Yar Craft under Bass Cat

[shemstreet]

Just curious. Has BCB decided whether or not their current dealers will also pick up the Yar Craft line, or will the walleye boats be handled under different distribution? Not too many multispecies dealers out here in the mid-Atlantic, and it would be nice to have another quality builder represented when you start the manufacturing process.

[Bass Cat Boats]

That decision is not a set in stone as some Yar-Craft dealers override BCB dealers territories and we must respect both situations. There is little doubt that BCB dealers will have that option if they choose to offer Yar-Craft and there are no conflicts. Then the Yar-Craft dealers will also have the option of converting into the multi line dealerships as well if they prefer. Though this is not a decision that is settled yet on any. This is only a few weeks in on the companies joining under the one parent company.

The Multi Species market is very, very small outside of the Midwest areas from the Wyoming and Montana area to the Ohio markets. The Multi Species is also a very small segment in comparison to the bass market. This is a niche market for walleye anglers and a few competitive builder(s) or one more so, is over enthusiastic in expectation. As with anything BCB does this was a very calculated decision. The markets are quite different in many regards a we have no interest in trying to convert the walleye angler or dealer over to the bass boat mentality or way of doing business.

Yar-Cract production is to begin this week in Mountain Home and that is first off offerings for pre-production items. The first three will be the 186 TFX, 2095 BTX and the 209 TFX models. Those should give the staff in Mountain Home a broad cross section to work from and to assemble, thus figuring out the 'parts is parts' portion.

Thanks for asking and your best shot would be to inquire with a BCB dealership of choice if you are interested.

BCB

[rlb8s]

Will the Yar-Craft multi-species line translate well to salt water applications thereby expanding the market? Just curious.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Not at this time, though perhaps in the future. Some components arw aluminum and not SS, while others are just not salt water friendly.

The 219 CC is a boat that might cross into salt water applications. The side console models are fine for the water, though just a couple of component items need addressing. The multi species market does not merge into other non walleye areas really.

[shemstreet]

I would concur that the walleye market is where they are best known, however any trolling intensive fishery in cooler weather could be a potential user. I am thinking particulary of the striped bass fishermen. Certainly they could be useful in the freshwater striper/wiper market, and even in areas like the Chesapeake Bay I could see them being preferred to a dual console once upgraded to saltwater components. The ablility to both cast from front and back, as well as troll from behind a full windscreen, combined with the massive rod storage and trolling motor setups seem ideal for many markets.

Anyway, glad to see Bass Cat picking up a well known fiberglass walleye boat, and hope it works well for both companies.

[rlb8s]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bass Cat Boats &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">The 219 CC is a boat that might cross into salt water applications. </td></tr></table>
Concur, the 219 CCX looks like with a few tweaks it would be a sweet salt water boat.