Post about product, development, the company and the sport evolving.

This started about deck plates, side accesses, wiring harnesses and developments, as technology changes abound today.

Going back 20 years ago, we started large in dash graphs in 2003 with the Cougar FTD model and graphs went GPS with Lcx 15 and then the Lcx 15c (c=color screen). That was followed by the Humminbird 997 Si and after that electronics upgrades became a flurry. Down Imaging came along and that eased into the market. It took a decade to bring boats up to where graphs were in the 2005 era imply due to molds and tooling costs. Let alone a financial recession that further slowed things in 2008-2010. Since then it’s been a revolution of technology as the economy rebounded and fishing changed as well.

Even the homes we live in have drastically changed and your three bedroom home may have been top level in 2010. Todays homes have eclipsed that level of opulence and created mega monstrosities that seem to be popping up everywhere. Which also creates an entirely different conversation of wants and needs, or haves and have nots.

Let’s look back some and going back to 2003. Ater GPS in that era became popular then charts and more mapping came along. Graphs, MinnKota Ultrex and Spot Lock Trolling Motors (2019) have totally change the aftermarket install landscape as everyone wants the newest and latest technology.

With the advent of Live Scope in 2020 model year, following PanOptix, the electronics game has totally changed in 4 or 5 short years. The race to the front had been feverish development of graphs, systems, mounts, motorized turrets and much more we haven’t seen yet.

It’s obvious we haven’t seen the end and product development and change will be here for some time. Thus needing improved accesses and even control boxes have become easily removable for access.

As this all develops, in 2000 era we had no need for larger access, improved harnesses and often we see comments that ask why didn’t we do this or that. People forget in the mid 1990’s cell phones were new technology and bag phones were the method. They don’t realize that Windows 95 (1995) was a revolutionary computer system (as with Apple) and the internet was not common until the mid 1990’s. iPhones were new in 2007 and after that the game ramped up in all technology aspects.

Todays 30’s and 40’ish aged anglers ware not aware of how technology advanced and the speed it is happening. Some don’t realize every phone was not a smart phone or touch screen. On our present Premium line we have stepped up big time in many areas. And we are continuing to review how we advance access, mounting and system usage beyond where we see it today. Many areas will have no need for access after the boat is new. And we don’t want to add future problems from poorly located panels, plates, and hinging areas, that may never be used by a consumer.

On Premium models today we have access plates in the bow and the control box comes free on a plate. Then the 6 gauge tinned and soldered harness is fine stranded wire, with the front and console terminal blocks it gives you “clean” power to both console and bow with no amperage drop. A Bronze buss bar and stud mounted terminals give you much better connection than any twist style, press in, or other connector. It’s hard mounted and has good contact.

As trolling motors advance, moving that further we moved trolling wire up to a 4 gauge soldered system and we continue to use the Battery Tender removable trolling motor plug, while others hard mount their trolling motor with crimp connectors. This is an area we would like to improve in the future, as those needs develop. For now this is the best system and the cost is considerable for both male and female parts. We don’t believe another manufacturer has yet stepped up to 4 gauge fine stranded tinned wire, let alone soldering those connections.

So yes, we are trying to best accommodate your needs today.

All of this post developed from a few comments on a 2014 model we saw, and as we exit 2023 model year soon, that’s over a ten year old boat now. Comparing the new 2023 Puma STS to a 2003 Cougar would be unfair. Yet old models are compared to new boats frequently, and five (5) companies we compete against today did not exist prior to the start of the 2007-2010 recession period. They had fresh canvas, and they have no challenges from the economy or track record.

It’s hard for people to remember the Yamaha SHO came about in 2010-11 and Mercury V8 models are only 5 years old. Developments will come and the pace is exhausting when you think about the speed things have changed our world lately. Who would have thought Tesla would spring to life 20 years ago. Just like the new Jaguar STS (2020)and Puma STS (2022) hulls, we will continue to develop that template and bring things to a new level that others haven’t.

We intend to keep being in front of it and making changes as needed. Plus, we will continue to bring you out of the box products as we have since our inception.

As for the original purpose of this post, We ask that you realize some use new products as a base line against ours. Their entire companies life cycle may be shorter than any one model. Life Time Warranty’s were started by a company just over 25 years ago, when it was new. Back then, to us, a life time meant the life of that company. They had no risk starting out and no demand, they had supply. Since then it that company has changed ownerships multiple times and still yet their path to the future remains to be seen. Insert any number of companies no longer in existence HERE ____________?

Thus the goal of our family’s transition to Correct Craft and it’s present format. The companies ownership should never change going forward and this company should outlast myself. The history, culture, and legacy, of products we created will remain to be cared about.

Sure, Things will eventually change here, as they always do. The intent from all involved here, and in Florida, is to continue building based on what our family started.

The younger crew here consists of Cody, Daylon, Jared, Barton, Jason, Adam, Evan, Kenny, Roy, Haden, Tony, Vince, Jackson, Joe, Scott, Nathan, Cole, Eric… and many more, all desiring to keep this company on track going forward. Yes, eventually this will be on their backs as Garry, Chuck, Jessie, Allan, Dorry, Mark, Gary, Donna, Diane, Steven, Pat, Kevin, Ed, and others… including myself… will move on in life as nothing is forever. <NOTE: I’m sure I missed someone> Most of these people are with us from that era starting in 1983 (1984 model) when the Pantera hull was developed.

With training and commitment from them we will continue to build the best bass and walleye boats, from the best materials we can afford to spec., and offering you the best customer service in this industry. We welcome all to come along with us.

Rick Pierce