I heard a rumor that WON may have lost their Ranger sponsor.

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:10 pm

Does anybody know if this is true or not??
Hutch..is it true?
If it is true then what are we fishing for at Tristates this year?? Cash or another brand of boat?? Do you have something else in the works boat wise for the championships? And what about the proams....? I think 1st place was 20 grand this past year...will that be the same or do you guys have a different boat deal in the works.. How about the US open and Western Classic?

I Heard it from a pretty reliable source but wanted to know if it was true or not??

Inquiring minds want to know...

Thanks in advance...

Pete

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 7:23 am

Great questions and I would also love to hear the answers.

In either case, I am all in for the North and South. I have nothing else to do with my weekends.

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:19 am

This can't be good! Wonder what happened? Even with the PAA's support this happened? This has been a shaky at best adventure for about 5 years from what I know, too bad if it's true.
Guy Williams

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:20 am

I don't usually get involved in rumors on this website......but, I can't help myself. IF WON and Ranger parted ways and IF WON had a new deal to announce, don't you think we should post it on our own website and publish it in our own paper first. After all, we are a publishing company. When AC announced Tom's promotion (congrats Tom), they did it on their website first.

Hutch will announce what there is to announce when it is time to announce it in the best way available.

Bill
Loyal WON Bass flunkie

Pred · Post by **Pred** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:29 am

If its true... I bet its Rangers Thanksgiving present to FLW.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 10:22 am

It's always sad when long term relationships end, but sometimes change is good in business. It gives others oppurtunities and the "Old Guard" a fresh start. Such is life. Won will be fine and so will Ranger. Rick G.

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 1:17 pm

Pete I think for Tri states there offering a night with ponting, free night stay at the tee pee hotel in rialto a 100 square feet of plastic,and endless bottle of baby oil.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 1:33 pm

hippie wrote:Pete I think for Tri states there offering a night with ponting, free night stay at the tee pee hotel in rialto a 100 square feet of plastic,and endless bottle of baby oil.

LMAO. Rick G.

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:28 pm

people asking questions and talking about something that will have an affect on them, on a PUBLIC forum makes you get your panties in a wad.
After all, we are paying customers and when we hear something that can affect something we are involved in, we are going to talk about it and ask for answers. And knowing that Hutch is frequently on this forum I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and ask him and ask everyone else if they had heard anything.

People have told me that they have known about this for three weeks and still nothing has been said officially by WON. And others have told me that they found out about it in the last week.
Regardless of when it came down, we (the paying customers) have the right to know if there are any changes in payouts for tournaments this coming year.
If you dont like seeing certain posts on a PUBLIC forum then maybe you should stay off the forum...because its our right to ask anything we want!!

Pete

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:47 pm

Have a nice day.

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:30 am

Pete,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. It would appear that after all the handshaking at the Bass A Thon, I picked up a bug that pretty well slammed me over the Thanksgiving weekend. I couldn't taste the turkey dinner I cooked, which iin hindsight, may have been a blessing since I am not the best cook in the world.

What you have heard is true and I did not make any attempt to hide or dodge the question during the 2 days I spent at the Bass-A-Thon. Ranger did indeed announce to us by e-mail on Thursday prior to the B.A.T. that they were not renewing thier deal with WON BASS for the coming season.

Frankly, I expected this about 3 years ago when they announced the Stren/FLW was coming west. Ranger was in fact competing against themselves by sponsoring WON BASS. Despite the partiing, our relationship with Ranger and Anglers Marine is fine and we'd like to thank Ranger for thier past support.

I personally think this is a mistake on thier part as they could have locked up the West Coast bass fishing market by developing a closer relationship with WON BASS, but they have decided to go thier own route. This simply opens FLW/Stren up to competition from a competing boat line, and potentially, more boats for our tournament competitors.

WON BASS does have some other boat lines in the works and will certainly make an announcement once we have things firmed up. We had hoped to do this by the B.A.T., but with only 1 day to react, we were unable to get things solidified.

Regarding the circuit, everthing will be fine. We will have boats and cash to give away at the TOC's and will announce the complete program once all the details are finalized.

Anyone who may have further questions is welcome to call me at Western Outdoors and I'll be happy to answer whatever questions I can at this time. (949) 366-0030 ext 29.

Bill Hutcheson
WON BASS

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:54 am

I'm glad you are feeling better after being sick over Thanksgiving...thats what you get for letting Brian Linehan kiss on you at the Bassathon.. Be happy it was just a cold or the flu...could have been much worse...If Ray L. would have gotten to you.

Thanks for clearing some stuff up with the boat deal. I'm confident things will be okay with WON Bass...I'm sure things will come together and you'll get things worked out for this coming year and we wont be fishing for a canoe, Kayak or an aluminum boat at the proams and championships.

Pete

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:06 pm

Actually Pete, we've got matching arm "swimmies" for each angler at the Tri States - you even get to pick if you want the Duckie or the Froggie color scheme....

All will be well and will be announced shortly so stay tuned...

Hutch
WON BASS

M. Warner · Post by **M. Warner** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:59 pm

great get Skeeter involved. Since I will be fishing the won bass circuit and I do own a skeeter.

Kbeever · Post by **Kbeever** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:14 pm

I still think Champion Boats are the predominant make at most of West Coast Venues, why not hit them up? I am sure Rick can help you on that.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:24 pm

Skeeter?

Pred · Post by **Pred** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:20 pm

Triton has a ton of money layin around. Its great the Ranger was so stupid. I am serious, I would not be surprised if FLW forced Rangers hand.

I'll find out if I can on that one.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:21 pm

Champion predominant... What are you fishing the champion boat owners events.
Ranger is the #1 on any circuits I fish.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:29 pm

I was going to say...... Champion predominant? Keith are you trying to punk me

Ranger is the dominant boat maker for numbers in turneys

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:32 pm

I know for a fact that Ranger and WON agreed to dissagree on the direction of WON and FLW had NO say in their decision. FLW has their upper level of pro events and Won is a great weekend tournament trail. Ranger knows the difference and appreciated WON's presence. The allmighty ad dollars are what keep the doors open at WON and they are looking for more of that. Just like WON has a plan to announce, I'm sure Ranger has their plan up their sleeves also. Should be an interesting offseason. Rick G.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:33 pm

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:39 pm

Skeeter and Triton are not possabilities because of poor retail sales in the west. That is fact, so dont get bent, WON has tried already. Champion is part of Genmar-FLW and does not have that kind of budget. Only leaves a couple of players. Keep thinking. Rick G.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:48 pm

I wonder who that is............................

Keith R · Post by **Keith R** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:52 pm

What about the newest boat company....I think it is called "Phoenix Boats"

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:05 pm

It will probably be Tracker?? Hopefully a Nitro and NOT an Aluminum Bass Tracker..lol..

That would be a joke!

Maybe BassCat....ohhhh...maybe its Legend...with all the hype everyone has been giving those boats...

I guess we will have to wait and see.

Pete

N.A.R · Post by **N.A.R** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:02 pm

Hey Rick is there any chance that we could see some sort of Weekend series here on the left coast? Some kind of a weekend circuit with a chance for a national event? Since BFL's are out of the question.

Kbeever · Post by **Kbeever** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:20 pm

I fish primarily DVL and San Diego lakes and the majority of the boats on the water are Champions.

Mr. Grover, what do you think? Not nationally, but locally, what boat is the most predominant.

As for all lakes, yes, Ranger is definitely the predominant boat as they offer the best incentives for the professional angler. I have fished north (Casitas and Castaic) and Ranger does dominate the boat race up their as well.

And no Lance, I wasn't trying to punk you, just hoping Champion would take over where Ranger left off. That way when I win the Havasu Tri-States I can go ahead and order my new boat.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:40 pm

In the Western Market Ranger has about a 45% share, so almost 1 out of every 2 bassboats sold is a Ranger. I would say that is pretty dominant. I would also venture a guess that anything WON can do to tie in with BPS advertising would be a good bet. Major deep pockets and always on the offensive. Champion is working its way back up slowly , but has a real small ad budget. As far as weekend tournaments, Im pretty sure WON is still going to do them and ABA also has some planned. Top Stick is also a great venue and will continue to grow. Rick G.

Pred · Post by **Pred** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 11:43 am

All I have to say is at least a Nitro z9 can reach the speeds they say.... There are a grand total of 2 guys that can get the speeds posted about a legend. I'll spot it a few MPH and say it will run 75-6 with some serious setupwork.
But No way is it breaking 80

i'd like to see nitro doing it. Personally I have nothing but good things to say about nitro. Of course everyone knows someone that knows of a guy that overheard something bad about Nitro.

As far as ranger goes. its got a 45% share here because of one thing. FLW! Thats it period dot. It may not ride better, faster dryer, but it dang well pays 2x if you win.

Just like a pontiac solstice would be the worlds greatest autocross car if Gm matched the payout for the winner.

M. Warner · Post by **M. Warner** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:31 pm

Nitros are nice boats, if you need to stay in a budget. Coming from lake erie i have seen alot of nitros get busted up pretty good, along with a few other brands. Personally I would NEVER own a nitro. If your out to get a cheap built boat at a good price, go buy a nitro. Just my .02. But I suppose any boat sponsor would be great.

Pred · Post by **Pred** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:04 pm

M. Warner wrote:Nitros are nice boats, if you need to stay in a budget. Coming from lake erie i have seen alot of nitros get busted up pretty good, along with a few other brands. Personally I would NEVER own a nitro. If your out to get a cheap built boat at a good price, go buy a nitro. Just my .02. But I suppose any boat sponsor would be great.

Do you think Driver has anything to with it? Theres 2 major reasons boats break...obviously there are more but follow me, 1. driver has NO clue what he is doing. 2. driver is so confident in his boat he takes it where he shouldnt.

Take the concept a Nitro is an entry level boat, that would mean entry level drivers. You can't pit a guy that drives an Allison Xr2002 against a guy in his first bass boat and expect the outcome to be the same.

I do know that the same guys that make some of the best glass walleye boats also make nitros.

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:20 pm

Do yourself a favor and buy a nitro especially on mead not a better boat for that place. NOT

M. Warner · Post by **M. Warner** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:53 pm

I dont think kevin vandam is an entry level driver, and of course he drives for nitro, I know his brother randy pretty well, and his dealership. I was just saying that nitros are not the best quality. I have friends back in michigan who have broken rangers, champs, stratos, and a skeeter. I also have friends that go out in lake erie in 4-5 foot rollers in rangers, yeah its scary, but you need to know how to drive, That has alot to do with it. I know a few people in nevada that are sponsored by nitro and I would never say that they were entry level drivers. Boats break all of them. I was just stating that they were cheaper boats. Look at the prices of them compared to a skeeter, ranger, champ, or even a stratos. Then test drive one in rough water, then lets see which one you will buy. I like to make it back with my co angler at the end of the day.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:42 pm

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:54 pm

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:02 pm

Vern · Post by **Vern** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:51 pm

I do not usually get in on boat bashing. I have owned all of the boats that you are bashing.
I have owned a Ranger, Legend and Nitro. I have fished out of all the Major brands and drove all of them to.
To the person that said that a Nitro was an entry level I think you better reconsider your statment. A 929 and the new Z9 are far from entry level . True Nitro makes more models than any other make and some of them are entry level.
I guess that since I now own a Nitro that makes me a entry level boater and Angler.
I have a great Ideal lets all get together with our boats set up a course, see who can run it the fastest, and the smoothest. And at the end then tell me who is the best angler is. After all a boat is a tool. If you think that you are better angler because you fish out of a certain boat make you not only wasted money on a boat but you are waisting money on tackle and entry fees.
If you want to know I own the best boat it is my striper boat. it is a 21 foot 1984 Sunset Center console it runs 45 miles per hour on flat water or 6 foot waves I stay dry it is on its third motor and has know stress cracks. Now top that Vern

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:34 am

I just want to say a couple thing's on this issue...

Our dealership is a whole 3/4 of a mile from one of the Largest volume Bass Pro Shops in the World (Dania/Ft. Lauderdale). I have probably 40% of their Nitro customers as customers for service.

I have to tell you guys Nitro is at the bottom by far. They have so many wiring, Rod locker and finish problems its almost not funny. Its fine by us becasue at $100hr for service, it's great.

The re-sale is so bad I don't even want to insult customers with trade value's.

Here's the latest example,

I guy came in with a 2006 901 cdx w/200 Opti, LCX-113 and a 101 Minn Kota (few extras).. He hated it so much he couldn't stand it, the boat was only 6 mos old w/21 hrs. He complained about a flexing deck broken straps/latches, guages, fuses and a wiring nightmare.

He paid 34,999 PLUS, PLUS and put 5K down, His total amount Fin was about 37,800. I pulled the book with sweat coming down my face and saw the dreaded $17,250 Trade value (NADA sept-dec).

We ended up making a deal that he is going to have to live with for awhile. But now he is very happy and a guy from Indiana bought his trade 901 for $22,999....

Ohhh,,, ALL BASS BOATS GET STRESS CRACKS AND THEIR is NO EXCEPTIONS...anyone in the indusrty will back me on that...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:58 am

Where exactly is it published that a Legend is an 80 mph boat?

I will be the first to tell you my 07 Alpha 199 with a standard Optimax 225 runs in the low 70's all out with a average to light load. Loaded up to the brim and 2 200 lb anglers its a 70 mph boat.

I think most Legend owners talk about its RIDE not its SPEED... but, it is plenty fast for most of us! Those of you who want FAST... I recommend Stroker, Allison, Bullet or a Bass Cat. Most of the other boats are all about the same speed. It all depends on the motor, prop and setup.

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:47 pm

Kody says he got 80 in his Alpha 211 w/ 250XS

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:17 pm

I could see that happening.. I just don't think its ever been printed that its an 80 mph boat. 74-80? Whats the difference.. With the price of gas I go 30!

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:23 pm

Anything over 65 is fast in my book. 75-80 is scary.

CN · Post by CN » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:08 pm

Vern wrote:I do not usually get in on boat bashing. I have owned all of the boats that you are bashing.
I have owned a Ranger, Legend and Nitro. I have fished out of all the Major brands and drove all of them to.
To the person that said that a Nitro was an entry level I think you better reconsider your statment. A 929 and the new Z9 are far from entry level . True Nitro makes more models than any other make and some of them are entry level.
I guess that since I now own a Nitro that makes me a entry level boater and Angler.
I have a great Ideal lets all get together with our boats set up a course, see who can run it the fastest, and the smoothest. And at the end then tell me who is the best angler is. After all a boat is a tool. If you think that you are better angler because you fish out of a certain boat make you not only wasted money on a boat but you are waisting money on tackle and entry fees.
If you want to know I own the best boat it is my striper boat. it is a 21 foot 1984 Sunset Center console it runs 45 miles per hour on flat water or 6 foot waves I stay dry it is on its third motor and has know stress cracks. Now top that Vern

Man I have a 26' Grady White I cant even think of running 45 in 6 foot wave's.

Of course in the Ocean your running up hill down hill or worse SIDEWAY'S.

But I would put her up against your's on similar water Vern.

Remember you said top that

Pred · Post by **Pred** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:45 pm

Bill Cook wrote:Kody says he got 80 in his Alpha 211 w/ 250XS

doesnt mean you will be getting that speed. And I HIGHLY question his claim.
A: He has a "special trophy"... RIIIIGHT
B: There havent been an advance in hull design to the point that a tournament loaded Legend is going to run with boats that are built for speed and weigh 500 pounds less.
Is there a chance he could have a ringer? SURE but do NOT for a minute think you are gonna run a boat 75+ in the double oil breakin... its the stupidest thing you can do to YOUR motor. I ran his slip numbers and he is getting a sick slip number, something like 5% or less depending on his rpm which is gonna be less than most due to the break in.

Talked to some guys that were trying to hit the numbers kody hit in his 21... they couldnt get within 5-6 mph of his numbers using his exact setup.
That being said I ran with and passed a Le-21 ( lighter boat than a 211) with a 225xs on 5 cylinders, Set up like he recommends.

Kody is trying to sell boats. Get a legend for all the reasons but speed, if thats the selling factor get a basscat.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:53 am

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:09 am

Ray L. wrote:*NM*

Dam ray you got if off to fast

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:59 am

Yeah Kirk I did.
I have decided not to play into Pearblossom's hand.....

Pred · Post by **Pred** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 11:00 am

Ray L. wrote:Yeah Kirk I did.
I have decided not to play into Pearblossom's hand.....

play into someones hand? BS, im gonna call someone out when they are full of it. I readily admit it COULD run 80. What IM saying is to preach it around like all 211's are gonna run that fast is not cool. Wasn't Kody preaching his le-21 was a 79+ mph boat and noone hasnt gotten close to that unless they had a 300 on it?There are plently of Legend owners out there that readily agree. I would say with a 250 you are looking at mid 70s with a tournament load. and 70+ aint nothing to complain about

Ray you really need to take your personal feelings and put them aside.

Honestly how would you feel if I sold you a car that I preached would run a 11 sec 1/4 mile and you couldnt get it close to 12? Not too happy i would think.
EDIT: I personally love legend boats. The owners are some of the nicest people in the world

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 11:46 am

Boy did this thing get set on another course.

Anybody fishing WON this year?

I am in for all six. Shasta here I come.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:04 pm

2006 LE-21 w/ 240HP Yamaha
77.3 @5850 RPM , 2 people, 20 galons of fuel, tourney load.
11M elevation, nice cool crisp spring morning, no wind.....

Pred wrote:
Ray L. wrote:Yeah Kirk I did.
I have decided not to play into Pearblossom's hand.....
play into someones hand? BS, im gonna call someone out when they are full of it. I readily admit it COULD run 80. What IM saying is to preach it around like all 211's are gonna run that fast is not cool. Wasn't Kody preaching his le-21 was a 79+ mph boat and noone hasnt gotten close to that unless they had a 300 on it?There are plently of Legend owners out there that readily agree. I would say with a 250 you are looking at mid 70s with a tournament load. and 70+ aint nothing to complain about

Ray you really need to take your personal feelings and put them aside.

Honestly how would you feel if I sold you a car that I preached would run a 11 sec 1/4 mile and you couldnt get it close to 12? Not too happy i would think.
EDIT: I personally love legend boats. The owners are some of the nicest people in the world

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