Bass Master Boat: Who Makes These Watercraft?

Bass boats are vessels used for freshwater fishing. They are known for their low sides and wide beams, which provide stability for unrestricted casting. They are usually powered by an outboard motor for faster travel and a trolling motor for fishing. Some of the most well-known builders of bass boats include Tracker, Nitro, Ranger, Triton, and Skeeter. Bass Pro Shops, the owner of Bass Pro Group, acquired Fishing Holdings LLC, the manufacturer of Ranger, Triton, and Stratos fishing boat brands, in 2014. The history of bass boat innovation has come a long way since the early days of aluminum flat-bottom boats with small tiller outboards, now featuring advanced technologies and designs for improved performance and safety.

Bass Pro Shops acquired Fishing Holdings LLC, which manufactures Ranger, Triton, and Stratos boats

Bass Pro Shops, the owner of Bass Pro Group, acquired Fishing Holdings LLC, which manufactures Ranger, Triton, and Stratos fishing boat brands. This merger brings together two old friends, Bass Pro CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, iconic bass anglers who fished together in the first national BASS tournaments. The deal also merges some of the largest brands in the fishing world under the same ownership.

Bass Pro Shops has long been a major player in the fishing industry, and with this acquisition, it further solidifies its position. Ranger, Triton, and Stratos boats are well-known and respected brands, with a history of innovation and performance. Ranger, for instance, was the first to introduce an aerated livewell system in 1973, which became standard on its boats. They also introduced the first E-Z lube bearing grease system on Ranger Trail trailers in 1981 and pioneered a revolutionary molded-fiberglass stringer system in 1983 to replace wood stringers, which inevitably rot.

Triton has also been at the forefront of innovation, with founder Earl Bentz doing extensive research to eliminate marine plywood and discovering that bonded fiberglass is 30% lighter and has twice the sheer strength of plywood when they introduced their first fully composite bass boat in 1997. Stratos Boats, on the other hand, was the first bass boat with a step pad hull, and its founder, Earl Bentz, was also the first to upgrade from the standard 10-gauge wire to a heavier and more efficient 6-gauge wire for trolling motors.

The acquisition of Fishing Holdings LLC by Bass Pro Shops is a significant development in the fishing industry, bringing together renowned boat brands with a history of innovation. It remains to be seen what new advancements will come from this merger, but with the combined resources and expertise, anglers can expect exciting developments in bass boat technology and performance.

Bass Cat introduced the first bass boat with console steering in 1971

In 1967, the "bass boat" was typically an aluminium flat-bottom boat with a small outboard motor. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, companies like Ranger, Skeeter and others were making flat-bottomed, blunt-nosed fibreglass boats specifically for bass fishing. These boats had stick steering, which was controlled from the bow seat.

In 1971, Bass Cat introduced its first bass boat. This was the first bass boat with console steering and it was rated for a 135-horsepower outboard. The Bass Cat boat was also much cheaper than its competitors, with the entire package costing less than $2,500. Console steering soon replaced stick steering, which had inherent safety issues.

Bass Cat's introduction of console steering was a significant innovation in bass boat design. It offered improved safety and performance, marking a shift away from the traditional flat-bottom boats towards more advanced hull designs. This innovation set the standard for bass boat steering and influenced the designs of other manufacturers.

Over the years, Bass Cat continued to innovate, introducing new features such as recessed trolling pedals, elevated electronics, and battery chargers. They also prioritised construction methods that ensured the boat was built as one unit, rather than simply screwing parts together. Bass Cat's focus on innovation and quality has made it a leader in the industry, with many of its designs being copied by larger companies.

The first V-bottom bass boat was Skeeter's Wrangler, released in 1975

The history of bass boats is a rich one, with many innovations and improvements over the years. The first V-bottom bass boat was Skeeter's Wrangler, released in 1975, and it proved to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of bass boat design.

Before the Wrangler, bass boats typically had flat bottoms or tri-hulls, which are less stable and don't perform as well as the V-hull design. The Wrangler's V-hull offered better performance and a smoother ride, even in rough water conditions. This was a game-changer for anglers, as it provided a more comfortable and safer fishing experience. The Wrangler could reach speeds of over 60 mph when paired with Mercury's Tower of Power outboard motor, showcasing its exceptional performance capabilities.

The Wrangler played a significant role in shaping the future of bass boats, as manufacturers began to adopt the V-hull design. This design offered improved handling, stability, and speed compared to its predecessors. The V-hull's ability to navigate rough waters with ease made it particularly well-suited for bass fishing, which is often done in lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

The Wrangler's impact extended beyond the bass boat industry as well. Its success inspired manufacturers to explore new innovations and advancements in boat design and technology. This led to the development of more efficient and powerful motors, improved hull designs, and the incorporation of advanced electronics. As a result, bass boats became faster, more manoeuvrable, and better equipped to meet the needs of anglers.

The Wrangler's introduction in 1975 marked a significant shift in bass boat design and performance, and it continues to influence the industry even today. Its legacy can be seen in the modern bass boats that feature advanced technology, improved safety features, and enhanced performance capabilities, all while providing anglers with a more comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience.

Bass Pro Shops purchased Nitro Boats in 1991

Bass Pro Shops, the world's largest volume boat retailer, purchased Nitro Boats in 1991. Nitro Boats are high-performance fishing boats that combine top-quality construction with exhilarating performance and tournament-proven features. The design of a Nitro boat begins with the needs of customers and the imaginations of the designers. Each of these pure-performance fishing machines is a powerful synthesis of intellect and power with one goal in mind—the top of the leaderboard.

Nitro boats are engineered for pro-level performance and are a smart buy in boating. Every Nitro boat is laid out to do one thing very well: catch fish. Nitro performance fibreglass boats are designed to be pure fishing machines, for weekend outings or to succeed at the highest levels of tournament competition. The lineup includes a number of bass, multi-species, and sport boats ranging from 17 to 21 feet, ensuring Nitro has a competitive craft right-sized and right-featured for any situation.

Nitro boats are designed with input from the top anglers in the world, so customers can be sure they will perform at the highest levels. Bass Pro Shops works very closely with these Nitro Pro Team members to make sure every Nitro boat is the perfect tool for any day on the tournament trail. These anglers spend hundreds of hours a year on the water, and no detail escapes their attention. This constant attention to improvements in boat design translates to a superior boat that will help anglers climb the leaderboard.

In addition to its high-performance characteristics, Nitro boats also offer exclusive benefits to their customers. For instance, customers who buy any new current or prior-year Nitro boat receive a 10% discount on qualifying purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, as well as a 10% discount at select Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's restaurants, for up to two years.

The first fully composite bass boat, Triton's Tr-21 Pro, was introduced in 1997

The Triton Tr-21 Pro, introduced in 1997, was a groundbreaking boat in the world of bass fishing. It was the first fully composite bass boat, a significant milestone in the evolution of bass boat design.

The Tr-21 Pro was built by Triton Boats, a company founded by Earl Bentz in 1996 with a commitment to creating high-performance bass boats for tournament anglers. Bentz's goal was to eliminate marine plywood from boat construction, and he achieved this with the Tr-21 Pro. The boat was constructed entirely of bonded fiberglass, which offered several advantages over traditional materials. Fiberglass is 30% lighter and has twice the sheer strength of plywood of the same thickness, resulting in a stronger, lighter, and more rigid vessel.

The Tr-21 Pro's all-composite construction set a new standard in the industry, and other major bass boat brands followed suit. This construction method not only improved performance but also enhanced safety and comfort. For example, Triton pioneered the "floating" cantilevered fiberglass console, providing more legroom and easier entry and exit for the driver. They also introduced innovations like the integrated ResQ™ reboarding ladder, which earned safety accolades, and flush-mounted large-screen electronics into the console, eliminating the need for aftermarket add-ons.

The Tr-21 Pro's wood-free construction and concave running pad produced a legendary soft, dry ride, making it a top choice for professional anglers. Its nimble handling and unmatched fishability further contributed to its popularity. Triton's commitment to innovation and performance has kept them at the forefront of the industry and the leaderboard, with their boats claiming major prizes and trophies over the years.

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