Even though I run a falcon it’s still hard to watch the iconic boat brand just be wiped off the map. Before Falcon EVERY BOAT I owned was a Ranger. My dad had them as well. I was literally born on the deck of that brand so I always felt connected . I never thought I see the day they were gone however, I do think it’s a good thing. It’s great that now there’s room for other brands. Before this dealers couldn’t sell any other boat setting beside a ranger. It’s just a big shift! Now if we can get these tournament organizations to get right we’ll be GOOD!
Brian Latimer I have been doing alot of research on Falcon boats due to your videos and I have personally looked over 2 and fished out of one of them. When the day comes I can buy new. It will be a Falcon more than likely because of your videos. Just wanted to point that out to the people who said pros don't help sell boats any more. I wouldn't have known about Falcon boats if it wasn't for you.
Agree B. Lat! It is great other brands are making an impact. Competition w/in the industry only results in more innovation and greatly benefits the consumer.
A few folks commenting here said it all. Johnny Morris is more concerned with profit than quality. BPS prices are much higher than vendors like Tackle Warehouse. BPS has also ruined Cabelas.
Cabela's website and BPS website are virtually the same. If Johnny Morris isn't a billionaire by now, he's gotta be close. Started in a corner of his dad's liquor store. The Cabela brothers started packaging lures on the kitchen table.
@@herbsteiner1013 Very true! I tip my hat to people who can make something out of nothing. But when you cross over from making and/or selling quality products for the sake of profit, you lose my respect and business.
Since the cost for new bass boats are getting out of reach for the average consumer, I think most will base their decision on price and type of motor, rather than boat brand.
A lot of bass boats drop price after a while it’s hard to buy new boats, like my 97 champ was just over 6 grand and it’s in decent condition and has a good engine on it
@@tomrindfuss3371 Doing just that right now! 1995 Vip Stealth/ski/bass boat got it for 1600$ we honestly lucked out cause it was in great condition once we removed the 15 years or concrete dust and dirt dobber nest's haha!
Randy, I had a similar experience with Forrest and Nina. The best people in the industry to be sure. I went up there to pickup a prize boat from a tournament win on Rayburn in the old Texas Tournament Trail. I was deployed to Iraq after winning and couldn’t pick it up until the following year. I took Forrest an American Flag I flew in my Apache along with some unit memorabilia and it brought him to tears. He was calling family members and much of the staff into the museum outside his office to meet me. He hung it right next to the door alongside images of former Presidents he fished alongside. He and the whole staff were amazing people. I also talked bowling with Nina at dinner with some of her bowling team partners. The Hopper brothers took me to work on classic cars with them that night after work. I saw a lot of the influences you see in Vexus boats today. The entire team at Ranger was incredible and that is something you cannot value in the marketing department. I miss all of them and the example they set for decades. I still have only been a Ranger owner and hope that new ownership looks back to where they came from and the importance of personal relationships.
When you think about it, the same thing happened to Cabela's. I used to love Cabela's and it seems like the gutted the brand to the point that the quality & the type of merchandise is just not up to par. Great channel glad I subscribed.
Bass Pro Shops has created a monopoly in the outdoors industry like WalMart and Amazon. It’s all about what’s most profitable to Johnny Morris. We in the industry need to change who we are buying from. Start with local shops and other online businesses. The problem is and will be Bass Pro offers cheaper prices with expedited shipping. We need to as Americans and patriots help support the little man.
@@bkbaitsal4389 That is also true throughout the Cabela's stores. JM branded rod/reels, clothing Red Head. Amazed at how poor a selection they have now tackle-wise. There are many options other than BPS and Cabelas that offer superior service and selection.
I have owned lots of boats over the years. Ranger was always the top of the line boat and everyone new it. When Forest and Nina owned it you could call and buy a part for a boat built in 1974. Good luck now my understanding is nothing older than 2006. Jonny Morris has done some good things for the people of southwest Missouri. I am not sure ownership of Ranger Boats is one of them.
I have bought parts from ranger direct for years up to this year. I called and was told 7 to 10 days just to get a call back to find availability. Thanks Johnny. You have ruined what Forest built, hope your proud of yourself.
The real Ranger boat company no longer exists. It was bought out by Bass Pro shop that wanted to gut the company for what was needed for Nitro boats and what is left is wal-mart boats!
@@GW-yz8fo I used to love shopping at Cabelas. They had great hunting gear, clothing, boots, etc. Now since they were bought out, the Cabelas products no longer exist as i have found. I do not shop there anymore and will not spend money there or at Bass Pro. I like Sportsmans Warehouse but ive heard it was bought out also so that place will go downhill also. Its too bad.
You hit the nail on the head. They hired marketing people that know nothing about the sport. When I saw Scott Martin switch to skeeter I knew it was over for ranger boats
I feel fortunate to have purchased a one owner 2006 519 a few years ago. It's my third Ranger and I've never owned another brand. To me it's a solid old school Ranger quality bass boat. The ETEC 200 is strong and will run 65 fully loaded. It's a stable tournament fishing platform. The best thing about it is it fishes just as well (maybe better) than the new boats coming off the line today that I would have paid four times as much for. I don't care what brand it is, it's sad that the lesser quality products the manufacturers are delivering today will put the working man $100K in debt for a 20' boat. At the end of the day it's still just a F'n boat.
I had the same boat and I’m not knocking it BUT, try a champion 198, 203 or 206 and you’ll be SHOCKED at how soft it is on chop vs the 2006 519. It’s amazing and fishes as good
Yes, you did. Indirectly the pros made you buy the boat. They are the ones that created the brand and they are the ones that sold the boats. Thats how reputation is developed. Whether is was last year or 30 years. If Rick Clunn told you that Ranger boats are junk, you would have listed.
You are only working from the "conscious" perspective. Much of advertising is below your level of consciousness. Just like hearing a song you don't realize you heard before- you heard it, but it just didn't consciously register- but it still 'clicks" inside your mind..
Appears Ranger is on the same path as Remington Arms. Morris stated many years ago, "Nitro will be the biggest brand in the industry". BPS will do whatever it takes to eliminate the competition.
I was a Ranger guy until BPS bought them. Word on the street was that many of the factory craftsmen went across the street to Vexxus (and the former Ranger leadership). Ranger quality suffered for a while, and dinged their reputation. Newer brands like Phoenix and Bass Cat took advantage. Thats my opinion on the recent decline.
Ranger start up in 1968 Bass Cat start up in 1971. Skeeter in 1948 .. Ranger has been sold a few times, skeeter was bought by Yamaha in 1996 .. Bass Cat Is still owned by the Pierce family ..
Was looking online at the Vexxus, TH-cam especially. From what I gathered they’re sub par boats. Unfortunate because I like the overall design, especially the front end, it’s much like a glass boat. Very wide.. not so narrowed like others in the aluminum boats.
It seems that Johnny likes to buy up brands and slowly bleed them out to increase the hedgemony of his own lines. Kind of a cross between a corporate raider and a robber baron.
I thought that too but Nitro seems to be doing alright. Definitely not Skeeter, Phoenix, Bass Cat etc. but Nitros are definitely are a better boat then they were 15 years ago. Did Bass Pro actually help that brand?
Exactly what I am saying can't build a better line so but out the better lines and kill the competition. He had a real chance at bringing back the best boats ever made and what did he do destroyed the molds and prints and sold of the manufacturing rights. He cares nothing about quality or the consumer he is 100 percent motivated by sells and maximum profit.
Nitros are further behind on today's standards of quality than they were 15 yrs ago. The good companies have taken quality so hi and nitro is just now meeting industry standards from 15 yrs ago. Also have you really looked at the fit and finish work of a nitro. My teenagers could do the same quality in my garage.
@@dennisriggs5427 I haven't spent much time looking at them up close tbh. I see a ton of them on the water, but that probably has more to do with the lower price point.
Randy, I believe everything you said is spot on. My assumption is the Ranger name has so much clout that they decided that having any endorsements weren't monetarily beneficial to the brand. Which, is probably correct for now but is not self sustaining. Too many good boat makers now to rely on name alone.
I bought my 1st Ranger boat in 1993 I think. Had heard good things about the boat & knew a few guys who ran em & liked them. The main reason I purchased a Ranger is because I crossed paths with Guido Hibdon one day at a gas station in Ozark, MO. He had been at the Ranger Dealer in Ozark, (Sport Boats USA) & was heading to a tournament. I walked over & said hello & told him I was thinking about buying a Ranger. One of the nicest guys you could meet. He spent 30 minutes talking to me & answered all of my boat questions. Even rec'd a model for me to look at. Then called the sales guy at the dealership & told him to take care of me. 2 days later I bought a Ranger. Last year I was looking at getting back into fishing & thinking about purchasing another Ranger. Went to 2 different dealers, who I wont name & was treated like I didn't exist. Walked around 1 dealership for 30 minutes & not one person asked me if I needed any help. I will not be buying a Ranger again. I think the current owners of Ranger forget that the majority of bass fisherman purchase products based on word of mouth from other fisherman & don't want to be treated like just a #.
I bought a Phoenix 921 PHX last year and love it. I've never owned a Ranger but many people that have been in my boat said it was better than any Ranger they ever rode in
Love hearing you tell this story - I parked in Forrest's parking spot one day to pick up my boat and i was told that i was in Mr. Wood's parking spot. He came out and said it was ok, shook my hand and smiled as if I were a friend. i asked him if i could wear his hat so that everyone that I was him.....LoL. Sad to see that change and sad that he is gone.
I left Ranger for Phoenix due to rangers customer service. Call Phoenix, they pick up the phone and talk to ya. Good feeling to speak about your boat with someone who knows what they are talking about.
Don't even get me started. Ranger's service department has TANKED. They still blame it on "covid". Give me a break. Most everyone is back to work. The just recently discontinued parts for boats 2013 and older. Such a shame.
Very well put! This is what happens to all industries, not just fishing. The world keeps changing as traditions get pushed out with each new generation.
I still have my Ranger 1984 16' personally signed by Forrest himself under the windshield...I found this boat at a used car lot . I bought it and brought it home and restored it...great little boat..
Growing up in my childhood years back in the 1980’s to mid 90’s my dad had a BP aluminum boat that leaked so bad we had to run the bilge pump all day. Then he bought a Nitro 160TF Rick Clunn edition and it was not a bad boat, the Johnson engine on the back sucked big time tho, left us stranded on the lake many times.
I got to meet Forrest Wood while helping with a guided fishing trip for the Arkansas wildlife commission...we had it at Forest's cabin on the white river . I met Nina and her granddaughter inside the cabin, she was peeling the outer skin off of tomatoes for the shore lunch we were preparing ...such happy down to earth people...Forrest drove a 90's model Chevy truck ...wore his cowboy boots and hat ..so nice!
In 98 I bought a Triton tr21 over the ranger because the ranger was still made with fiberglass over wood and the Triton was composite. I've never regretted my decision. If I had to buy one today I would look at bass cat among a few others
Randy, As you know, you are 100% correct, Ranger did use to dominate the tournament scene for a long time. For the most part, you answered the question in the first couple of minutes, Bass Pro/ White River Marine bought Ranger, Triton and Stratos a few years ago. They also own the Champion, Legend and Pro Craft names, plus a few more I believe. I'm shocked that they didn't shutter Triton like they did Stratos, but the jury is still out on that. As far as FLW, of course Ranger was the brand to own if someone fished in any of their tournament's. If a person owned a Ranger, they could register earlier than anyone else.
Grew up wanting nothing but a ranger at some point. Found myself in two stratos boats which I loved. Currently in a 04 295. Came really close to stepping into a new boat the last couple of years. Ranger was not on the shopping list.
I retired from the Marine Corps, worked and saved all my life for my 1st ranger. Dream boat and loved to watch the pros do work in those boats bragging on the quality and Mr. Woods quality 1st. One at a time! Love the boat but when I called to ask for assistance with issues I didn’t get the help I was expecting! Corporate mobo jobo! If I knew now what I knew when I brought the boat I would have bought a different boat. Sorry to say I did not like that I didn’t receive 1st class service after the sale as I was expecting. My next boat will not be a Ranger.
When I bought my Ranger I didn’t care what “pros” were being sponsored and using the boats for free. I have had my boat for over 10 years and it still looks brand new and runs fine. I don’t know if their quality has deteriorated since then but I have had no issues. Furthermore, I don’t see any real differences or significant technical advancements from any of the manufacturers over the last 10-15 years. A bass boat is not really that complicated. Sorry for the pros losing out on their free rides but if I was running the company I would have scaled back sponsorships but not completely eliminated them. Finally, I regularly participate in many local amateur fishing events and I still see more Rangers out there (new and old) than any other manufacturer. They are still selling a lot of boats!
My understanding is Mr. Wood, Randy Hopper and a considerable portion of the crew started Vexus Performance Marine. That is the reason I purchased an AVX 1880 from them.
Unfortunately it seems that almost nothing stays the same forever. I’ve owned 3 Rangers and they were great boats, and when I custom ordered my 1995 487VS, Forrest was at my dealership that day doing some PR work, as was his son-in-law Randy Hopper. I had the great opportunity to talk with him for quite awhile, and when he asked where I fished and I told him Toledo Bend, a serene look came over his face. And he told me that he had some wonderful memories of he and Nina fishing San Patricio Creek on Toledo Bend. And then when I told him that my camp was at the mouth of San Patricio Creek, I’ll never forget the look on his face. He was just a genuinely nice guy and I’m thankful I had the chance to meet him, talk to him, and share some of his memories.
I’ve been a part of FLW family since the early 90’s and met Forrest Wood a few times, when my brother bought his first Ranger 520 I had Forrest sign an 8x10 and write a personal note, now I look at the line of Rangers from aluminum to the top of the line and the fit and finish is NOT the same. Forrest was such an incredible leader and had a heart of gold. When anything becomes “corporate lead” you can bet quality drops . I hope VEXUS Is as successful , but those early days unfortunately are becoming memories, it’s gonna be a long time before we see another Forrest Wood, or Irwin Jacobs, or Ray Scott. Folks want Bass Fishing to become a genuine sport, and it’s exploded in the past 4-5 years, and we have to be careful what we wish for, especially when big money becomes the driving force. I have fished over 60 years and one thing that never changes, and that is Change. I just hope we take great care of our fisheries and teach the ethics of integrity at every level and opportunity. Thanks Randy
I run a 1988 Ranger 363v with a Suzuki super 6 150hp. My Dad bought this boat in 1989.. It is still an unbelievable boat! 33 years old and it still gets compliments at the dock!
When a family owned company sells, that company loses its personality. When the founder leaves or hands over control of his company, it loses its original meaning. Watch what happens to Bass Pro/Canbelas when Johnny retires. Same thing that happened to Ranger.
I agree! I really like a caymas but hesitant to buy one because it's for certain Earl will sell out sooner or later then where would a guy be on customer service? He already stated that boat was his retirement plan
Thanks for this video. It brought back a great memory when in the 80s my Dad and I went to Flipping and Dad bought a Ranger Boat. Forrest Wood came out of his office to meet us and gave us each a Ranger Boats hat. Good memory😊
Every time I got near a stump my Ranger would leak. The Skeeter ZX 190 with a Yamaha 150 HPDI never failed me. 20 years of outstanding performance. Only had to clean the O2 sensor and replace the mechanical fuel pumps. All else was either damage caused by my operating error or scheduled maintenance.
I agree 100% with you about the problem of companies hiring marketing and advertising people who don't fish. It's sad for Ranger and Triton but in the long run it may be good for the industry because IMO it has strengthened the market for the non tracker brands like skeeter, basscat and Phenix. We will see what the future holds
I just bought a ranger and I absolutely love it. I’d love to be sponsored and get a free boat, but unfortunately I’m not that good lol. so as long as I’m spending my money I’ll be in a ranger..... I’m curious if the pros had to supply their own boat, what would they have to fish out of???
After a 29 yr hiatus I decided to get back into bass fishing for my upcoming retirement. Started out looking at a late model used Ranger but ended up ordering a 2021 Nitro Z18 Pro with everything- power poles, hydraulic jack plate, Helix 7 SI, Helix 9 SI+, Helix 10 DI +, etc for $25,000 less. If it’s good enough for KVD it will work for me ...
"I’m curious if the pros had to supply their own boat, what would they have to fish out of", ...........and if they were buying their own boat that needed to last them 8 years, what would they buy?
I new something was up when Scott Martin switched to skeeter. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure he was with ranger his whole career and then just switched. Says a lot when all these long time ranger guys dip out to a different brand.
Times are changing and loyalty to a company (both from the pro and the company's perspective) is now based upon $$. I have the impression that the new Ranger boats are like a lot of other products (Cadillac vs GMC for example)...same vehicle with a few shiny additions, a different model emblem and a higher price. I love basscat but your move to skeeter has made me look at them.
Love the video, Mr. Randy, and I was waiting for someone to really go into this subject. Luke Dunkin went into it on one of his podcasts a few months ago, but I don't recall him going into the marketing part of it as much. I knew something was way out of whack when Scott Martin made the switch. His family has dealt Ranger Boats for years, so it was kind of a shocker to see him make a move. I think the writing was on the wall when Johnny Morris bought White River. Johnny has always been second fiddle to Ranger Boats, and I think that his goal was to get rid of the Ranger brand in order for Nitro to gain a large part of that void in the bass boat market. Thanks for the video!
Jimmy Houston still uses Ranger. Good video. As far as marketing goes, the same problems occurred which led to multiple failures at Remington arms and other outdoor-minded companies.
Great Randy. I agree with you. I bought a 2021 Ranger RT178. We love but sure had some factory flaus. They are fixed now but what a headache. Seems they don't care about us little people. It took 6 months to get 1 part under warranty. Then it took on water and got that problem solved. The factory did conduct a water test. My boat dealer did and found the problem and fixed it. I just seems they don't care.
You are spot on with this Randy. Its not just Ranger. Triton has been going through the same thing. Legend is gone and Nitro is everywhere. It seems from a marketing standpoint that the internet is perceived to be a more valuable tool that the Bass Pro.
I watched as the take offs of tournaments took place and nearly every time skeeter and Yamaha was out in front along with great handling and a great ride. I've had 2 skeeters myself and my current ZX20 with the SHO has been a great boat.
Wow. So much hate. I always wanted a Ranger and now I have one. Absolutely great boat. Randy or other pros haven"t given the real details of why they aren"t with Ranger any longer. Did they get fired or just not as much of a good deal now? Don't know Johnny Morris. Never met him, but I believe he has contributed large amounts of money and energy toward conservation and promotion of bass fishing. I suspect Ranger would be out of business without Johnny Morris.
Hate....Really....there is good and bad in all brands,depending at what plant, which CEO’S,plant manager’s,and boat builders!! People don’t have the dedication and skills they used to because they don’t want to work anymore!! Employee turnover is at it’s highest in years and you Cannot build a great boat anymore if you don’t have dedicated employees and the company willing to pay for their skills!! Hate....Really..... Mr. Morris has forgotten where he came from!! Hope he does well. ALL MY BUSINESS GOES TO LOCAL TACKEL SHOPS ANYWAY!! Might visit Bps if I need some candy. Don’t even go for their spring sale any longer.
Hi Randy, Happy Monday. I can't afford any new boat so it doesn't really matter to me who drives what brand of boat. I am happy to have a 25 year old boat that I got at a deep discount last year and I will most likely get a new motor for it instead of buy a new boat due to pricing so I can afford Panoptix (hahahah, just kidding there). Ironically, my boat is an old Ranger R70 so I got somebody's hand me down and I am happy with it. I enjoy fishing and I enjoy your channel as well as some others. I don't enjoy the youtubers that are trying to sell me new equipment every day or push hand made turkey calls at me for $200 each. I do have one of your t-shirts and I have bought some tackle from the FTM Tackle Warehouse link as well as a couple of Fish Tools boxes from Jewel Baits. I will continue to support your channel because your tips are awesome and I appreciate your take on fishing along with your easy going attitude. Keep up the good work and keep those kiddos healthy and happy because that is the important thing to do. I will watch all of your videos but I do have to hit the skip button because there are a LOT of commercials and I can't get all of my videos in if I watch the commercials. I am just a few years behind you and I used to think about how fun it would be to compete in tournaments but now I pretty well just want to get out of the house and onto the water. If I catch a lot of fish then I got a bonus. Thanks again Randy for all you do. Everybody should get a t-shirt to support you. They are not expensive, about the price of one Megabass jerkbait. I may get another one, in black this time. I already have the white one and it is super comfy.
You hit the nail on the head. These new marketing so-called experts have no clue what it takes to attract fisherman to a product. I've seen this for many years. I think they think the answer is to aquire competing companies in order to move ahead.
@@jtotherog I will have a review up on my TH-cam channel within the next few weeks. It is an incredible boat. 100% would buy again today. It’s built like a high end automobile. Nothing on it is brittle. Very stable. Well laid out. Hottest looking boat on the lake as well if that matters to you. Other than a couple little things (like a remote drain plug for example) it is great.
I doubt Ranger's decline is due to Johnny Morris buying the company, but much more to do with the fact Forrest Wood passed away. I believe many more of the "Ranger Pros" were much more loyal toward Wood, than toward Ranger as a boat. When Wood died that 'personal' connection was gone. Hence, the willingness to switch boats now. The loyalty was to Wood, not Ranger Boats.
When Forrest died he was selling Vexus boats. I believe Ranger sold to JM around 2014-15 so I don’t think your assessment is correct. Matt Lee put on Facebook that Ranger took the deals away from the Pro’s is why so many of them left them. They basically had to pay what you and I would have to pay for one and they can get a better deal somewhere else. I sold my Ranger and ordered a Vexus, not because I’m loyal to the wWood family but because the Wood family knows how to build boats and more importantly serve the customer AFTER the purchase
@@mikew5859 - that's possible too but wonder when Ranger stopped the 'deals' or the pros? I have no doubt the Nitros are and will be pushed from here on out over Rangers and no doubt Ranger will fade away in the future simply because that's business. Good luck with your Nexus.
@@tablerockkid8237 from what Matt posted, it sounds like it was this season the deals stopped, there was a ton of pro’s that left Ranger this year. For me, the reason I sold my Ranger was the whole customer service decline, it’s well known that things have changed there and I wanted to sell it while it still had some value. Thanks for the good luck, it’s been an adventure so far trying to get the Vexus built with all the setbacks with shortages of materials in the industry but I’m sure it’ll be worth it
Some of it is the fishermen. Like you said Randy, you see them changing boats and nothing is mentioned. There is no loyalty but to the almighty dollar on by both the boat companies and the fisherman. "Who can offer me the best deal? I'll take it." Next year it may be someone else. And as for Ranger, I can see Cabelas/Bass Pro not thinking they need to sponsor pro fishermen. Just load the lots up with Ranger and let the store sell the boats.
Randy, Good content and good explanation as to the Ranger Brand taking a hit once BP bought. I am a Ranger owner 1993 481V It is my second Ranger. I do not think I have another Ranger in my future. I am big on customer service and my last effort to secure information or parts for Ranger was very disappointing. I remember when you came on the Bass Pro tour and noticed you were in a Ranger that influenced me to buy Ranger. I feel the Ranger Brand will fade due to poor quality, not understanding Ranger customer. What we see happen with a successful family owned business build a brand then sold is the kiss of death. Tight lines to all...
Thank you Randy for filling us in on what happened. I'm just a fisherman, 68 yr old that pretty much fish for what bites my hook. I agree that BPS makes money but at what expense to quality. I loved Cabelas hunting and Bass fishing stuff but Cabelas clothing has went down to nothing but just Bass stuff in both stores. I'm glad their deal with Sportsman's Warehouse didn't go through. Anyway I think we need more competition to keep the quality up.
It seems to me Ranger got bought by Bass Pro to own the main competition. They're not interested in allowing Ranger to take precedent over Nitro. Don't know if they counted on so many guys going to Skeeter, Basscat, Phoenix or whichever
I dont think it was a buy out the competition move because if it was they would of bought out skeeter also. I believe in the last 5 years skeeter has been the quickest growing brand
@@connorerhardt1767 you might be right but Skeeter might have not wanted to sell. I'm saying if they had bought Skeeter, Skeeter then would be taking a back seat to Nitro under Bass Pro's control.
@@connorerhardt1767 Skeeter has Yamaha money and is really there main customer of their engines in the bass boat industry and has been since 1996-97. I dont see them selling anytime soon.....personally i believe phoenix is the fastest growing brand, but they are ties really close to the Bass Pro Tour so who knows whats going on with them
I have a good friend who is the Midwest regional sales rep for Legend.i road in and fished out of the second boat they ever made. I feel like they.took the place of ranger. They make one boat at a time and build an amazing product that easily competes with ranger. That being said, I have his old Skeeter and love it
I agree with your analogy on hiring...as a mechanic myself I go to a parts store and get frustrated with a parts person who still hasn't figured what a conudder valve is or isn't....best parts man is an old mechanic...period...same in selling boats...thanks for your videos
I work for a state fish and wildlife division. You'd be shocked at how many biologists don't fish or hunt. They are basically clueless. Just like the bean counters at many of the sporting goods manufacturers. These people have no passion or buy in to the sport. It's sad but a sign of the times.
Hi randy I was paired with you at the lake texoma BASS tournament March of 1998. We took your ranger I think you were running a 461 or 462 I had a 481vs. Any this decline and dominance of boat users is very sad and alarming to me as well. All the big name pros ran predominately ranger boats. To be sure there are a number of other boat companies but RANGER was the one we all wanted to be associated with. I’ve worked five bassmaster classics for sponsors and all those big bad rangers were almost a dream. What you were saying about this situation is right on the money.
Yes when I saw Jason Christie come out in an aluminum boat at the beginning of the season and not a Ranger I was shocked. I know Jason Christie and others that have been in Rangers Forever and for Ranger to basically let those pros go from their brand to another kind of shows their commitment or lack of to those anglers which definitely shows you something has changed at Ranger.
I agree with many of your other commenters. BPS simply bought their biggest competitor to put Nitro at the top. Problem is, the Nitro has never been and most likely will never be built with the quality and care that the Forrest Wood era Rangers were. I am now retired so I can only afford my Tracker PT175 and it’s perfect for what I do but I took it in for some electrical to the “go-to” guy for marine electrical in my region of the country and he let me know that BPS uses the cheapest components they can for the bottom line on the Trackers but also on the Nitros. Much of their parts are from you know where..........China. Forrest Wood wouldn’t ever have compromised quality. Skeeter was a great move Randy. I had one in the early 2000’s and I REALLY miss it!
I just bought a 99' 518vx Comanche w/ a 200 Evinrude Ficht in April. It has lived up to every bit of what I dreamt it to be when I was 12 years old. Rides like a Cadillac.
I miss seeing years ago under my 1989 Ranger 365 White Sticker, Those letters "Forest L. Wood." Flipping Arkansas. When a Company gets away from its Roots or only cares about the Mighty Dollar, you can forget it. It's Sad, But at the Same time Great for All the other Companies that have been excelling through the years.
Obviously if they felt like they were getting a significant return on their investment with certain pros, they would have continued an acceptable level of support for both parties. Why did Jordan Lee, Wesley Strader, Bryan Thrift, Brent Erlher...etc...stay with Ranger?
White River Marine & Ranger doesn't honor their warranties. Customer service is non existent and the better business bureau has a lot of consumer complaints. I'm going to buy a skeeter zx 200 when the local dealership gets some new inventory. Thanks for the videos Randy.
I never really thought about it,as I still see some Ranger Boats out there; and understand that it's not the same company once they sold it. Growing up every TV show and most pro's were running RANGER boats. It was the standard. I'm just a weekend fisherman and run an aluminum jet boat in a shallow river and let's face it these glass boats are expensive and get really expensive once they are fully rigged. What amazes me is the amount of Aluminum boats entering the playing field. I'm curious on what you think of the Aluminum boats, lighter? noisier? just cost less. I like the deep V Bass version that Jeff Gustufson runs especially for big water. I still see some Ranger guys out there like Keith Combs, Jordan Lee, Clark Wendlandt, Corey and Chris Johnston, Todd Auten, Matt Arey, Bryan New, Mark Daniels Jr, Brent Ehrler, Skeet Reese, David Fritts, and I know there's more.
My dad worked for Ranger for many years delivering boats to dealers all over the country. When Morris bought the company all the employees were told not to worry, nothing was going to change and they would all still have their jobs. Within months they had shut down the transportation department and left a lot of drivers without jobs. If I am correct, I believe they have also since shut down the aluminum boat plant in Flippin. It was all lies. Morris/BPS truly cares about profits over all else, including their own employees and customers. During the time my dad worked there under the new ownership he heard many complaints from dealers he delivered to about quality control issues and poor customer service/dealer support. There is a reason all the top execs from Ranger left to start up Vexus Boats. They are a great group of people who spent decades building Ranger boats, and are now continuing that with Vexus.
This is not an unique phenomenon. It happens in all industry. When management is not interested in listening to the people who actually make the company work, there will be a decline. I've seen it in many of the fields I've worked.
Really sad. My dream for years was to buy a brand new Ranger, because for me it represented the ultimate made in America with pride product- They were beautiful awesome boats. Like you said, down home from Flippin Arkansas- Now that great reputation is just totally destroyed. What took 50 years to build up was ruined almost overnight. And for what? Why let that brand name implode? I do not get it. Anyway- it was kind of a moot point for me anyway, because they got so expensive anyway, the possibility of buying a new Ranger went completely off my radar. I always say it- Kayaks are where its at. For years I wanted to buy the best bass boat money could buy- A Ranger. As a dad and a school teacher, there was just no way to afford it...So this year, I bought what I think is the best Kayak money can buy, a Nucanoe Pursuit... And it cost me $1200! I could buy 70 of those kayaks for the price of one Ranger! Haha!
Randy, You are correct about Marketing... I suspect Ranger had a lot more anglers on their production floor than they did in the marketing department...
Legend Boats - gone. Stratos Boats- gone. Triton Boats - probably on the way out. Ranger Boats - probably on the way out. Good to see companies like Falcon, Ballistic, and Xpress coming on. I think seeing more boat brands represented in an event is good. Nice to see Gambler making a comeback too. I am a Phoenix owner and couldn't be happier.
Planning to buy a boat, and have done plenty of research... when I do make the jump to get one it will 99% be a Phoenix. They seem to be the top boat manufacturer out there right now.
He has really opened the door for Phoenix boats and they have kicked it down when it comes to boat sales. I am a little concerned about their involvement in MLF and the old FLW as they may be looking to sell at some point and you know who will shut them down. When Gary Clouse was leading in the Bassmasters Elite they weren't allowed to say what boat company he owned while following him around for whatever reason so he has some type of deal with Morris or that wouldn't have been an issue.
I think that when Forest and Nina owned Ranger they cared about the buyer and the buyers cared about them. Now a Ranger buyer is just another customer to get money from.
This is such a great vid. It’s bang on. Same thing is happening to us at Alumacraft now that they’ve been bought out. The people that understand fishing that were there from the beginning were forced out by people that have clue and have no concept of how important “street cred” is in the fishing business.
Hey Randy, it’s easy to see the corporate mentality Versus a personal connection we have experienced in the past. Bass Pro already has its premier lines and the lines they acquired are pushed aside. Nobody there cares what happens to the industry or it’s reputation.
Ranger had a commercial which ran sometime in the 80's. I thought it was the greatest Ad ever. They cut away a Huge section of the side of the boat and two guys were still fishing like nothing was amiss.
i dont get paid to fish, wish i was good enough but i always wanted a ranger growing up. last year i bought a 2020 z521 cup equip which is a large investment and sold it after only putting 19 hrs on it. i expected more when you spend 80k plus. this spring i purchased a 2021 phoniex phx 21 and i love it. and as someone stated below there customer service is awesome. had a tire blow out on the way home from the big bass bash, lost my j bolt for my spare on the side of the highway and they sent me one for free 3 days later.
Randy , met you at sport boats in nixa in 1985 , I was buying at ranger from Dick Collier , looked at a paper graph image Dick had of spooning fish on table rock. You had a Datsun ot Toyota truck , was thinking hope it would stop that big ranger behind it going down a boat ramp. I had two rangers , they held up well. Like your videos your putting out.
I had a 1988 Ranger 361 I bought in 1991 for 12 grand . The boat what like brand new and I fished out of it for 4 years . Great boat , great memories . I sold boat for 500 bucks less than I payed for it . Hard to see what boats sell for now . Nothing rides like a Ranger . Back in 80's North Carolina had one of the biggest Ranger dealers in country , Greene's Boat and Motor in Spindale , NC .
It’s very rare for a company that was founded by an individual to remain as it was once it’s sold. These iconic companies are direct reflections of their original creator and it’s hard to that to remain once their influence is gone
Independent Ranger dealers are going away too. They are adding Caymas and Vexus because the few independents know their days are numbered as Ranger shifts to the Nitro sales model.
I bought a new Phoenix this year, I looked at Rangers and wasn’t very impressed. With so many pros leaving Ranger it made me take a harder look at them. I also read a lot of reviews that the quality of the boat was down from previous years. I love my Phoenix.
Quality Ever since Johnny Morris bought ranger went down so much, I truly believe that before Johnny Morris bought ranger, Ranger was the BEST rough water bass boat, and that’s why the reputation was so large and the name of Ranger was so popular, I’ll never sell my 2012 Z520, that boat will be worth some $ years from now and any Ranger Made by Johnny Morris will, the new best bass boats Would be Bass Cat, Pheonix, and Vexus.
So... You pose the question, but explain that you switched. Why did YOU switch. If one reads between the lines it seems that Skeeter offered you more than Ranger would. Understandable, but be honest about it.
In my Opinion Ranger and a couple of other boat companies had way to many Pro Staff. It flooded the market with 1`to 2 yr old top line boats with over 400hrs on them still asking top dollar. I really dont think pros have moved the sales needle on new boats in a very long time.??
I have a 2007 Ranger . the worst problem I have is getting parts when I need them. I agree everything with Ranger has changed. there are so many on the lake here, that have left Ranger. I guess a good thing can only last so long. I think you purchased gas from us years ago, at Hiawatha Beach Resort in Little Buffalo Cove, 67MM.
Agree. Called Ranger Parts yesterday to buy a small part that broke. A phone rep took my info and said someone from the parts department would call me back in three days. I used to be able to talk to someone immediately with a small wait on hold. I went to the after market and bought what I needed instead of having to wait.
Even though I run a falcon it’s still hard to watch the iconic boat brand just be wiped off the map. Before Falcon EVERY BOAT I owned was a Ranger. My dad had them as well. I was literally born on the deck of that brand so I always felt connected . I never thought I see the day they were gone however, I do think it’s a good thing. It’s great that now there’s room for other brands. Before this dealers couldn’t sell any other boat setting beside a ranger. It’s just a big shift! Now if we can get these tournament organizations to get right we’ll be GOOD!
No doubt man!
Brian Latimer I have been doing alot of research on Falcon boats due to your videos and I have personally looked over 2 and fished out of one of them. When the day comes I can buy new. It will be a Falcon more than likely because of your videos. Just wanted to point that out to the people who said pros don't help sell boats any more. I wouldn't have known about Falcon boats if it wasn't for you.
B-LAT with the cameo. Very nice 👍🏼
Agree B. Lat! It is great other brands are making an impact. Competition w/in the industry only results in more innovation and greatly benefits the consumer.
My buddy just got a Falcon. I’m always impressed how that boat rides. Smooth
Still running a 1996 ranger 461vs with a 150 EFI. Still in good shape and runs great. New boats are extremely expensive for the weekend fisherman!
Heck .... weekend fishing is getting extremely expensive for the weekend fishermen
A few folks commenting here said it all. Johnny Morris is more concerned with profit than quality. BPS prices are much higher than vendors like Tackle Warehouse. BPS has also ruined Cabelas.
Cabela's website and BPS website are virtually the same. If Johnny Morris isn't a billionaire by now, he's gotta be close. Started in a corner of his dad's liquor store. The Cabela brothers started packaging lures on the kitchen table.
@@herbsteiner1013 Very true! I tip my hat to people who can make something out of nothing. But when you cross over from making and/or selling quality products for the sake of profit, you lose my respect and business.
@@herbsteiner1013 JM estimate net worth 4-5 billion per google search.
Since the cost for new bass boats are getting out of reach for the average consumer, I think most will base their decision on price and type of motor, rather than boat brand.
I think you are going to start seeing people buying a bit older boats and fixing them up.
@@tomrindfuss3371 Thats what i'm "fixin to do"
A lot of bass boats drop price after a while it’s hard to buy new boats, like my 97 champ was just over 6 grand and it’s in decent condition and has a good engine on it
@@zacpearson1878 Besides it's a good retirement project to work on..
@@tomrindfuss3371 Doing just that right now! 1995 Vip Stealth/ski/bass boat got it for 1600$ we honestly lucked out cause it was in great condition once we removed the 15 years or concrete dust and dirt dobber nest's haha!
People are to scared to say the truth in the fishing industry. Props for being honest and up front!
Randy, I had a similar experience with Forrest and Nina. The best people in the industry to be sure. I went up there to pickup a prize boat from a tournament win on Rayburn in the old Texas Tournament Trail. I was deployed to Iraq after winning and couldn’t pick it up until the following year. I took Forrest an American Flag I flew in my Apache along with some unit memorabilia and it brought him to tears. He was calling family members and much of the staff into the museum outside his office to meet me. He hung it right next to the door alongside images of former Presidents he fished alongside. He and the whole staff were amazing people. I also talked bowling with Nina at dinner with some of her bowling team partners. The Hopper brothers took me to work on classic cars with them that night after work. I saw a lot of the influences you see in Vexus boats today. The entire team at Ranger was incredible and that is something you cannot value in the marketing department. I miss all of them and the example they set for decades. I still have only been a Ranger owner and hope that new ownership looks back to where they came from and the importance of personal relationships.
When you think about it, the same thing happened to Cabela's. I used to love Cabela's and it seems like the gutted the brand to the point that the quality & the type of merchandise is just not up to par. Great channel glad I subscribed.
Bass Pro Shops has created a monopoly in the outdoors industry like WalMart and Amazon. It’s all about what’s most profitable to Johnny Morris. We in the industry need to change who we are buying from. Start with local shops and other online businesses. The problem is and will be Bass Pro offers cheaper prices with expedited shipping. We need to as Americans and patriots help support the little man.
Bass Pro copies everyone's lures down to the colors. Can't walk in Cabelas and see other lure companies other than bass pro.
@@bkbaitsal4389 That is also true throughout the Cabela's stores. JM branded rod/reels, clothing Red Head. Amazed at how poor a selection they have now tackle-wise. There are many options other than BPS and Cabelas that offer superior service and selection.
@@johnnyharper5180 so so True..
I think I supported bass pro to where it is today but not no more Don't buy nothing there! It's changed !
@@marlondeere3039R it sure has changed and not for the better!
I have owned lots of boats over the years. Ranger was always the top of the line boat and everyone new it. When Forest and Nina owned it you could call and buy a part for a boat built in 1974. Good luck now my understanding is nothing older than 2006. Jonny Morris has done some good things for the people of southwest Missouri. I am not sure ownership of Ranger Boats is one of them.
Or Cabelas.
I have bought parts from ranger direct for years up to this year. I called and was told 7 to 10 days just to get a call back to find availability. Thanks Johnny. You have ruined what Forest built, hope your proud of yourself.
The real Ranger boat company no longer exists. It was bought out by Bass Pro shop that wanted to gut the company for what was needed for Nitro boats and what is left is wal-mart boats!
My sister works there, it's totally different she said, I definitely think this is the problem.
Just like they did when they bought Cabela’s, which is now a mismanaged shit-show that lost all their appeal.
Vexus is the old ranger now it appears
BassPro is trying to take over the fishing industry for whatever reasons.
@@GW-yz8fo I used to love shopping at Cabelas. They had great hunting gear, clothing, boots, etc. Now since they were bought out, the Cabelas products no longer exist as i have found. I do not shop there anymore and will not spend money there or at Bass Pro. I like Sportsmans Warehouse but ive heard it was bought out also so that place will go downhill also. Its too bad.
You hit the nail on the head. They hired marketing people that know nothing about the sport. When I saw Scott Martin switch to skeeter I knew it was over for ranger boats
Pull it into the light Randy. Good content. Let the customers decide what they think about how Ranger and Morris has done. them.
I feel fortunate to have purchased a one owner 2006 519 a few years ago. It's my third Ranger and I've never owned another brand. To me it's a solid old school Ranger quality bass boat. The ETEC 200 is strong and will run 65 fully loaded. It's a stable tournament fishing platform. The best thing about it is it fishes just as well (maybe better) than the new boats coming off the line today that I would have paid four times as much for. I don't care what brand it is, it's sad that the lesser quality products the manufacturers are delivering today will put the working man $100K in debt for a 20' boat. At the end of the day it's still just a F'n boat.
I had the same boat and I’m not knocking it BUT, try a champion 198, 203 or 206 and you’ll be SHOCKED at how soft it is on chop vs the 2006 519. It’s amazing and fishes as good
I have bought about 20 bass boats in the last 35 years. Not one was bought because someone famous ran one.
Ditto!👏
That’s not true. 1000% somewhere along the way weather you know it or not, you seen so many of them in tournaments or on tv it did have an impact.
Yes, you did. Indirectly the pros made you buy the boat. They are the ones that created the brand and they are the ones that sold the boats. Thats how reputation is developed. Whether is was last year or 30 years. If Rick Clunn told you that Ranger boats are junk, you would have listed.
You are only working from the "conscious" perspective. Much of advertising is below your level of consciousness. Just like hearing a song you don't realize you heard before- you heard it, but it just didn't consciously register- but it still 'clicks" inside your mind..
@@drunge1 "you would have "listed"?
Just like Ol’ Luke Dunkin had said, “Profit’s over People”, really really sad to see.
Amen!!!
Appears Ranger is on the same path as Remington Arms. Morris stated many years ago, "Nitro will be the biggest brand in the industry". BPS will do whatever it takes to eliminate the competition.
After 2 Ranger boats I made the move to Skeeter 4 years ago and I love it.
I was a Ranger guy until BPS bought them. Word on the street was that many of the factory craftsmen went across the street to Vexxus (and the former Ranger leadership). Ranger quality suffered for a while, and dinged their reputation. Newer brands like Phoenix and Bass Cat took advantage. Thats my opinion on the recent decline.
Ranger start up in 1968
Bass Cat start up in 1971.
Skeeter in 1948 ..
Ranger has been sold a few times, skeeter was bought by Yamaha in 1996 .. Bass Cat Is still owned by the Pierce family ..
@@windellpenton Not owned by the Pierce family but managed by them now
Was looking online at the Vexxus, TH-cam especially. From what I gathered they’re sub par boats. Unfortunate because I like the overall design, especially the front end, it’s much like a glass boat. Very wide.. not so narrowed like others in the aluminum boats.
Like I have said many times Johnny Morris is the best worst thing to ever happen to the fishing industry.
Sure seems to have a knack for buying up companies and turning everything to crap really fast.
I can agree with the second half of that
Morris has raised the fishing and hunting cost thru the roof it’s all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Morris is the Bezos and Walton of fishing and no one talks about that.
Totally bought and did away with Legend Boats which were very good boats. Probably one of the best overall boats made.
Always the topics that no one else will talk about thanks!
It seems that Johnny likes to buy up brands and slowly bleed them out to increase the hedgemony of his own lines. Kind of a cross between a corporate raider and a robber baron.
Yes, Johnny Morris, robber baron. Good lord lol
I thought that too but Nitro seems to be doing alright. Definitely not Skeeter, Phoenix, Bass Cat etc. but Nitros are definitely are a better boat then they were 15 years ago. Did Bass Pro actually help that brand?
Exactly what I am saying can't build a better line so but out the better lines and kill the competition. He had a real chance at bringing back the best boats ever made and what did he do destroyed the molds and prints and sold of the manufacturing rights. He cares nothing about quality or the consumer he is 100 percent motivated by sells and maximum profit.
Nitros are further behind on today's standards of quality than they were 15 yrs ago. The good companies have taken quality so hi and nitro is just now meeting industry standards from 15 yrs ago. Also have you really looked at the fit and finish work of a nitro. My teenagers could do the same quality in my garage.
@@dennisriggs5427 I haven't spent much time looking at them up close tbh. I see a ton of them on the water, but that probably has more to do with the lower price point.
YOU SAID IT...it’s all about numbers, nowadays....seems not to matter what type of industry you are in🤷♂️
Randy, I believe everything you said is spot on. My assumption is the Ranger name has so much clout that they decided that having any endorsements weren't monetarily beneficial to the brand. Which, is probably correct for now but is not self sustaining. Too many good boat makers now to rely on name alone.
I bought my 1st Ranger boat in 1993 I think. Had heard good things about the boat & knew a few guys who ran em & liked them. The main reason I purchased a Ranger is because I crossed paths with Guido Hibdon one day at a gas station in Ozark, MO. He had been at the Ranger Dealer in Ozark, (Sport Boats USA) & was heading to a tournament. I walked over & said hello & told him I was thinking about buying a Ranger. One of the nicest guys you could meet. He spent 30 minutes talking to me & answered all of my boat questions. Even rec'd a model for me to look at. Then called the sales guy at the dealership & told him to take care of me. 2 days later I bought a Ranger. Last year I was looking at getting back into fishing & thinking about purchasing another Ranger. Went to 2 different dealers, who I wont name & was treated like I didn't exist. Walked around 1 dealership for 30 minutes & not one person asked me if I needed any help. I will not be buying a Ranger again. I think the current owners of Ranger forget that the majority of bass fisherman purchase products based on word of mouth from other fisherman & don't want to be treated like just a #.
I bought a Phoenix 921 PHX last year and love it. I've never owned a Ranger but many people that have been in my boat said it was better than any Ranger they ever rode in
@@gmwoolems they are stinking fast. I knew a guy with a Phoenix and a 300hp on the back. That thing would boot scoot across the lake.
Love hearing you tell this story - I parked in Forrest's parking spot one day to pick up my boat and i was told that i was in Mr. Wood's parking spot. He came out and said it was ok, shook my hand and smiled as if I were a friend. i asked him if i could wear his hat so that everyone that I was him.....LoL. Sad to see that change and sad that he is gone.
I left Ranger for Phoenix due to rangers customer service. Call Phoenix, they pick up the phone and talk to ya. Good feeling to speak about your boat with someone who knows what they are talking about.
Don't even get me started. Ranger's service department has TANKED. They still blame it on "covid". Give me a break. Most everyone is back to work. The just recently discontinued parts for boats 2013 and older. Such a shame.
@@bbrewer5 I have just sold my 2020 ranger 619fs, will not buy another Ranger period. Due to all that has been discussed here.
Very well put! This is what happens to all industries, not just fishing. The world keeps changing as traditions get pushed out with each new generation.
Johnny Morris is the 'Brad Wesley' from Roadhouse of the fishing industry.
lol. Did he own a monster truck?
Morris destroying Legend Boats was a tragedy.
That is probably the best comparison I've ever heard. What a name drop!
Bass pro is a cancer
I still have my Ranger 1984 16' personally signed by Forrest himself under the windshield...I found this boat at a used car lot . I bought it and brought it home and restored it...great little boat..
Johnny killed it! Nitro is what's important him. It's gone into the crapper for sure.
Growing up in my childhood years back in the 1980’s to mid 90’s my dad had a BP aluminum boat that leaked so bad we had to run the bilge pump all day. Then he bought a Nitro 160TF Rick Clunn edition and it was not a bad boat, the Johnson engine on the back sucked big time tho, left us stranded on the lake many times.
I got to meet Forrest Wood while helping with a guided fishing trip for the Arkansas wildlife commission...we had it at Forest's cabin on the white river . I met Nina and her granddaughter inside the cabin, she was peeling the outer skin off of tomatoes for the shore lunch we were preparing ...such happy down to earth people...Forrest drove a 90's model Chevy truck ...wore his cowboy boots and hat ..so nice!
In 98 I bought a Triton tr21 over the ranger because the ranger was still made with fiberglass over wood and the Triton was composite. I've never regretted my decision. If I had to buy one today I would look at bass cat among a few others
I bought a Bass Cat 4 weeks ago..it’s a absolute machine !! Best boat on the market and reasonable for the money..
Most people don’t know but a champion was a genmar boat. Darn good boat.
Champion was a better built boat before gemnar
@@daveschell3175 How is charger and now bass cat using the hull bottom designs of the 198,210, and the 202 ?
Wrong
I’ve got one myself I love it
@@daveschell3175 BassCat has the old 203 hull. Check out their line of 203 hybrids its a basscat top cap with the old 203 hull.
Randy, As you know, you are 100% correct, Ranger did use to dominate the tournament scene for a long time. For the most part, you answered the question in the first couple of minutes, Bass Pro/ White River Marine bought Ranger, Triton and Stratos a few years ago. They also own the Champion, Legend and Pro Craft names, plus a few more I believe. I'm shocked that they didn't shutter Triton like they did Stratos, but the jury is still out on that.
As far as FLW, of course Ranger was the brand to own if someone fished in any of their tournament's. If a person owned a Ranger, they could register earlier than anyone else.
Grew up wanting nothing but a ranger at some point. Found myself in two stratos boats which I loved. Currently in a 04 295. Came really close to stepping into a new boat the last couple of years. Ranger was not on the shopping list.
I retired from the Marine Corps, worked and saved all my life for my 1st ranger. Dream boat and loved to watch the pros do work in those boats bragging on the quality and Mr. Woods quality 1st. One at a time! Love the boat but when I called to ask for assistance with issues I didn’t get the help I was expecting! Corporate mobo jobo! If I knew now what I knew when I brought the boat I would have bought a different boat. Sorry to say I did not like that I didn’t receive 1st class service after the sale as I was expecting. My next boat will not be a Ranger.
When I bought my Ranger I didn’t care what “pros” were being sponsored and using the boats for free. I have had my boat for over 10 years and it still looks brand new and runs fine. I don’t know if their quality has deteriorated since then but I have had no issues. Furthermore, I don’t see any real differences or significant technical advancements from any of the manufacturers over the last 10-15 years. A bass boat is not really that complicated. Sorry for the pros losing out on their free rides but if I was running the company I would have scaled back sponsorships but not completely eliminated them. Finally, I regularly participate in many local amateur fishing events and I still see more Rangers out there (new and old) than any other manufacturer. They are still selling a lot of boats!
My understanding is Mr. Wood, Randy Hopper and a considerable portion of the crew started Vexus Performance Marine. That is the reason I purchased an AVX 1880 from them.
Yep, I bought a AVX 1980 is its amazing.
Unfortunately it seems that almost nothing stays the same forever. I’ve owned 3 Rangers and they were great boats, and when I custom ordered my 1995 487VS, Forrest was at my dealership that day doing some PR work, as was his son-in-law Randy Hopper. I had the great opportunity to talk with him for quite awhile, and when he asked where I fished and I told him Toledo Bend, a serene look came over his face. And he told me that he had some wonderful memories of he and Nina fishing San Patricio Creek on Toledo Bend. And then when I told him that my camp was at the mouth of San Patricio Creek, I’ll never forget the look on his face. He was just a genuinely nice guy and I’m thankful I had the chance to meet him, talk to him, and share some of his memories.
I’ve been a part of FLW family since the early 90’s and met Forrest Wood a few times, when my brother bought his first Ranger 520 I had Forrest sign an 8x10 and write a personal note, now I look at the line of Rangers from aluminum to the top of the line and the fit and finish is NOT the same. Forrest was such an incredible leader and had a heart of gold. When anything becomes “corporate lead” you can bet quality drops .
I hope VEXUS Is as successful , but those early days unfortunately are becoming memories, it’s gonna be a long time before we see another Forrest Wood, or Irwin Jacobs, or Ray Scott. Folks want Bass Fishing to become a genuine sport, and it’s exploded in the past 4-5 years, and we have to be careful what we wish for, especially when big money becomes the driving force. I have fished over 60 years and one thing that never changes, and that is Change. I just hope we take great care of our fisheries and teach the ethics of integrity at every level and opportunity.
Thanks Randy
Not uncommon for large corporations to acquire competitors and eventually absorb them until they are no more ...
Same thing happened to Stratos... Back in the day in middle TN that's about all you use to see.
I know one thing I really miss my Cabelas store! I am sure I will feel the same about Ranger
Are there Cabala still have stores. Why does BPS say “bass pro shops and cabele
I run a 1988 Ranger 363v with a Suzuki super 6 150hp. My Dad bought this boat in 1989.. It is still an unbelievable boat! 33 years old and it still gets compliments at the dock!
When a family owned company sells, that company loses its personality. When the founder leaves or hands over control of his company, it loses its original meaning. Watch what happens to Bass Pro/Canbelas when Johnny retires. Same thing that happened to Ranger.
I agree! I really like a caymas but hesitant to buy one because it's for certain Earl will sell out sooner or later then where would a guy be on customer service? He already stated that boat was his retirement plan
Thanks for this video. It brought back a great memory when in the 80s my Dad and I went to Flipping and Dad bought a Ranger Boat. Forrest Wood came out of his office to meet us and gave us each a Ranger Boats hat. Good memory😊
They're on the business of Mass production now. Just like Nitro. And many people say the quality has suffered.
Every time I got near a stump my Ranger would leak. The Skeeter ZX 190 with a Yamaha 150 HPDI never failed me. 20 years of outstanding performance. Only had to clean the O2 sensor and replace the mechanical fuel pumps. All else was either damage caused by my operating error or scheduled maintenance.
I agree 100% with you about the problem of companies hiring marketing and advertising people who don't fish. It's sad for Ranger and Triton but in the long run it may be good for the industry because IMO it has strengthened the market for the non tracker brands like skeeter, basscat and Phenix. We will see what the future holds
I just bought a ranger and I absolutely love it. I’d love to be sponsored and get a free boat, but unfortunately I’m not that good lol. so as long as I’m spending my money I’ll be in a ranger..... I’m curious if the pros had to supply their own boat, what would they have to fish out of???
As a diehard Ranger guy for years I am now in a Skeeter.
The pros don’t get free boats, there are a lot of different agreements made.
After a 29 yr hiatus I decided to get back into bass fishing for my upcoming retirement. Started out looking at a late model used Ranger but ended up ordering a 2021 Nitro Z18 Pro with everything- power poles, hydraulic jack plate, Helix 7 SI, Helix 9 SI+, Helix 10 DI +, etc for $25,000 less. If it’s good enough for KVD it will work for me ...
Great question about what they would choose without sponsorship.
"I’m curious if the pros had to supply their own boat, what would they have to fish out of", ...........and if they were buying their own boat that needed to last them 8 years, what would they buy?
I new something was up when Scott Martin switched to skeeter. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure he was with ranger his whole career and then just switched. Says a lot when all these long time ranger guys dip out to a different brand.
The Evinrude situation had a lot to do with Scott Martin's switch to Skeeter
@@gregstaton5538 And what is "the Evinrude situation?" I saw a mention of this somewhere else but don't know exactly what this refers to. What is it?
@@mydogdidit evinrude went under. no longer building motors.
Times are changing and loyalty to a company (both from the pro and the company's perspective) is now based upon $$.
I have the impression that the new Ranger boats are like a lot of other products (Cadillac vs GMC for example)...same vehicle with a few shiny additions, a different model emblem and a higher price.
I love basscat but your move to skeeter has made me look at them.
Love the video, Mr. Randy, and I was waiting for someone to really go into this subject. Luke Dunkin went into it on one of his podcasts a few months ago, but I don't recall him going into the marketing part of it as much. I knew something was way out of whack when Scott Martin made the switch. His family has dealt Ranger Boats for years, so it was kind of a shocker to see him make a move. I think the writing was on the wall when Johnny Morris bought White River. Johnny has always been second fiddle to Ranger Boats, and I think that his goal was to get rid of the Ranger brand in order for Nitro to gain a large part of that void in the bass boat market. Thanks for the video!
Jimmy Houston still uses Ranger. Good video. As far as marketing goes, the same problems occurred which led to multiple failures at Remington arms and other outdoor-minded companies.
Jimmy Houston is a Ranger dealer and pays nothing for the boat .....runs it a year and sells it.
I have a Ranger and love it!! I could care less what the pros use , they get it all free anyways.
Great Randy. I agree with you. I bought a 2021 Ranger RT178. We love but sure had some factory flaus. They are fixed now but what a headache. Seems they don't care about us little people. It took 6 months to get 1 part under warranty. Then it took on water and got that problem solved. The factory did conduct a water test. My boat dealer did and found the problem and fixed it. I just seems they don't care.
You are spot on with this Randy. Its not just Ranger. Triton has been going through the same thing. Legend is gone and Nitro is everywhere. It seems from a marketing standpoint that the internet is perceived to be a more valuable tool that the Bass Pro.
I watched as the take offs of tournaments took place and nearly every time skeeter and Yamaha was out in front along with great handling and a great ride. I've had 2 skeeters myself and my current ZX20 with the SHO has been a great boat.
You have a great observation of industry...it's not just the fishing world...great job..
Wow. So much hate. I always wanted a Ranger and now I have one. Absolutely great boat. Randy or other pros haven"t given the real details of why they aren"t with Ranger any longer. Did they get fired or just not as much of a good deal now? Don't know Johnny Morris. Never met him, but I believe he has contributed large amounts of money and energy toward conservation and promotion of bass fishing. I suspect Ranger would be out of business without Johnny Morris.
Hate....Really....there is good and bad in all brands,depending at what plant, which CEO’S,plant manager’s,and boat builders!! People don’t have the dedication and skills they used to because they don’t want to work anymore!! Employee turnover is at it’s highest in years and you Cannot build a great boat anymore if you don’t have dedicated employees and the company willing to pay for their skills!! Hate....Really..... Mr. Morris has forgotten where he came from!! Hope he does well. ALL MY BUSINESS GOES TO LOCAL TACKEL SHOPS ANYWAY!! Might visit Bps if I need some candy. Don’t even go for their spring sale any longer.
Hi Randy, Happy Monday.
I can't afford any new boat so it doesn't really matter to me who drives what brand of boat. I am happy to have a 25 year old boat that I got at a deep discount last year and I will most likely get a new motor for it instead of buy a new boat due to pricing so I can afford Panoptix (hahahah, just kidding there). Ironically, my boat is an old Ranger R70 so I got somebody's hand me down and I am happy with it. I enjoy fishing and I enjoy your channel as well as some others. I don't enjoy the youtubers that are trying to sell me new equipment every day or push hand made turkey calls at me for $200 each.
I do have one of your t-shirts and I have bought some tackle from the FTM Tackle Warehouse link as well as a couple of Fish Tools boxes from Jewel Baits. I will continue to support your channel because your tips are awesome and I appreciate your take on fishing along with your easy going attitude. Keep up the good work and keep those kiddos healthy and happy because that is the important thing to do. I will watch all of your videos but I do have to hit the skip button because there are a LOT of commercials and I can't get all of my videos in if I watch the commercials.
I am just a few years behind you and I used to think about how fun it would be to compete in tournaments but now I pretty well just want to get out of the house and onto the water. If I catch a lot of fish then I got a bonus. Thanks again Randy for all you do. Everybody should get a t-shirt to support you. They are not expensive, about the price of one Megabass jerkbait. I may get another one, in black this time. I already have the white one and it is super comfy.
So true. You nailed it. Do t see many rangers at all anymore
You hit the nail on the head. These new marketing so-called experts have no clue what it takes to attract fisherman to a product. I've seen this for many years. I think they think the answer is to aquire competing companies in order to move ahead.
Bought a new Vexus last year, essentially because I wanted a Ranger boat made the way Ranger used to be.
My dad has been looking at a vexus for a while now. What do you think about your boat?
I hope to get a Vexus soon myself!
@@jtotherog I will have a review up on my TH-cam channel within the next few weeks. It is an incredible boat. 100% would buy again today. It’s built like a high end automobile. Nothing on it is brittle. Very stable. Well laid out. Hottest looking boat on the lake as well if that matters to you. Other than a couple little things (like a remote drain plug for example) it is great.
@@zachgrubb2233 you will not regret it. I spent over a year researching boats before deciding on our DVX19. We made the right choice.
@@fishitfirst2798 I'm looking at the AVX 1880, I believe it's gonna be the best fit for me.
You can thank Johnny Morris for this
I doubt Ranger's decline is due to Johnny Morris buying the company, but much more to do with the fact Forrest Wood passed away. I believe many more of the "Ranger Pros" were much more loyal toward Wood, than toward Ranger as a boat. When Wood died that 'personal' connection was gone. Hence, the willingness to switch boats now. The loyalty was to Wood, not Ranger Boats.
When Forrest died he was selling Vexus boats. I believe Ranger sold to JM around 2014-15 so I don’t think your assessment is correct. Matt Lee put on Facebook that Ranger took the deals away from the Pro’s is why so many of them left them. They basically had to pay what you and I would have to pay for one and they can get a better deal somewhere else. I sold my Ranger and ordered a Vexus, not because I’m loyal to the wWood family but because the Wood family knows how to build boats and more importantly serve the customer AFTER the purchase
@@mikew5859 - that's possible too but wonder when Ranger stopped the 'deals' or the pros? I have no doubt the Nitros are and will be pushed from here on out over Rangers and no doubt Ranger will fade away in the future simply because that's business. Good luck with your Nexus.
@@tablerockkid8237 from what Matt posted, it sounds like it was this season the deals stopped, there was a ton of pro’s that left Ranger this year. For me, the reason I sold my Ranger was the whole customer service decline, it’s well known that things have changed there and I wanted to sell it while it still had some value. Thanks for the good luck, it’s been an adventure so far trying to get the Vexus built with all the setbacks with shortages of materials in the industry but I’m sure it’ll be worth it
Some of it is the fishermen. Like you said Randy, you see them changing boats and nothing is mentioned. There is no loyalty but to the almighty dollar on by both the boat companies and the fisherman. "Who can offer me the best deal? I'll take it." Next year it may be someone else. And as for Ranger, I can see Cabelas/Bass Pro not thinking they need to sponsor pro fishermen. Just load the lots up with Ranger and let the store sell the boats.
I just bought a 2015 Ranger 621fs !! Love it!
Randy,
Good content and good explanation as to the Ranger Brand taking a hit once BP bought. I am a Ranger owner 1993 481V It is my second Ranger. I do not think I have another Ranger in my future. I am big on customer service and my last effort to secure information or parts for Ranger was very disappointing. I remember when you came on the Bass Pro tour and noticed you were in a Ranger that influenced me to buy Ranger. I feel the Ranger Brand will fade due to poor quality, not understanding Ranger customer. What we see happen with a successful family owned business build a brand then sold is the kiss of death. Tight lines to all...
Thank you Randy for filling us in on what happened. I'm just a fisherman, 68 yr old that pretty much fish for what bites my hook. I agree that BPS makes money but at what expense to quality. I loved Cabelas hunting and Bass fishing stuff but Cabelas clothing has went down to nothing but just Bass stuff in both stores. I'm glad their deal with Sportsman's Warehouse didn't go through. Anyway I think we need more competition to keep the quality up.
It seems to me Ranger got bought by Bass Pro to own the main competition. They're not interested in allowing Ranger to take precedent over Nitro. Don't know if they counted on so many guys going to Skeeter, Basscat, Phoenix or whichever
I dont think it was a buy out the competition move because if it was they would of bought out skeeter also. I believe in the last 5 years skeeter has been the quickest growing brand
@@connorerhardt1767 you might be right but Skeeter might have not wanted to sell. I'm saying if they had bought Skeeter, Skeeter then would be taking a back seat to Nitro under Bass Pro's control.
@@connorerhardt1767 Skeeter has Yamaha money and is really there main customer of their engines in the bass boat industry and has been since 1996-97. I dont see them selling anytime soon.....personally i believe phoenix is the fastest growing brand, but they are ties really close to the Bass Pro Tour so who knows whats going on with them
I have a good friend who is the Midwest regional sales rep for Legend.i road in and fished out of the second boat they ever made. I feel like they.took the place of ranger. They make one boat at a time and build an amazing product that easily competes with ranger. That being said, I have his old Skeeter and love it
I agree with your analogy on hiring...as a mechanic myself I go to a parts store and get frustrated with a parts person who still hasn't figured what a conudder valve is or isn't....best parts man is an old mechanic...period...same in selling boats...thanks for your videos
I work for a state fish and wildlife division. You'd be shocked at how many biologists don't fish or hunt. They are basically clueless. Just like the bean counters at many of the sporting goods manufacturers. These people have no passion or buy in to the sport. It's sad but a sign of the times.
Hi randy I was paired with you at the lake texoma BASS tournament March of 1998. We took your ranger I think you were running a 461 or 462 I had a 481vs. Any this decline and dominance of boat users is very sad and alarming to me as well. All the big name pros ran predominately ranger boats. To be sure there are a number of other boat companies but RANGER was the one we all wanted to be associated with. I’ve worked five bassmaster classics for sponsors and all those big bad rangers were almost a dream. What you were saying about this situation is right on the money.
3 of the 5 Bass Boats I’ve owned were Rangers. The last one a 1993 361. They were no doubt the best boats ever built.
Yes when I saw Jason Christie come out in an aluminum boat at the beginning of the season and not a Ranger I was shocked. I know Jason Christie and others that have been in Rangers Forever and for Ranger to basically let those pros go from their brand to another kind of shows their commitment or lack of to those anglers which definitely shows you something has changed at Ranger.
I agree with many of your other commenters. BPS simply bought their biggest competitor to put Nitro at the top. Problem is, the Nitro has never been and most likely will never be built with the quality and care that the Forrest Wood era Rangers were. I am now retired so I can only afford my Tracker PT175 and it’s perfect for what I do but I took it in for some electrical to the “go-to” guy for marine electrical in my region of the country and he let me know that BPS uses the cheapest components they can for the bottom line on the Trackers but also on the Nitros. Much of their parts are from you know where..........China. Forrest Wood wouldn’t ever have compromised quality. Skeeter was a great move Randy. I had one in the early 2000’s and I REALLY miss it!
We still are fishing out of our '99 Ranger, that we bought new!
I just bought a 99' 518vx Comanche w/ a 200 Evinrude Ficht in April. It has lived up to every bit of what I dreamt it to be when I was 12 years old. Rides like a Cadillac.
I miss seeing years ago under my 1989 Ranger 365 White Sticker, Those letters "Forest L. Wood." Flipping Arkansas. When a Company gets away from its Roots or only cares about the Mighty Dollar, you can forget it. It's Sad, But at the Same time Great for All the other Companies that have been excelling through the years.
Obviously if they felt like they were getting a significant return on their investment with certain pros, they would have continued an acceptable level of support for both parties. Why did Jordan Lee, Wesley Strader, Bryan Thrift, Brent Erlher...etc...stay with Ranger?
White River Marine & Ranger doesn't honor their warranties. Customer service is non existent and the better business bureau has a lot of consumer complaints. I'm going to buy a skeeter zx 200 when the local dealership gets some new inventory. Thanks for the videos Randy.
I never really thought about it,as I still see some Ranger Boats out there; and understand that it's not the same company once they sold it. Growing up every TV show and most pro's were running RANGER boats. It was the standard. I'm just a weekend fisherman and run an aluminum jet boat in a shallow river and let's face it these glass boats are expensive and get really expensive once they are fully rigged. What amazes me is the amount of Aluminum boats entering the playing field. I'm curious on what you think of the Aluminum boats, lighter? noisier? just cost less. I like the deep V Bass version that Jeff Gustufson runs especially for big water. I still see some Ranger guys out there like Keith Combs, Jordan Lee, Clark Wendlandt, Corey and Chris Johnston, Todd Auten, Matt Arey, Bryan New, Mark Daniels Jr, Brent Ehrler, Skeet Reese, David Fritts, and I know there's more.
My dad worked for Ranger for many years delivering boats to dealers all over the country. When Morris bought the company all the employees were told not to worry, nothing was going to change and they would all still have their jobs. Within months they had shut down the transportation department and left a lot of drivers without jobs. If I am correct, I believe they have also since shut down the aluminum boat plant in Flippin. It was all lies. Morris/BPS truly cares about profits over all else, including their own employees and customers. During the time my dad worked there under the new ownership he heard many complaints from dealers he delivered to about quality control issues and poor customer service/dealer support. There is a reason all the top execs from Ranger left to start up Vexus Boats. They are a great group of people who spent decades building Ranger boats, and are now continuing that with Vexus.
This is not an unique phenomenon. It happens in all industry. When management is not interested in listening to the people who actually make the company work, there will be a decline. I've seen it in many of the fields I've worked.
Really sad. My dream for years was to buy a brand new Ranger, because for me it represented the ultimate made in America with pride product- They were beautiful awesome boats. Like you said, down home from Flippin Arkansas- Now that great reputation is just totally destroyed. What took 50 years to build up was ruined almost overnight. And for what? Why let that brand name implode? I do not get it. Anyway- it was kind of a moot point for me anyway, because they got so expensive anyway, the possibility of buying a new Ranger went completely off my radar. I always say it- Kayaks are where its at.
For years I wanted to buy the best bass boat money could buy- A Ranger. As a dad and a school teacher, there was just no way to afford it...So this year, I bought what I think is the best Kayak money can buy, a Nucanoe Pursuit... And it cost me $1200! I could buy 70 of those kayaks for the price of one Ranger! Haha!
Randy, You are correct about Marketing... I suspect Ranger had a lot more anglers on their production floor than they did in the marketing department...
Legend Boats - gone. Stratos Boats- gone. Triton Boats - probably on the way out. Ranger Boats - probably on the way out. Good to see companies like Falcon, Ballistic, and Xpress coming on. I think seeing more boat brands represented in an event is good. Nice to see Gambler making a comeback too. I am a Phoenix owner and couldn't be happier.
Planning to buy a boat, and have done plenty of research... when I do make the jump to get one it will 99% be a Phoenix. They seem to be the top boat manufacturer out there right now.
He has really opened the door for Phoenix boats and they have kicked it down when it comes to boat sales. I am a little concerned about their involvement in MLF and the old FLW as they may be looking to sell at some point and you know who will shut them down. When Gary Clouse was leading in the Bassmasters Elite they weren't allowed to say what boat company he owned while following him around for whatever reason so he has some type of deal with Morris or that wouldn't have been an issue.
Phoenix or vexus only way to go
I think that when Forest and Nina owned Ranger they cared about the buyer and the buyers cared about them. Now a Ranger buyer is just another customer to get money from.
@@rayritchotte7608 agree 100%. Heck even their trailers used to be light years ahead of other manufacturers. No rattles or squeaks
This is such a great vid. It’s bang on. Same thing is happening to us at Alumacraft now that they’ve been bought out. The people that understand fishing that were there from the beginning were forced out by people that have clue and have no concept of how important “street cred” is in the fishing business.
Hey Randy, it’s easy to see the corporate mentality Versus a personal connection we have experienced in the past. Bass Pro already has its premier lines and the lines they acquired are pushed aside. Nobody there cares what happens to the industry or it’s reputation.
Ranger had a commercial which ran sometime in the 80's. I thought it was the greatest Ad ever. They cut away a Huge section of the side of the boat and two guys were still fishing like nothing was amiss.
i dont get paid to fish, wish i was good enough but i always wanted a ranger growing up. last year i bought a 2020 z521 cup equip which is a large investment and sold it after only putting 19 hrs on it. i expected more when you spend 80k plus. this spring i purchased a 2021 phoniex phx 21 and i love it. and as someone stated below there customer service is awesome. had a tire blow out on the way home from the big bass bash, lost my j bolt for my spare on the side of the highway and they sent me one for free 3 days later.
Randy , met you at sport boats in nixa in 1985 , I was buying at ranger from Dick Collier , looked at a paper graph image Dick had of spooning fish on table rock. You had a Datsun ot Toyota truck , was thinking hope it would stop that big ranger behind it going down a boat ramp. I had two rangers , they held up well. Like your videos your putting out.
Man that was back in the day!
I had a 1988 Ranger 361 I bought in 1991 for 12 grand . The boat what like brand new and I fished out of it for 4 years . Great boat , great memories . I sold boat for 500 bucks less than I payed for it . Hard to see what boats sell for now . Nothing rides like a Ranger . Back in 80's North Carolina had one of the biggest Ranger dealers in country , Greene's Boat and Motor in Spindale , NC .
It’s very rare for a company that was founded by an individual to remain as it was once it’s sold. These iconic companies are direct reflections of their original creator and it’s hard to that to remain once their influence is gone
Independent Ranger dealers are going away too. They are adding Caymas and Vexus because the few independents know their days are numbered as Ranger shifts to the Nitro sales model.
I bought a new Phoenix this year, I looked at Rangers and wasn’t very impressed. With so many pros leaving Ranger it made me take a harder look at them. I also read a lot of reviews that the quality of the boat was down from previous years. I love my Phoenix.
Quality Ever since Johnny Morris bought ranger went down so much, I truly believe that before Johnny Morris bought ranger, Ranger was the BEST rough water bass boat, and that’s why the reputation was so large and the name of Ranger was so popular, I’ll never sell my 2012 Z520, that boat will be worth some $ years from now and any Ranger Made by Johnny Morris will, the new best bass boats Would be Bass Cat, Pheonix, and Vexus.
I’m still fishing out of a 1986 Ranger 370V. Still works fine, spent the extra on Ultrex and Garmin graph and fishing gear.
So... You pose the question, but explain that you switched. Why did YOU switch. If one reads between the lines it seems that Skeeter offered you more than Ranger would. Understandable, but be honest about it.
In my Opinion Ranger and a couple of other boat companies had way to many Pro Staff. It flooded the market with 1`to 2 yr old top line boats with over 400hrs on them still asking top dollar. I really dont think pros have moved the sales needle on new boats in a very long time.??
I have a 2007 Ranger . the worst problem I have is getting parts when I need them. I agree everything with Ranger has changed. there are so many on the lake here, that have left Ranger. I guess a good thing can only last so long. I think you purchased gas from us years ago, at Hiawatha Beach Resort in Little Buffalo Cove, 67MM.
Agree. Called Ranger Parts yesterday to buy a small part that broke. A phone rep took my info and said someone from the parts department would call me back in three days. I used to be able to talk to someone immediately with a small wait on hold. I went to the after market and bought what I needed instead of having to wait.