So I often browse the BPS catalog, dreaming of one day when I can own something like a Nitro. Really any boat would do. I see they hit around $50K for a Z-9. I saw the other day though a price tag for a Ranger someone I know is looking at.....it was over $100K!!!

 

So what makes that boat twice as much? That's a LOT of money. 

For some it's about the name

I think the 'Ranger' is part of it.....they are well made nice boats......but a way outta  my price range.

I own one. 13,500 out the garage of the man I stole it from. Brand new Gen 3 HDS 12 and 9. And Ranger isn't a name....it's the name in bass boats. I've never owned a boat that didn't have Wood or Champion's name to it. But I'd die of a heart attack if I spent 60,000 on a boat.

The differences are in the build quality, fit and finish, attention to detail, and construction material among other things. A lot of the price also comes from the additional options that are added onto the order. When you see a Nitro in the BPS catalog, it's a package boat. If you customize it and want additional features it's going to cost you. Even things like fiberglass fenders are an additional option on a Nitro but they come standard on a Ranger. Does that justify the price difference? To some it does to others it doesn't. 

It justifies. The boats lack in one area, and the local Bullet dealership will happily let you know. Ranger has never had the best gelcoat. They've been up there, but never top. You want the top of the line gelcoat in a bass boat, look no further than Bullet. My old man had one for 25+ years and, with a little care and knowledge, It looked like it rolled off the showroom floor when he sold it last year.

It is a name. Forrest Wood or Billy Joe down at the local lot? I know where my money is staying.

When we have to pay for the name, it's generally because the product made a name for itself (product before name).

Although a Ranger isn't fully hand-laid like a Bullet or Allison, it's a chopper gun hull that's hand-laid in high-stress areas.

In addition, Ranger claims to use 3/4 fiberglass and 1/4 resin, if that's true, the result is a stronger hull for the weight.

Although the price of a Ranger is high, based on consumer surveys, owner satisfaction is also high.

 

Roger

In reality, equipped evenly, the price difference is a lot closer than you think That $100k Ranger can probably be purchased for $70k and the Nitro close to $60k

When we have to pay for the name, it's generally because the product made a name for itself (product before name).

Although a Ranger isn't fully hand-laid like a Bullet or Allison, it's a chopper gun hull that's hand-laid in high-stress areas.

In addition, Ranger claims to use 3/4 fiberglass and 1/4 resin, if that's so, the result is a stronger hull for the weight.

Although the price of a Ranger is high, based on consumer surveys, owner satisfaction is also high.

Roger

Owner satisfaction is an understatement. I've never heard a Ranger owner complain about his boat unless the previous owner left it in horrible shape.