Bass Pro Buys Ranger, Triton, And Stratos

[AAD]

The local Cabelas has Triton, Stratos, and Ranger but now that this has occured, my guess is no. I myself am not happy with this because I fear the parent company will drive down cost cutting measures to cut production costs and make the boats more affordable. That's how they mass produce the bejeezas out of their Nitro/Tracker lines. Cut production costs to make more sell more. That's why they are so affordable because they cut down on material costs. The reason Ranger is so much more than most is the quality of the resin used and the amount used (most Ranger glass hulls are thicker, thus more resin, thus more cost).

I myself fear this could be a bad thing. A monopoly. The only large bass boat companies not owned by Bass Pro will be Skeeter, Phoenix, Legend, and Bass Cat. And Skeeter is owned by Yamaha. Bass Cat, Legend, and Phoenix are the only independantly owned companies left.

When you sit back and this about the statement in red, it's pretty a smart acquisition.

BPS will continue to sell Nitro/Trackers and make money, AND, quite possibly their biggest competetor, Cabelas, will sell Triton, Stratos, and Ranger, and BPS will get a cut off of those as well.

[J-Doc]

I hope that is the case.

[ness]

Platinum Equity, the current owners of Ranger, etc., don't really sound like the kind of guys who are in the business to build quality boats -- more like a firm that buys a company to sell later at a profit. BassPro may be a better owner. And, who'd you rather have running the show, Johnny Morris or this dude.

[ness]

When you sit back and this about the statement in red, it's pretty a smart acquisition.

BPS will continue to sell Nitro/Trackers and make money, AND, quite possibly their biggest competetor, Cabelas, will sell Triton, Stratos, and Ranger, and BPS will get a cut off of those as well.

I'm guessing the price of Ranger, Stratos and Triton just went up for Cabela's.

[J-Doc]

I don't think they can go much higher. They are already about 20-30% markup. Ha!!

I got mine at the recommended price by Ranger only because my salesman helped make that happen. Corporate (Cabelas) wanted a markup but they would never sell one with another dealer across town selling them at the suggested price.

So the markup is already up there. If they ever want to sell any boats, they can't mark up too much or they won't sell what they have.

[ness]

So the markup is already up there. If they ever want to sell any boats, they can't mark up too much or they won't sell what they have.

I mean what Cabela's pays for a boat from Johnny. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but...

[J-Doc]

Yes I know. My point was that their markup is already crazy as it was. They should be smart and adjust accordingly.

I think you're correct and they probably will go up. That will only hurt Cabelas. Not the boat manufacturer.

[fishinwrench]

That dude looks like one shrewd wiggle wart investor.

[ness]

That dude looks like one shrewd wiggle wart investor.

Doesn't he? Lives in Beverly Hills too.

[Sore Thumbs]

This is why I buy used. Let someone else eat up that depreciation. Unless you are getting a Pro Staff deal on a boat or you plan on keeping a boat for 6 yrs plus. It's hard to get ahead on a new purchase.