#110Today, 08:18 AM
I’ve seen all sorts of comments and all sorts of opinion opposing the direction of a typical floor plan, and we don’t need another 20’-21’ offering.
On the need for a 21’ offering: All we have to do is place a triangle nose piece and extend the bow more pointed by 4”-5”, and it’s a true 21’ boat. Being over 20’6” (20’ 7”) it classifies as a 21’ model. The Puma STS body, at the forward bow, is massive compared to many boats, and it’s a full 96” at rear. We notch the hull for fender clearance. A simple change to the nose would make it longer by the same configuration of you placing your thumbs and forefingers together in a triangle. It would add no benefit to fishing, requires more garage clearance, takes the trolling motor forward and alters the recess position while casting, and it changes the dynamics of how the boat fishes for many. It would give those wanting a 21’ an ability to say it’s 21 foot long, and nothing more. The running surface and bow area likely would not change. It reaches out no more, it’s just a moniker and that’s what many do.
For those wanting a 19’ Pantera modification, no matter the preference and opinion. We do know the Pantera Classic was targeted where many want more, we also know the Pantera II in the Classic style bow would fit some,with more fuel. The Pantera Classic is throttled in price by the design, if we change its build and design, the price tag eliminates ability to be affordable. Everyone is loading equipment today. We suggest you consider the Eyra hull and that price segment, SP Series or other, and even drop the engine to a 200. Of course that ego situation does limit people doing that today. People simply don’t want to own a boat under an accepted 250 HP on larger boats.
We have always been a niche company, catering to about 20% of the bass boat market. As the market has changed, compressed, and had attrition of builders, that 20% is shrunk. Intentionally I planned, for about 30 years, for the business to slide back to our model. Thus when we received the last 5 consecutive JD Power awards, we didn’t over expand production 20 years ago. The expansion in 2019 was limited and necessary as the boats, and adding slight growth in walleye boats (Yar-Craft), required more space. And the market has rotated back to us somewhat. Today we need to reach out to a more traditional demographic, as the market continues to rotate towards our template of production. And people seem to want quality today.
While the Lynx (project: Predator) has the more traditional storage of similarity to other brands, it’s for an appeal to those that are not Bass Cat owners and those Tour anglers that simply can’t use a dip net. Big boxes make sense to those that have all 3700 storage systems, not those that have varied tackle organization box sizes, like me for example. I have literally 7 different storage styles not including my plastics.
Thus the new Lynx STS is on the proven Puma STS hull, that same top cap styling the original Lynx started, the new splash-well that is absolutely proven in strength, and a few tweaks to cleats, front deck layout and seats for 2026 so to come.
Take your pick, and we know the 19’ could use a redesign. We also know how many fiberglass 19’ models all brands are registering, and the 18’ market is literally crushed. We do think there is room for a 19’ model that reaches between 18’ and 20’ with a little different setup.
Rick