Caymas Boats

[kylemoodie]

Not sure if this should go in the General Forum or the Caymas forum...I am sure this has maybe been posted before too..

When Caymas first came out a few years ago, they were very high up on my list of potential "next boats". I pretty much like everything about them, being in a Triton now, I like the deck layout and have heard nothing but good things for the most part. I have never been in one on the water boat crawled all over a couple at the Classic a few years ago.

My question is that they seem to have fallen off a bit over the last year or so. There are less pros running them, there are a lot for sale and the resale value does not seem very high. I have also heard some rumors that they may be going away soon.

Would there be a reason for concern when buying one? I have been putting a few 2022 CX20 and CX21s on my "buy" list but the items mentioned above make me nervous.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

[Rich1]

probably phasing out. Seems like every time a boat builder branches from his specialty into other areas it just does not work out in the long run. Caymas build good saltwater boats. Most likely should have stayed there.

[Gthunter5]

Earl bentz is still the CEO- I believe he launched the saltwater and bass lineup close to the same time in 2018

probably phasing out. Seems like every time a boat builder branches from his specialty into other areas it just does not work out in the long run. Caymas build good saltwater boats. Most likely should have stayed there.

[RoadrashPaul]

I drive by the plant every couple weeks. TONS of boats there with dozens (if not hundred+) cars for employees working there. A swag would say they are not going anywhere. I don't think the bass boat market is as big as a lot of people think it is and they focus mainly on the saltwater side of things.

[Javelin389]

But ponder this. Every boat brand Earl has built prior to Caymas was sold and/or gone. My first true rig was a Javelin - gone. My current Stratos - gone. Triton is still around but the rumors have been swirling about them.

[WarEagle24]

But ponder this. Every boat brand Earl has built prior to Caymas was sold and/or gone. My first true rig was a Javelin - gone. My current Stratos - gone. Triton is still around but the rumors have been swirling about them.

Absolutely the truth. Earl isn't getting any younger either so who knows how long he wants to stay in the business.

[Bill Reynolds]

I am amazed at how quickly he can build a new plant and build a brand and they have all been successful ventures. Seems it was a very short time from when he separated from Johnny Morris that he had the Caymas plant operational.
He is an Icon for sure.

[alli ss]

How bad did the boat wrx debacle hurt their bass boat market?

[Carpenater77]

I am amazed at how quickly he can build a new plant and build a brand and they have all been successful ventures. Seems it was a very short time from when he separated from Johnny Morris that he had the Caymas plant operational.
He is an Icon for sure.

He may retire but Caymas won't be going anywhere soon considering they just spent millions building their new plant. There bass boat sales may reduce in the future but like others have said their salt water line thrives.

To the OP, I run a CX20. Has it had minor issues, sure but what bass boat doesn't. I went with them because their fit and finish is bar none, the relationship with my dealer and Caymas is right down the road from me. It is a solid, big water boat. I would buy another.

[Landar]

They benefited initially from all the folks moving on from Triton. I have had three Caymas bass boats. They are good boats. Not very good looking boats though. I am now back to a Triton 20XP and it surpasses Caymas performance considerably with equivalent quality and ride.

[Lightning 6]

But ponder this. Every boat brand Earl has built prior to Caymas was sold and/or gone. My first true rig was a Javelin - gone. My current Stratos - gone. Triton is still around but the rumors have been swirling about them.

If they can’t bear them….buy them. Earl’s brands get bought out…..then he starts another one. Can’t blame him for decisions the new owners make (platinum equity or WRMG).

[tnoutdoors]

If you ever get the chance, go meet Earl Bentz in person. Visit the plant, have lunch with him—you won’t regret it. Earl is as genuine a gentleman as they come. Yes, he’s a wildly successful businessman, but more than that, he’s a true icon in the boating and bass fishing world.
I’m not affiliated with Caymas in any official way, but I did order a 1993 Stratos 201 Pro directly from the factory years ago. During the height of the COVID pandemic and the Caymas ramp-up, Earl personally took my call and we spoke for an hour or better—even though I was a complete stranger. That speaks volumers imo. We quickly found common ground, talking about our shared love for Tennessee hunting and fishing. Earl still lives in Tennessee, owns land for his outdoor hobbies, and while he travels the globe and interacts with some of the most influential people in the world, he still makes time for everyday folks. Just recently, I saw him at the Nashville Boat Show, staying late into the night, talking one-on-one with boat owners and potential buyers. His presence wasn’t just for show—he was truly engaged with everyone there.
As someone who grew up in Tennessee, where legendary brands like ProCraft, HydroSports, Triton, Stratos, and now Caymas were born, I’ve followed this industry closely. And I can confidently say that the legacy of those names is largely thanks to Earl Bentz. He’s the real deal—humble, approachable, and passionate about what he does.

[ThomasD]

How bad did the boat wrx debacle hurt their bass boat market?

That crushed them for a while, but buyers got some good deals.

[Javelin389]

If they can’t bear them….buy them. Earl’s brands get bought out…..then he starts another one. Can’t blame him for decisions the new owners make (platinum equity or WRMG).

Oh I don't blame him at all. He's a great businessman. And no question he knows how to build dam good boats. I'm just crying for being one of many Stratos owners with aging boats and practically zero replacement part availability.

[PatriotAW4]

The performance of the Caymas boats is pretty sad compared to what Earl used to build, I would look elsewhere. Basscat would be my top pick.

[mactlman]

The performance of the Caymas boats is pretty sad compared to what Earl used to build, I would look elsewhere. Basscat would be my top pick.

definitely not fast like the tritons and stratos/ javelins were for some reason

[wash-n-lures]

I could not disagree with this statement any more (performance wise). Have seen unmodified CX 20's running in the high 70's on GPS.

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[mactlman]

I could not disagree with this statement any more (performance wise). Have seen unmodified CX 20's running in the high 70's on GPS.

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videos I have seen show the boats at 68-70 and the 19 footers at 65 so maybe just the slower ones go the press?

[Landar]

I could not disagree with this statement any more (performance wise). Have seen unmodified CX 20's running in the high 70's on GPS.

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A very rare occurrence. They are fat slow boats.

[printman71]

But ponder this. Every boat brand Earl has built prior to Caymas was sold and/or gone. My first true rig was a Javelin - gone. My current Stratos - gone. Triton is still around but the rumors have been swirling about them.

Very true. I had one of the last "Earl" Tritons in 2005 and it was one of the best boats I ever owned. But it seems when the new wears off of a new venture, he sells and moves on.