quarters of an inch and it's nigh impossible to get mat and roving to stay tucked into the corner. You can do it, but it takes tearing mat and working the torn edge into the corner. Can be done, but it's not practical.

You can also "flood" those corners, as you stated, with resin by using a chopper gun. We use Aerosil which is powdered silica. It is mixed with uncatalyzed resin to the consistancy of heavy grease. When we make a piece with a step. After the gel coat applied to the mold has cured sufficiently we will take an adequate amount of this paste and catalyze it. Then using a bondo spreader we fill the corner with the minumum amount needed to support the glass. Then the mat is put into place, and impregnated with resin.

Since I'm in the process of retiring, I'll let you in on my secret for working resin. I use a paint roller. A six pack of cheapo 9" rollers from Home Depot are cut in half. The nine inch rollers are too long to fit into some of the hollow contours of the mold. Four and a half inches will go anywhere except into sharp corners.

There are fiberglass rollers specifically made for production fiberglass work. They have a perforated core. They are mounted on a special handle. Resin is forced through the tubular handle and out through the perforations. The flow is controlled by a trigger on the handle.

The handles can be quite long, to allow laminating things such as a bass boat without having to get inside of the mold.

Most of the fabricators I've seen will wet the piece, then apply the material, and roll it with a grooved roller. The problem with the rollers, though they do remove air bubbles, is that they also move the strands of the mat around, making them thicker in some areas and thinning them out in others. Paint rollers don't do this. After the mat is wet out, the stitched roving goes on, and is wet through. The beauty of the roller is that you end up with very consistent pieces. If too much resin is applied to a piece, you can pick up the excess with the roller, and move it to the next piece.

Once the mat has been wet out, we use the bubble busting rollers to get rid of any air pockets. The material in the roving will not shift like mat does, so you end up with a very uniform piece. The mat stays put beneath the roving.

To get perfect uniformity by getting rid of any excess resin you'd have to vacuum bag the piece. The vanes on wind turbines are vacuum bagged in order to make them as strong as possible, and so they will all weigh the same, or very nearly the same, so they will be in balance when assembled. Takes a pretty large bag.

As an aside, I also do some metalflake bodies. I will match the finish of my product, right out of the mold to any bass boat on a showroom floor after it has been buffed and waxed, and my piece will have a better finish. My pieces come out with a wet shine.

By the way, black and other dark colors are the worst. Every slight imperfection in a mold shows up. Leave a finger print in the mold and it will be in the finished piece. A quick wipe with cleaner/glaze or cleaner/wax will take care of it. The same for the haze that naturally forms when a piece is made.

When the haze starts to appear, we strip the haze from the molds with a cleaner, then apply six coats of hard carnuba wax.

White is the easiest color. Haze does not show.

flyboy reply :

This thread has ventured into many arenas and I have been lurking here absorbing all the great information that has been shared. I am fasicinated with the discussion on fiberglass work; learning things that will really help in making a decision.

Getting back to the original topic, I know that all the top end boats are good so I think my main concern is customer service. I got terrible customer service from the manufacturor of the boat I am replacing; unfortunately their top end boat is the one I like best.

Has anyone had any recent customer service experience with Ranger or Skeeter? I am wondering how Ranger is performing since they are operationg in receivership and Skeeter since Yamaha bought them?

Rangerphil reply :

I called ranger last spring because I made a mistake hooking my trolling batteries back up. They said hold on one second then put me right through to someone on the floor and he walked me right through it!

Also two years ago my on board charger was making a humming noise so I called them and without any hesitation they sent me a new one and....paid for the shipping for me to send the old one back!

I never call the place where I bought the boat I always call ranger direct, and they are some of the nicest people you will deal with!

flyboy reply :

Rangerphil

Have you had any need to use customer service in the last couple of months? Other manufacturors are saying bad things about Ranger's custormer service since the bankruptcy and the only way to know if they are true is hearing reports from people who are having contact.

Rangerphil reply :

I called yesterday to sign up for ranger cup and everything seemed the same to me. Friendly lady answered and put through to a gentleman named Matt who got me signed up and told me that I would not get me new card by the time I was leaving for my tournament next week. He said not to worry that they would verify all the info to flw.

Now I know that has nothing to do with customer service for boat problems, but it seemed like all was still the way it always has been!

My recommendation would be to call ranger and talk to someone there with your concerns. If I was to spend that amount of money again I would talk to whoever will listen.

Tell them the problems you have had in the past and your future concerns about issues you may have and I bet you will be surprised at just how nice they are down there!

scbassin reply :

I have called Ranger in the recent past about a rod locker sweating. They put me thru to an engineer & he told me what to do & sent the part free of charge. It solved the problem.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

basscatownersboard.yuku.com

See for yourself.

CAdeltaLipRipper reply :

Im pretty sure allisons are the fastest boat out there but they arent the best fish worthy or suited up with bells and whistles like a lot of the brands. Ive never ridden it one, but that what ive heard and thats what it looks like when ive seen pictures.I personally think they are just speed. I don't really like their looks much. Not saying theyre not a good boat though,so dont blow up lol.

I think the best boats are Ranger, Triton, and BassCat. Not in any specific order right there,just listing them. Pretty much all the bass boats these days are good, you cant really go wrong with any of them. But for motor, get a Mercury. #1 on the water son

Id also rather have a fiberglass made boat than an aluminum anyday

fishn hard reply :

Quote
Im pretty sure allisons are the fastest boat out there but they arent the best fish worthy or suited up with bells and whistles like a lot of the brands. Ive never ridden it one, but that what ive heard and thats what it looks like when ive seen pictures.I personally think they are just speed. I don't really like their looks much. Not saying theyre not a good boat though,so dont blow up lol.
I think the best boats are Ranger, Triton, and BassCat. Not in any specific order right there,just listing them. Pretty much all the bass boats these days are good, you cant really go wrong with any of them. But for motor, get a Mercury. #1 on the water son

Id also rather have a fiberglass made boat than an aluminum anyday

Son i can say one thing Allison are not all about speed the 21ft A boat is one of the best riding boats there is and go look on there site they lead the way in invasion they have bells and whistles on there boats that no other company has Allison boats lead the way and ALL OTHER ARE JUST trying to play catch up no one can come up with any argument that there is a better built boat out there

5bass reply :

Quote

Quote
Im pretty sure allisons are the fastest boat out there but they arent the best fish worthy or suited up with bells and whistles like a lot of the brands. Ive never ridden it one, but that what ive heard and thats what it looks like when ive seen pictures.I personally think they are just speed. I don't really like their looks much. Not saying theyre not a good boat though,so dont blow up lol.
I think the best boats are Ranger, Triton, and BassCat. Not in any specific order right there,just listing them. Pretty much all the bass boats these days are good, you cant really go wrong with any of them. But for motor, get a Mercury. #1 on the water son

Id also rather have a fiberglass made boat than an aluminum anyday

Son i can say one thing Allison are not all about speed the 21ft A boat is one of the best riding boats there is and go look on there site they lead the way in invasion they have bells and whistles on there boats that no other company has Allison boats lead the way and ALL OTHER ARE JUST trying to play catch up no one can come up with any argument that there is a better built boat out there

Opinions are awesome!

Stingray23 reply :

eggs-actly

SDoolittle reply :

Any opinions on Gambler boats?

bassman018 reply :

Why buy a new boat? Why not let someone else devalie this thing for you?

CAdeltaLipRipper reply :

Quote

Quote
Im pretty sure allisons are the fastest boat out there but they arent the best fish worthy or suited up with bells and whistles like a lot of the brands. Ive never ridden it one, but that what ive heard and thats what it looks like when ive seen pictures.I personally think they are just speed. I don't really like their looks much. Not saying theyre not a good boat though,so dont blow up lol.
I think the best boats are Ranger, Triton, and BassCat. Not in any specific order right there,just listing them. Pretty much all the bass boats these days are good, you cant really go wrong with any of them. But for motor, get a Mercury. #1 on the water son

Id also rather have a fiberglass made boat than an aluminum anyday

Son i can say one thing Allison are not all about speed the 21ft A boat is one of the best riding boats there is and go look on there site they lead the way in invasion they have bells and whistles on there boats that no other company has Allison boats lead the way and ALL OTHER ARE JUST trying to play catch up no one can come up with any argument that there is a better built boat out there

I actuallydid go on their site right after i posted it lol. And whoever said they dont sponsor people and arent mass produced, they build a ton of race boats?

And look at this. That looks like straight quality to me (except the evinrude)

CAdeltaLipRipper reply :

Quote
Any opinions on Gambler boats?

I hear they are awesome boats and i thinkthey look pretty shweet

Fishing Rhino reply :

Ranger has nothing on Boston Whaler.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/boston-whaler-tv-commercial/7de3275b080825fe14967de3275b080825fe1496-646953369696?q=boston+whaler+cut+in+half&FORM=VIRE1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZl72uUMTvc

5bass reply :

Quote
Any opinions on Gambler boats?

I'm on my 3rd Gambler now. I think they are high quality custom built boats with great attention to detail. That said, even if I do think it, I dont want to come out and say they sell the best boat out there because that argument cannot be won. Do some investigation on Gambler/Sterling, take a ride in one. I think you'll like what you see.

This is the one I'm riding around in now.

This is what I'll be riding around in next.

CAdeltaLipRipper reply :

Quote

Quote
Any opinions on Gambler boats?

I'm on my 3rd Gambler now. I think they are high quality custom built boats with great attention to detail. That said, even if I do think it, I dont want to come out and say they sell the best boat out there because that argument cannot be won. Do some investigation on Gambler/Sterling, take a ride in one. I think you'll like what you see.

This is the one I'm riding around in now.

This is what I'll be riding around in next.

Sorry you have to go from a mercury to a yamaha. That sucks

CAdeltaLipRipper reply :

Quote
Ranger has nothing on Boston Whaler.
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/boston-whaler-tv-commercial/7de3275b080825fe14967de3275b080825fe1496-646953369696?q=boston+whaler+cut+in+half&FORM=VIRE1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZl72uUMTvc

Theyd sink if it werent for the mercurys powering them ;D

Steve P. reply :

Quote
70,000$ there is only one boat Allison call and talk to Dairs he is the owner i got a 1992 21ft and if you can find a stress crack on the boat you can have it

Bring that "tater chip" boat down to Stick Marsh and fish in the stumps for a week. Then you and I can crawl under your boat and I'll show you all of the stress cracks on the bottom of the boat from working your way over the pointed stumps. Be sure and bring your title with you........ ;D

The bottom line is no matter what brand you buy, they're all junk when you consider what they cost these days. You're going to have issues with ANY brand. The only people who think otherwise are people who have never owned a boat. They're a lot of work/money to maintain.

5bass reply :

Quote
They're a lot of work/money to maintain.

Understatement of the year.

fishn hard reply :

Quote

Quote
70,000$ there is only one boat Allison call and talk to Dairs he is the owner i got a 1992 21ft and if you can find a stress crack on the boat you can have it

Bring that "tater chip" boat down to Stick Marsh and fish in the stumps for a week. Then you and I can crawl under your boat and I'll show you all of the stress cracks on the bottom of the boat from working your way over the pointed stumps. Be sure and bring your title with you........ ;D

The bottom line is no matter what brand you buy, they're all junk when you consider what they cost these days. You're going to have issues with ANY brand. The only people who think otherwise are people who have never owned a boat. They're a lot of work/money to maintain.

I have owned Skeeters Bullets and 2 Allison's and i can till you the only boats that DID NOT HAVE STRESS CRACKS was the Allison's hitting stumps will crack ant boat

Fishing Rhino reply :

Hitting any object does not produce stress cracks. They are impact cracks. Stress cracks are produced by excessive flexing.

When it comes to stress cracks, the thicker a gel coat is, the less flexible it is. Stress cracks in gel coat do not necessarily reflect a problem with structural integrity. In most cases, they don't. They are an undesirable cosmetic problem.

fishn hard reply :

Quote
Hitting any object does not produce stress cracks. They are impact cracks. Stress cracks are produced by excessive flexing.
When it comes to stress cracks, the thicker a gel coat is, the less flexible it is. Stress cracks in gel coat do not necessarily reflect a problem with structural integrity. In most cases, they don't. They are an undesirable cosmetic problem.

Rhino Im glad your here to state the facts

tkite16 reply :

Quote

Quote
They're a lot of work/money to maintain.

Understatement of the year.

yeah they are all pain in the rears , but what would do without them

I can settle all this right now.

Best boat: 97 Triton tr21

Now let's talk about something completely new that has never been discussed on this board.

Who do you think makes the best reel?

Rangerphil reply :

Five bass limit said it best.

Just spent 356.00 on a lower unit seal to get fixed, it ended up I needed a pressure plate and water impeller!

Then you have oil, GAS, products for your gas and so on.

Owning any boat is a challenge sometimes so get one you can be happy with and go fishing!

fishn hard reply :

Quote
Five bass limit said it best.
Just spent 356.00 on a lower unit seal to get fixed, it ended up I needed a pressure plate and water impeller!

Then you have oil, GAS, products for your gas and so on.

Owning any boat is a challenge sometimes so get one you can be happy with and go fishing!

You aint kidding There expensive to own and i must be nuts because i bought my wife a 27ft cabin cruiser for Christmas what do you think its gona cost to operate that monster yea im a gluten for punishment ;D ;D ;D ;D

Lund Explorer reply :

Quote
Well they can't control the independently owned dealerships, but the whole 'we'll look at it' is strange. However there is the whole fiberglass warranty thing that should probably kick in. Something about a lifetime transferrable warranty that says they will likely take care of that, as long as they can determine your agent did not run into anything or hit it with anything.

I want to be fair about this, and I don't really have a horse in this race. He is taking the boat down on Monday and will be gone for a week. As soon as I hear how the experience went, I WILL post about it.

Is that fair?

Lund Explorer reply :

Quote

Quote
Five bass limit said it best.
Just spent 356.00 on a lower unit seal to get fixed, it ended up I needed a pressure plate and water impeller!

Then you have oil, GAS, products for your gas and so on.

Owning any boat is a challenge sometimes so get one you can be happy with and go fishing!

You aint kidding There expensive to own and i must be nuts because i bought my wife a 27ft cabin cruiser for Christmas what do you think its gona cost to operate that monster yea im a gluten for punishment ;D ;D ;D ;D

Won't cost much at all if you accidently toss the keys over the side when it's tied up in the marina! ;D

A friend has a 32' fishing boat for Lake Michigan. It's down right ugly to pull up to the fuel dock. A typical salmon costs $20+ per/pound.

fishn hard reply :

Her boat has a 100 Gal fuel tank in it and its bone dry I told her she had to fill it up if she wanted to go to the lake

Lund Explorer reply :

Quote
Well they can't control the independently owned dealerships, but the whole 'we'll look at it' is strange. However there is the whole fiberglass warranty thing that should probably kick in. Something about a lifetime transferrable warranty that says they will likely take care of that, as long as they can determine your agent did not run into anything or hit it with anything.

FYI, I visited my insurance agent this morning. From what I got out of the conversation, "we'll look at it" was more along the lines of wanting to know what caused it in case there was a design problem.

The boat itself was repaired within two days using some type of bonded patch. From the way it sounds, he is happy with the work. On top of that, he ended up with two new power poles replaced under warranty, and a new battery charger.

Sounds like all of the folks at Basscat did another good job of taking care of a customer.

FishinDaddy reply :

I own a Stratos 201.

I have fished out of a Triton Tr20, Ranger, Bullet, and Gambler.

The most "fishable" in my opinion is my Stratos. She is not as fast nor as stylish as many other boats. But, I have a 20 years old hull with no problems. I have bounced her off the stumps in Farm 13, run aground hard on a floating mat of crap in Kissimmee, run all over Tampa Bay and even been in the gulf. I have taught 3 teenagers to drive, dock and load with her and numerous other things you should not do with a bass boat.

In my opinion they are tough and very stable in rough weather. Something you should consider living on Harris.

Fishing Rhino reply :

In the end, it all boils down to this. The man in the boat is more important than the boat the man is in.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

On 3/30/2011 at 6:54 AM, Lund Explorer said:

FYI, I visited my insurance agent this morning. From what I got out of the conversation, "we'll look at it" was more along the lines of wanting to know what caused it in case there was a design problem.

The boat itself was repaired within two days using some type of bonded patch. From the way it sounds, he is happy with the work. On top of that, he ended up with two new power poles replaced under warranty, and a new battery charger.

Sounds like all of the folks at Basscat did another good job of taking care of a customer.

Glad to hear it. They really do seem to do what they can to help out as much as they can. It may not be any more or less than other companies, but there's always the personal touch they put on it. I really like that.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

On 3/30/2011 at 7:42 AM, Fishing Rhino said:

In the end, it all boils down to this. The man in the boat is more important than the boat the man is in.

So that's why the guy in the little jon boat kicks our butts in the local tourneys from time to time! I need that guy in my boat.

Bassn Blvd reply :

Best bass boat, IMO, is one that'll do 50-65mph, get great gas mileage, can run in a foot of water, be driven through cat tails and grass to get to the honey hole and doesn't leak.

South FLA reply :

I own a 2003 Ranger 185 Intracoastal model and so far so good, its a great boat. Very satisfied with their factory support on issues ranging from gel coat repair, to bad chargers, and instructions on lid hatch seal replacement. If money were no object I would most likely by a Allison XB-21 BasSport Pro with all the options and a Yamaha SHO 250. If money were a consideration then I would most likely end up in a Bass Cat Puma FTD, followed closely by Ranger Z521. I would actually have to drive and fish out of them for a day to see what I prefer.

Although, for how and what I fish for the best fit would be a Ranger Z21 Intracoastal. The original poster is from Central Florida and may want to consider a "saltwater" bass boat option and the only ones with that option currently I believe are Ranger, Bullet, and Sterling.

Also, for arguments sake there is a point of diminishing returns on price paid per boat versus actual usability and function of a boat. I would rather fish out of someones well kept Brand X boat than someone's ill-maintained Brand Y, I would also rather fish out of a boat that allows me to fish where the fish are and sometimes that means fishing out of a canoe, jon boat, or off land. So its all relative. The most important part of boating is USING the darn thing be it fishing, family, or sport.

Terry G. reply :

On 3/16/2011 at 9:02 AM, flyboy said:

I hate to open a can of worms but I am ready to change boats, AGAIN. In the arena of top end boats, 21 ft. length, 250 Hp with all the toys; what is best? The boat I have now has given me fits and after a year and a half I am ready to change. The manufacturer of my present boat, after not answering my phone calls is telling me they have the best boat and will guarantee me great service--they gave me NO service in the past. I am leaning towards their boat again but actually would like to change brands because of the trust factor. I don't want to mention any names at this juncture but I hope to get feedback from the forum to see what is considered the BEST. I am in Central Florida and a good dealer with and outstanding product is a must if I am going to shell out 70K on a toy.

Legend Bass Boats are without a doubt one of the best bass boats made today. I absolutely love my boat's smooth ride, fit & finish, and affordability.

You can trust that the service Legend provides will be above approach!!

Legend staff will answer your phone calls!!

You can buy a 21 foot boat with a 250 HP for way under 70 G's

You ask who is considered the best...I say it's Legend.

Terry G.

Chaz Hickcox reply :

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/16838/Great-service

Tell me FLW would do the same thing!

You want customer service, there you go.

Best Bass Boat out there now 2024

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