I agree with Jason that the ChampioN owners were not buying newer boats. One of the reasons is they didn't need to. The boats were built to last. And they continue to still last today. In my opinion, and notice I said my OPINION, ChampioN made the best boat for over all handling, rough water, and quality. I hope this tradition continues under the Statos badge.
I don't totally disagree with you. But, from running a business standpoint, having to seperate the advertising dollars for everything from magazines and websites, to clothing lines really gets expensive. Streamlining it into one brand is the easiest and best choice. And the one with the most $ coming in won out.
It's still the same hull, dash, stripes, etc. Just a different sticker on the side. If that turns people off from buying it, well...I guess I just can't understand that.
Jason Phillips
If certain boat companies didnt require minimums boat purchased,do pro deals and staff deals and contingency monies, i wonder how boats sales would be distributed among the brands. In the end, todays market is what it is, no matter what sticker/emblem is on the boat,the buyer today has access to a wide range of boats so there no need to cry over spilled milk. All comes back to the same old issue, buy what you like its your money and who cares what others think, all boats/trailers have issues so there is no perfect boat just perfect weather to go fishin!!
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by 5bites »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">It's just to bad that they got it backwards. </td></tr></table>
5bites, how many Champions have you owned? What do you base this statement on? Something someone told you? Bottom line is Genmar, who owned Champion Boats was filing for bankruptcy for the brand, and a bunch of other brands too. PE bought the brand and instead of letting it go they merged it with Strats Boats. Reports are that all but the three remaining hull molds were destroyed. To say that Champion was "universally" known as a more elite boat shows that you are easily swayed by what you hear from a few. Champion owners are steadfastly devoted to their boats and are extremely vocal about it. But that doesn't mean it is a better boat. I went from a Stratos to a Champion and then back to a Stratos. My Champion was a fantastic boat, I loved it. But my Stratos is just as nice and takes the rough water as well if not better than my Champ.
Another bottom line is that there's no such thing as a new Champion boat any more!
I may have been born at night but not last night! I am not easily swayed one way or the other by hearsay on anything I buy. If you would have read I wouldn't have to repeat that I have never owned a champion. I know MANY that have. I have always liked them. My boss own a 98 and the thing still looks nearly new! I have rode in several and admired several. So are you saying in order to have a grasp on a good product you have to own it? I'm sure sig makes a nice pistol but I've never owned one. Same for kimber. Very nice guns! If hipoint buys them and calls them a hipoint elite I'd be disappointed. This should be clear enough for the most dedicated of fanboys to understand.
For the record I've owned a fisher, two tritons and now a stratos. I've had quite a bit of seat time in a basscat too. That's another boat that's in the elite top few manufactures. If stratos bought them and renamed them I'd think it was equally disgraceful. Maybe more!
Get in a 201 XL Evolution, you'll change your mind about everything you thought about Stratos quality not being as good. Plus it's faster, handles better, and takes rough water just as good as a Champion. Stratos has REALLY stepped up the boats they're building with the Evo.
I'm not saying Champion is a bad boat at all. They're great. But PE had to make the best business decision. Stratos sold better, and not by just a little either. PE could have scrapped the entire Champion line.
Those of you who know me, are aware that I am refraining from adding to this too strongly from one side or the other. What's done is done. If I could change it, I sure as hell would.
Stratos makes a fine rig. I would never bash them or any other brand, regardless of my loyalties.
In all these posts I have not seen the real reason for the slip of Champion in the sales figures. It was marketing. Pure and simple. In Mtn Home days, there were huge free tournaments (300+ boats) and 2 page ads in magazines. Management knew how to contact the public. There were also "Champions on the water" demos!!! That sold a bunch of folks who were unfamiliar. Me included!!!
In Genmar days, the marketing dollars were not forthcoming. There were influences in the management structure who did not want the competition.
This is why we are where we are. Boats are personal. What is my preference may not be yours.. Arguing about who and why and so forth is not productive. Get what you like...and stop speculating the whys of changes!!!
I hate what has happened. But all I can do is support the fact that there are 3 bass hulls still being produced in the Champion molds. (and 2 other models now being promoted as Ranger and Triton..even tho they are Champion molds)
Champion lives....regardless of the name on the decals...
So..y'all enjoy what you prefer. I'll do the same. There is a reason for more than one brand "out there!"....
[quote=DanCard]. handles better, and takes rough water just as good as a Champion. quote]
I would have to disagree sir but to each his own. Thanks Lea for adding about the marketing.
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