Can't We All Just Get Along?

[amboyduke]

You guys are right. I should have kept my opinino to myself. I apologize and didnt' mean to ruffle feathers and bring down this board. I will not visit the boat again. Sorry I should not get so defensive. I made a mistake. Enjoy the board.

[dtrs5kprs]

amboyduke...hope you choose to stick around and read and report. Anytime a local company becomes a mega company people get on either side of the fence about it. For my part, I have very fond memories of the days when there was only one BPS store to go to, and we would drive down close to 8 hours from Iowa (before the better roads too) to shop there.

Boats are Ford and Chevy deals. Lots of folks have to justify their purchase publicly. If you like what you run and it works, try to let it pass. At least that is what I do with all the folks who seem down on Ranger.

[dtrs5kprs]

...oh, and I was a pharmacist for Wal-Mart, so I understand the frustration from an employee's point of view.

[Quillback]

I would say this about any pro who runs a boat in a tourney, but I always take their recommendations with a grain of salt, because the top guys, KVD being an example, get a new boat at least once a year. So it's hard for me to trust their recommendations, I'd rather hear what people say that have owned a particular brand of boat for several years and have no sponsorship to uphold. I think one thing Nitro could do to improve their image (if you think it needs improvement), is get testimonials from long-term Nitro owners who are happy with the construction and durability of their boats. When I was researching boats a year ago, I read and talked to many owners of the brand I eventually purchased you were impressed by the construction of the boat, features, and commitment to service. I'm sorry to say, I just did not get that from the Nitro brand. I'm not meaning to bash Nitro at all, but I am saying that Nitro has an image problem that they just can't seem to get out from under.

[PHhunter]

I have a 92 nitro. It has held up great. No complaints here.

[sholder02]

The only problem I have with your post is this:

"Legal consequences could come into play, so I suggest that anyone should consider their comments carefully when making comments about product to be sold in the future."

Threatening legal action on a public forum of local fishermen and outdoorsmen is ridiculous and uncalled for. You'd be a pretty busy attorney (and broke) fighting rumors found on the internet. C'mon, man!

[vernon]

As a Ranger owner and Nitro basher I have to say, well put. Your post is both educational and enlightening. We would all probably be better off not simply repeating things that others have said or, worse yet, considering ourselves to be "experts" about so many things that in reality we really don't know much about.

That being said, I know for a FACT that any boat that's not a Ranger is a piece of junk! Just kidding. I for one, greatly appreciate the objectiveness and fairness of your comments. I hope to read more of what you have to say in the future but I doubt it will put an end to the ongoing spittin' contest that I have with my Nitro owning neighbor!

[amboyduke]

Quillback testimonials are a great idea. I understand taking pro recommendations with a grain of salt. My point was to get feedback from individual owners for feedback about their boats and take opinions of non-owners with a grain of salt as well. I know numerous locals that would love to tell people about their Nitro boats. I myself would be happy to give anyone a demo ride. I don't know how many Nitro owners are on this board but I am sure they are scared to speak up about their boats for fear of being hammered, and that is a shame. That should not be what a fishing forum is about. I am never ashamed of Nitro and BPS and proud the fly the colors and know many that are. I never cut down another boat brand and don't believe in that philosophy. The dealer is also a big part of the deal. Some are better than others. You used to be able to take demo rides in Branson until the flood damage. Sorry again for my novel. I have a passion when I see rumors or half truths by those who think they are in the know when really they are not. And once again, everyone has their right to their opinions and you know what opinions are like. Good fishing!

[amboyduke]

Sholder I did not mean to come across as threatening and apologize if I came across as that way. My point was that when someone states that they know big changes are in the works and I know for a fact that nothing has been decided, I want people to know the truth. This could cause potential buyers to hold off on a purchase and that is not cool. I hope you understand. Once again, I am not trying to pick fights and figured I would get hammered on this post. Good fishing everyone.

[Jason Essary]

Hang on, Im getting the popcorn out for this one.