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Muskie Fishing -> Muskie Boats and Motors -> Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats
 
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Message Subject: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats
sworrall
Posted 12/11/2014 7:06 PM (#743790)
Subject: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/articles/12.11.2014/7805/Iconic.boa...
Jeremy
Posted 12/11/2014 7:31 PM (#743794 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: RE: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 1126


Location: Minnesota.
Hmmm, I just hope the quality will be upheld and things don't go south there. Sometimes that happens when these transactions come to be. Not always though, so I'm just hoping.

I bought a new Ranger Z118 in '12 after losing my old '97 681VS to a garage fire of my own stupidity. I was afraid it wouldn't be as good of a boat. Man, I'm happy to say I was wrong!

Anyway, I'm just hoping. I have faith.

Thanks for the post/update.

Jeremy.
esox911
Posted 12/11/2014 8:07 PM (#743798 - in reply to #743794)
Subject: RE: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 556


I would hope the quality would also remain high--and see no reason why it shouldn't---Ever look at the quality of the Top of the line Targa Aluminum compared to a Lund--every bit as well built as the top aluminum boats in the Industry. I think Bass Pro will do it right with the ranger Name plate.
Mak51
Posted 12/11/2014 8:51 PM (#743809 - in reply to #743798)
Subject: RE: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Location: MN
My opinion is that it's a positive change. Bass Pro is in the industry and understands the value of the Ranger brand; it's a premium product to diversify their current holdings and I imagine they will want to keep it that way.

Platinum seemed to manage their investment well and they maintained the brand image. Most PE firms focus on maximizing their IRR from an investment during the duration of the fund, no matter the cost to quality or jobs. Hopefully they left a little juice for Bass Pro and all three parties are happy with the deal.
Junkman
Posted 12/11/2014 9:10 PM (#743810 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 1220


After being there in Flippin last Thursday and Friday in a really big crowd of everything Ranger, I'm quite surprised this was kept so quiet and tight. Personally, I think it will be in good hands with Bass Pro, an angler's company. Also, anybody seeing first hand the way things work under Randy Hopper down there will come away ashtonished at how those folks live and breathe Ranger. I'm 38 years in business and have never seen a staff so in love with product and manufacturing family. Ranger is the standard every boat wants to be! Jumpin in one boat after another ar the Bull Shoals dock and tearing up that lake should be on everybody's bucket list!,
Muskie Treats
Posted 12/11/2014 9:31 PM (#743812 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 2384


Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot
The big question is whether BPS will market them exclusively through their own dealerships or stick with the current formula of independents.
ToddM
Posted 12/11/2014 9:34 PM (#743813 - in reply to #743812)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 20173


Location: oswego, il
Muskie Treats - 12/11/2014 9:31 PM

The big question is whether BPS will market them exclusively through their own dealerships or stick with the current formula of independents.


if they do they will have to come up with alot of extra floor space.
Muskie Bob
Posted 12/11/2014 10:01 PM (#743822 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 572


Hum. I wonder if Cabela's will be allowed to sell Ranger and Stratos boats in the future. Perhaps, Cabela's might decide to build their own boats to compete with Bass Pro.
sworrall
Posted 12/11/2014 10:42 PM (#743828 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Read the release all the way through, please.

--| Following the closing of the transaction, Fishing Holdings will continue operating independently under its existing management at its headquarters in Flippin, Ark., located a two-hour drive from Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield.

"We are impressed with the company's leadership team and performance and look forward to welcoming them to the Bass Pro Shops family," said Morris.

"We are fortunate to partner with Bass Pro Group, which understands the industry and our brands," said Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper. "This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing."|--
M Winther
Posted 12/12/2014 7:47 AM (#743846 - in reply to #743828)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




sworrall - 12/11/2014 10:42 PM Read the release all the way through, please. --| Following the closing of the transaction, Fishing Holdings will continue operating independently under its existing management at its headquarters in Flippin, Ark., located a two-hour drive from Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield. "We are impressed with the company's leadership team and performance and look forward to welcoming them to the Bass Pro Shops family," said Morris. "We are fortunate to partner with Bass Pro Group, which understands the industry and our brands," said Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper. "This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing."|--

Yes, they'll keep the current leadership in place...which sends a message of stability to potential customers.
But those leaders now have a new boss that can make changes at any time, and the most obvious potential change would be selling Ranger boats out of BPS retail stores. For most independent dealers, this probably won't matter much, but for those who are close to a BPS store, "synergy" means change is coming...

sworrall
Posted 12/12/2014 8:12 AM (#743850 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
The changes we see as most imminent would be the connection Ranger, Stratos, and Triton have with Cabelas on the tournament front. The sponsorship changes (when they happen) of the Masters Walleye Circuit and the Ranger run Natioal Walleye Tour are going to be interesting, and directly impact OutdoorsFIRST Media. We are pleased the current management team is remaining in place, as we enjoy working with Liddle Marketing and the All Star Walleye Schools.

Agreements with dealers as to territory and 2015 orders and shipments, etc. are in place, and the wording is clear that Fishing Holdings will operate independently. We do not see any other abrupt changes to the MO Ranger, Stratos, or Triton offer now.
rodbender
Posted 12/12/2014 8:13 AM (#743851 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Location: varies
Synergy?.haven't heard that word in a while ...I thought it was a late 2000's business fad word that was booted out the building on the backs of the six sigma trainers during the 08 crash.
Ranger has been bought and sold several times over its history and did the product quality ever waiver? I doubt consumers will see little change if any unless the new owners clean house for cheaper labor and management or the head makes a bad decision and steers the product down the wrong path.
horsehunter
Posted 12/12/2014 8:32 AM (#743857 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Location: Eastern Ontario
I didn't notice any improvement in the brands gobbled up by Brunswick. Soon won't be able to buy a package without a black motor.
sworrall
Posted 12/12/2014 8:51 AM (#743864 - in reply to #743857)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
horsehunter - 12/12/2014 8:32 AM

I didn't notice any improvement in the brands gobbled up by Brunswick. Soon won't be able to buy a package without a black motor.


Plenty of independents out there, and Yamaha has a few boat companies.
Junkman
Posted 12/12/2014 10:05 AM (#743882 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 1220


This isn't that different than when (let's say) VW bought Rolls Royce or if Wall-Mart were to purchase Nordstom's. You don't buy the flagship brand (in this case...truer than most examples) so that you can water it down and make something far more pedestrian and ordinary. You covet owning the best that there is and you want it for yourself. This is a rare trophy, not so much a company as it is an institution. Plainly speaking, it's pretty hard to walk around the Ranger plant and not want to go out and buy a Stetson like the one Forest Wood wears. It's a magical brand and no surprise at all the guy who built Bass Pro would want it.
Nershi
Posted 12/12/2014 11:25 AM (#743890 - in reply to #743857)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Location: MN
horsehunter - 12/12/2014 8:32 AM

I didn't notice any improvement in the brands gobbled up by Brunswick. Soon won't be able to buy a package without a black motor.


Hopefully that is not the case. It seems that a lot hardcore fisherman are more loyal to the brand of motor on the boat than the boat brand itself. Many folks have been steered away from certain boat manufacturers due to only being able to buy a certain motor on the boat they like. The cost and effort to switch out motors is enough to steer most people away.
bwalsh
Posted 12/12/2014 12:26 PM (#743897 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 75


"You don't buy the flagship brand (in this case...truer than most examples) so that you can water it down and make something far more pedestrian and ordinary."

FWIW, that is exactly what Macy's did when it purchased Marshall Field's.
kap
Posted 12/12/2014 5:37 PM (#743916 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 532


Location: deephaven mn
Kevin Van Dam might now fish out of a Ranger
Propster
Posted 12/12/2014 6:18 PM (#743920 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
Only went for 75 mil I heard. Thought it would be more.
BenR
Posted 12/12/2014 9:40 PM (#743933 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats


For the "elite" ranger owner, this is sorta funny.
Propster
Posted 12/13/2014 8:27 AM (#743952 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
Insinuating I assume that BP is not very elite? Won't argue that one way or the other but old Johnny Morris has done pretty well for himself. Big Cedar Lodge is pretty impressive.
BenR
Posted 12/13/2014 9:51 AM (#743957 - in reply to #743952)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats


Propster - 12/13/2014 8:27 AM

Insinuating I assume that BP is not very elite? Won't argue that one way or the other but old Johnny Morris has done pretty well for himself. Big Cedar Lodge is pretty impressive.


BP is a big box store, Walmart of the outdoor world and very successful, it is not the Mercedes of the boat world...
sworrall
Posted 12/13/2014 10:25 AM (#743959 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Actually, from a business standpoint (and that's what this acquisition is all about) BPS IS the 'Mercedes' of the fishing boat world. The numbers are impressive.

A point many are missing, Tracker Boats didn't buy Ranger, Stratos and Triton, Nitro didn't buy them...Bass Pro did. HUGE difference.
waldo
Posted 12/13/2014 11:30 AM (#743961 - in reply to #743957)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 224


Location: Madison
BenR - 12/13/2014 9:51 AM

Propster - 12/13/2014 8:27 AM

Insinuating I assume that BP is not very elite? Won't argue that one way or the other but old Johnny Morris has done pretty well for himself. Big Cedar Lodge is pretty impressive.


BP is a big box store, Walmart of the outdoor world and very successful, it is not the Mercedes of the boat world...


Lamborghini and Porsche are both owned by Volkswagen. Business 101, and it's not just vehicles.
muskyrat
Posted 12/17/2014 7:18 PM (#744571 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 455


They will still carry the Nitro line?
BenR
Posted 12/17/2014 8:23 PM (#744581 - in reply to #744571)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats


muskyrat - 12/17/2014 7:18 PM

They will still carry the Nitro line?


I believe they will now be called nitrangers according to Kit.

Edited by BenR 12/17/2014 8:24 PM
jonnysled
Posted 12/17/2014 9:24 PM (#744593 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
i'd imagine Johny is bright enough to run multiple market pointing businesses. he's likely known and understood by Forrest and vice versa. hopefully he will do what most good business people would do and continue to hit multiple points and keep customers happy.

i wish them success ... ranger itself had become a bit boring and missed the mark on some products, maybe this will provide the capital to do some things some of us Ranger owners have hoped for.
Top H2O
Posted 12/17/2014 10:38 PM (#744602 - in reply to #744593)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
Just exactly What are you Hoping for , Mr. Sled ??
jonnysled
Posted 12/18/2014 6:52 AM (#744614 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
to me the 619-621 is the same boat and the consoles get in the way and with the elimination of the 618 and popularity of the vintage 690's and the cost of the fisherman series ... i'd like to see a fishing boat with target power of 175hp that is akin to the 690's length and beam.
Junkman
Posted 12/18/2014 8:27 AM (#744620 - in reply to #743790)
Subject: Re: Bass Pro Buys Ranger Boats




Posts: 1220


Interesting take on the boredom factor with the 600 series. Fact is, the new 620 is a virtually “all new” design. Frankly speaking, there was a clear effort on the part of Ranger and the dealers to keep a tight lid on the changes to give last year’s inventory a chance to clear before people saw the new boat. Now that it’s out there, Ranger came out with really aggressive pricing and giveaways for anyone buying the few remaining 2014’s. Clearly, it’s a very different boat to look at and use while retaining the hull which is outstanding. Honestly, many of the new features favor the walleye guys more than us. From the power-washable rear traction deck, built-in rod storage in the rear port side and flowing under the console, new flat gunnels ready to accept trolling systems and hardware, and the rear work stations, built-in rod holders and net holding receivers….it was the walleye influence that grabbed the biggest portion of Ranger’s ear. That said, even if some of the musky sized gear won’t fit those innovations quite as well, the boat is still really slick, really pretty, and nothing like boring to look at or drive.
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