Ben Harris

The Intimidator was made in both 19'3" and 20' lengths. The 19'3" version will not ride with the 20 footers such as the 209, 2000, 2100 or 2200, but it will still be far better than most other boats of a similar length. Knowing the limitations of the boat you have is key to any rough water ride, as it is mainly about driver know how. However, that said, a Gambler is really hard to beat in rough water. Someone mentioned the Champion, and it is a very good rough water boat. It's design makes it great at knifing through rough water, although its not so good at getting on top and bridging the waves. A Gambler can be trimmed to do either one and do either one very well. It depends on trim. No other boat I have ever driven is nearly as responsive to trim. Any bump of the trim and the attitude of the boat changes. Whereas in most bassboats it takes a large travel in trim to effect the attitude of the vessel. Running a Gambler and being able to make it do all it is capable of is a somewhat steep learning curve. But once you become familar with how to do all it can do, there is literally nothing out there that can compare. The hulls are of double hull construction, in that they have an integral fiberglass liner that is complete from bow to stern and rub rail to rub rail. All of the cavity between this liner and the outer hull is filled with compressed foam for unparalled strength. Also a Gambler will maintain its weight for years to come unlike other brands. In ALL other brands of bass boats the foam is exposed to the elements. Foam is porus by nature and will over time absorb water. The typical 20 foot boat with exposed foam will gain some 200-300 pounds over a 5-6 year period. A Gambler will not, assuming some fool has not breached the inner liner with a screw or dropped a battery on top the liner in the rear compartment. When I fished tournaments I mainly focused on humps, ledges and dropoffs far from the protection from wind. And many times I ran as much as 100 miles each way to my favorite fishing hole. Getting there quickly and returning safely and smoothly in rough water with a livewell full of fish was very important to me. Gambler was the only boat in my minds eye, that met my requirements, and it remains so to this day. I have since retired from fishing tournaments as it became so dog eat dog that the enjoyment went away for me. Being the church going guy I am, the attitudes among the guys were in conflict with my faith and so I bowed out. If I were to get back into that business again it would be without a doubt only with Gambler and Mercury. They both treated me like a king for many years, and I have no complaints whatsoever. If you want more info on me personally, I now sing in a Southern Gospel Quartet known as Southern Sound Quartet. Our web site is with the same name, spelled as one big word and with the usual "com" on the end. I do not have any business ties with any brand, and in fact, I don't even own a bass boat any more. I was asked for my opinion, I would imagine because I am considered somewhat knowlegdable about Gamblers. Thank you for asking me to be a part. My info when asked for will always be as fair as honest as I am capable of being. There are many bassboats I respect a great deal. Some for their innovative approach and some for the dedication and quality the owners place in every product they produce. For instance I know Rick Pierce and Basscat fairly well and respect what they do. Bob Ackerbloom of Gambler and I have been close friends for many years. There is no one on Earth I would trust more than he indesigning a boat. He is the best I have ever known. Good fishing!