Present 2022 product knowledge – Stealth

We have three (3) new models releasing at the “Excellence In Action 2022” dealers meeting. Project Stealth is the internal code name for a new boat that is a fresh design on both hull and deck. This is not a spin off as it is a totally new hull in a Soft Touch series that began with the Jaguar. The Stealth project started in 2018 and progressed along with other developments. It will be released in July and production should start at that time. Plus we have more to follow it as we go forward.

We began yesterday to step through informing dealers of changes to models and tiers. We have model separation and we are making changes. As we go through early summer we intend to continue and inform dealers as products are secured. The CoVid issues, Import issues and overseas production environment has definitely slowed those firming up product changes.

Bassmaster has the first teaser for our new models release and some product’s will not be offered beyond 2022. The Puma FTD is ending life cycle on this body and we are retaining those molds in the dry for future possible use. There will be no Puma FTD SP Series promoted or sold in 2022. There also is no direct cross over replacement. The Phelix will end life cycle in 2022 as will the Margay. The Bobcat will fill that role and this is an older announcement which limited sales delayed its release.

For 2022 Premium and Advantage carpeting will be changed in color and the weights will be upgraded to a custom woven, BCB/YCB a only, 28 ounce carpeting. There are two (2) new greys, while True Mica Mist will continue to be 24 ounce off the shelf product. All of this is driven at the user experience. The cost increase is significant and the durability should improve. Yes, it will hold more water also.

On the Vision series we are not upgrading to 28 ounce carpeting and we are changing to a more affordable grade similar to carpeting offered by larger value competitors. Affordability is the key as carpeting prices increased 27% in one swoop this year.

Premium Series, Wave Crusher Seats will get a minor upgrade inside the foam structure, which also eliminated seat speakers. The largest experience is the Premium Series will have a new Sunbrella vinyl offering on the main untextured vinyls. We only suggest untextured vinyls and the feel of Sunbrella is very supple and improves durability. The cost of Sunbrella increases vinyl costs over 100%. There is a direct touch and feel difference also that translates to the user. We are not stepping backwards, though moving forward in improving components on the true upper tier product. There is a color change to some colors and Sunbrella products will be labeled.

We are separating the boat groups with these moves. The engines, electronics and trolling motors give us no separation between another brand. We have to keep bringing up our top end products further raising the bar. The leather from a Ferrari won’t fit with costs into an Impala or Malibu.  We are working at moving this bar in other areas more so in 2022.

On the Advantage and Vision Series, Model separation again exists as we shift and the present CMI vinyls and retain most of the color pallet. We will have some lesser color offering and those low use colors are being thinned. These boat series are not changing in present vinyl quality, just holding where they are.

Overall we have around 40 new items, models and product changes in some form of plan for 2022. It’s our 50th year in business and we wanted to move forward significantly. The supply chain is just starting to level off and we are striving to improve our staff position as well.

We have big plans for 2022 and they’ve only just started.

“Excellence In Action 2022” dealer meeting is July 19-21 and it’s going to be great! For those who can make it you will not want to miss this 2022 public release on July 21st.

BCB

Later items Dealer list added below:

1. Panel patterns for Bass Cat will be changing from the burnished Engine Turned pattern to a Damascus Steel pattern. Yar-Craft is fresh as it was updated to Engine Turn in 2020.

2. The independent Premium graph wiring harnesses will have 6 gauge to the bow now and both a rear and a front Terminal Block for improved connections and power. This is a 10 gauge to the front in 2021 and we are upgrading.

3. Removable Console hardware will be changing to a new system with a threaded aluminum nut and detents to prevent back off. The present Talon system will be exited other than replacement parts, which we should have.

4. FlowRite Remote Drains will be standard equipment on all Bass Cat Premium models. Yar-Craft is open to dealer opinion at this time, as rear access to the plug outside is much easier. While our customers want the SS drains, other competitive owners desire remote drains.

5. Advantage and Vision models will all begin use of the Stainless Steel screw in drains, vs. aluminum drain tubes.

6. Live Sonar installations will come with plastic clips for cable retention. These are custom parts for all Live Sonar and 360 applications. (Update: availability is short due to plastic board shortage)

7. RAM X brace and USB power ports will be added to starboard side panels on Premium models. The SP models will continue with X Brace phone holder.

8. And most are aware of our plans to move to Reflex PVC flooring as an option, similar to SeaDeck on Yar-Craft. That will be seen at the “Excellence In Action 2022” meeting.  Just wait until you see what we’ve done with it!

9. Yar-Craft 186 TFX models will be rotated Vision models and to the 16 ounce carpeting and have only one color choice for price configuration. The seat vinyl with remain the CMI style as it is now.

10. We will have hand brakes on all Bass Cat Premium Models and we will work to adopt this with Yar-Craft in the coming week. That requires our cooperation with TI/EZ Loader.

11. Friday we finalized a Premium model upgrade to Bass Cat trailers utilizing stainless steel braid brake lines, with a main rubber coated trunk line, and vinyl coated crossovers for the daisy chain loops. These are a high nickel steel end and a zinc coated part, which is extremely strong.

The Vision and Advantage Series will continue to be the Poly and bronze brake lines and the upgrade will be an *Option. The Yar-Craft trailers received a brake line upgrade almost two years ago and will remain.

12. Talos Lightening Detector, with indicator at the bow, are standard on Premium series models.

13. Jaguar models will come standard with 5” C Channel frames.

14. Aluminum billet grab handles will replace stainless steel on step glove boxes and other areas stainless was used on most Premium models.

Several more items are changing and since CoVid 19 is challenging our supply change those will extend in the 2022 season.