Great Bass Boat Search of 2021 Winner Revealed

[@kevinkuehn6192]

.Although I am not in the market for a boat, I have really enjoyed watching this process. Thanks for a great series!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@kendalllunsford775]

Thank you for taking us through this ride with you.........and yes it was a fun tease at Flippin Arkansas..... but I knew you were not going back to a Ranger...... :) Enjoyed it all and learned a lot too..... Congratulations on your new purchase...... Im sure you are going to love it .....!!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Kendall!

[@jeffporter100]

I was 100 percent sure it was a basscat Lynx until you turned in to ranger factory. I then threw the remote and pounded the couch cushion and said “xxxx! He went back to ranger” welcome to the basscat family

[@KenSmithFishing]

psyche.....

[@rawblow4512]

Ranger = Stranger

[@rawblow4512]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoTTcpaDnd17itU

[@anthonyray773]

Welcome to the Bass Cat family. Just like you I did a lot of research looking for a bass boat. I visited just about ever boat facility to see how the operations went into making there boats. What intrigued me the most was Bass Cat. The people who worked on the boats answered all my questions. Then I met Mr. Piecre. He asked me if I liked what I saw. Where I was from and so forth. I thought that was nice of him to stop to talk. But what really stuck out is when he said, if you buy a boat and there is something on it you would like to have call us and we'll make it for you. Well that sold me. Besides the several JD awards.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I think he is in the factory Every day

[@Riverwarrior83]

Ken I have watched all you videos and I told myself "he'll end up in a PHX or a Lynx if he can get over the deck layout." My mind has been made up for a couple years now that Rick Pierce would get my money when I'm ready to let go of my 21HP. Congratulations from the hills of West Virginia on a phenomenal looking boat. I'll stay tuned and keep up the good work.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Adam thanks, and many you live in a beautiful part of the world.

[@thomaswood6570]

Welcome to the family, Ken! Really enjoyed this series and look forward to more on your new Bass Cat Lynx! Good luck and tight lines!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@timothywatts2482]

You made the right choice my man. I own a 2001 Bass cat pandera classic which I understand is nothing like a lynx. But the Build quality is unbelievable my boat is so clean. Every time I go to the launch everybody thinks that it's only five or six years old. They are solid as a rock and great resale value. I'm not a fan boy but I can honestly say I will never own anything but a basscat

[@KenSmithFishing]

thanks Timothy, first new boat I ever road in was a Pantera Classic, I remember being so blown away, especially at how fast it was (had a 150)....this is about 1987'ish

[@civilized5734]

You will be super happy with the Lynx...over the years any issue I have had with my BassCat whether it be a missing sticker, a new axle etc... i just pick up the phone and call them and they always take great care of me...they really treat you like family which is what its all about!...I cant wait to see your rigging videos! FYI those colors are bad azz my friend! Congrats

[@KenSmithFishing]

thanks Adam!

[@dannyhardy878]

Really like the Bass Cat. I fish the Fishers of Men trail and they’re our corporate sponsor. I going with a Blazer- I just ordered it last week. I live in Pensacola and have known the Craft family most of my life. Congratulations on your new Lynx- they’re awesome boats. FYI- my dad still owns the 3rd 19ft Blazer they ever built in 1984. Came with the latest Mercury- an XR4- 150......

[@KenSmithFishing]

I suspect you will be really happy with the Blazer, I was impressed with it

[@dannyhardy878]

@@KenSmithFishing - Thanks. I really enjoyed this serious- wish it could happen every year. You have a truly unbiased professional opinion. We need more “consumer reporting” on many products in our industry.

[@json2763]

That Ranger and Vexus "drive by" was funny......at first i was thinking the same as others, you were going back to R, then the V showed up.....hahaha.....dont have a BassCat but just the little you showed on the video, it was a great looking boat......looking forward to the next several videos!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

We got up pretty early that morning to make those drive by's, glad you enjoyed it

[@NytronX]

Congrats on the new boat. I was one of the commenters that continually requested that you reviewed the Lynx. I have my list for my used boat search narrowed down to the 21 PHX, Lynx, and Ranger Z520. If I was buying new, it'd be a Vexus VX 20 or 21.

[@KenSmithFishing]

All solid boats!

[@terrykrueger3156]

Congratulations Ken the Bass Cat family is the greatest.

[@KenSmithFishing]

The best

[@timroyall6513]

I think you made a great choice! Congratulations on your new Bass Cat! Rick Pierce is a great guy and I think you will be happy for a long time with Bass Cat boats! Really enjoyed following along through the process and thank you for sharing those videos. I have to confess I thought you would end up in a Caymas, but after your explanation I think you had some valid points. Can't wait to see the next few videos with you putting that kitty through it's paces. Enjoy your new boat!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks for tuning in1

[@leojeidy1143]

Congrats on the new cat. Nice teaser intro although you let it slip you weren't getting a vexus. It's been a great series of videos thanks for sharing the process.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Leo, hope you stick around for other content now that it's done

[@bobbifriedrich6130]

Glad you are in a BassCat Ken. Like I texted with you, they are great folks. Enjoy and welcome to the family!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Bobbi!

[@miketadlock4150]

Congratulations Ken. GREAT company, quality built and there is none better than Rick Pierce!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Couldn't agree more!

[@LT1BURNOUT]

Ken, been following your series on this since the beginning as I am in the market for a new boat as well. Loved the series and happy you went with a bass cat. I wish everyone who's in the market for a boat was fortunate and had the ability to test them out like you did before making a decision. So hard to spend $70k+ on something you can't even test drive without knowing someone who already has one...

[@KenSmithFishing]

My advice, don't by anything if you can't spend a day in it1

[@rman110]

You picked the absolute best boat manufacturer in the industry!

[@KenSmithFishing]

I got kinda an all around sweet setup this year!

[@jtrguitar6294]

I have a BassCat, and I am sure I am biased. This is the best series on youtube for boats. Glad to see BassCat made the cut.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I'll take the compliment either way!

[@johncasper5783]

Hi Ken, This was a great series. Now that you' ve had the Lynx for a while will you be posting an update commenting on the things you like and don't like about it?

[@KenSmithFishing]

John I have made several comments about it as I have fished out of it, but hoping to get into the Puma STS for a day in the next few months and I'll expand on that as I consider what my next boat will be

[@johncasper5783]

@@KenSmithFishing Fantastic! Looking forward to it.

[@thomasthesing7452]

Thank You for your research, after 18mths of research on my own I bought a 1880 Vexus. Im curious to what the main reasons you had for not choosing a Vexus? was it price? My final choices were Xpress and Vexus, but after seeing the difference in fit and finish and the quality of the hatches I choose Vexus and so far am happy with my decision.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thomas I tried to get in the boat in rough water and it seemed they didn't want me o

[@chasv8085]

Ken - Congrats on the new ride, very nice. Just joined BCB myself so far I really enjoy my Caracal. Looking forward to your next video!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Welcome aboard!

[@BSmith-qt7ev]

Sweet looking cat....but if ranger was still sponsoring people the way they did 5 years ago....I believe Ken would stay in a ranger...cool video series

[@KenSmithFishing]

Absolutely not the case, when I bought my 2018 I had the opportunity to go on the "team" but with one caveat, it had to be in a L boat. I talked to multiple buddies on the "team" and to a man they all were on the scale from dislike to hate of the L boats. I decided then to buy a C boat at retail rather than an L boat on a deal. Cliff at Texas Boat World who was a Ranger dealer at the time will confirm this. My decision to leave Ranger never had anything to do with any level of sponsorship, nor did my decision to go to Bass Cat.

[@Ace-sx2ij]

I know Phil will be proud. I used to have one of Phils old Champions and we got to talk about it a few times, at a few boats shows. Phil knew what he was talking about and if he switched to BCB then you can trust it is a great boat. Of course we all know it is. Congrats

[@KenSmithFishing]

I've enjoyed getting to know him better over the last few months, good dude

[@markdoriski8206]

I really enjoyed watching your videos on this process. Very informative! I just picked up my 4th Ranger but thought you did an excellent job of describing the pros and cons of each option. Looking forward to your next post! Keep up the good work!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Mark, did you buy the new R boat?

[@markdoriski8206]

@@KenSmithFishing Yes. I ordered a 521L. Picked it up a few weeks ago. So far so good. A few minor items on the boat but the dealership will correct so no real concerns. Ride is great and it's great to fish out of with lots of room! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@larrywatts3572]

Enjoyed the search...my retirement present to myself was a new bass boat as well and it came down to Phoenix 721 or Bass Cat Cougar...had to go with Phoenix simply for the deck layout...but I do love the Bass Cats too

[@KenSmithFishing]

Very cool!

[@JBRose]

Congrats on your choice! Wasn't where I thought you were going, but your process and reviews were the best and most thorough I've seen. Would be great to see you make more in the future.... just because.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yep, definitely!

[@mitchmccurley7267]

Congrats on BassCat. My son has had 2, 2002 and 2017 Cougars. Both great handling boats. Great quality. Looking forward to your New BassCat introduction to Ken Smith Fishing.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks! Will do!

[@secsyhippo]

my boat now I bought from my in laws down near hope Ark, I don't know if ill ever buy a different brand. its an 89 sabre and I love it even though its 6 years older than me lol, chine walks like nobodys business but with a 150 she'll run high 60's and smooth as butter when she doesnt want to dance. hope you love your Lynx Ken, hope to see you on ray rob

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Cody!

[@secsyhippo]

@@KenSmithFishing absolutely, thank you for the videos!

[@98red300]

Congratulations on the new boat!!!! I will miss the boat search videos for sure. My top 2 are Phoenix and Bass Cat. I'm leaning towards Phoenix but still undecided. Thank You for all the Great content.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

[@anklespanker]

Great decision, Ken! Out of all the major brands, BC is my personal favorite.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Justin

[@WillStorey_]

Congrats! I knew it'd be the BassCat. I died laughing when you turned around at the Ranger plant

[@billyparker8903]

I didn't laugh.... I thought he'd lost his mind.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I got a little lost....

[@stevelegg955]

Awesome, beautiful boat!!!! Congratulations on joining the BassCat family!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks!!

[@BasswipeNC]

I've never driven a Bass Cat and I don't remember if I have ever fished out of one. However, they are on the top of my list of bassboats to buy. I know they are well built and great and have customer service. I have been bass fishing for about 30 years and Bass Cat has always been on the top tier of bassboats. I'm a Bullet guy and just ordered my 4th Bullet. My wife asked me yesterday if I couldn't have a Bullet what would I get and I told her probably a Bass Cat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Your a go fast guy!!!

[@midgebarker4022]

Blazer & Bass Cat are my top 2 in quality & price. Either one of those you can't miss on.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Agreed

[@ronswinford4952]

Congrats on the new boat Ken. I had watched all the videos and in my head I thought you would pick between the BassCat and the Phoenix, the Blazer surprised me.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Surprised me too.

[@stevemolina8801]

Any time I was in the market for a new boat I was always willing to look around and in 2011 I bought a Bass Cat Pantera II, It was a great boat. I really think your boat search videos are really great and you spent a lot of time on the little things. Again earlier this year I was looking for another boat and again nothing grabbed me, there was nothing out there in the 19 foot range that I thought brought something new to the table so yet again there is a 21 Bass Cat Pantera II behind my truck.

[@KenSmithFishing]

What steered you to the Pantera?

[@stevemolina8801]

@@KenSmithFishing I live in Southern California and our local lakes are not very big, I do fish Big water about 5-6 times a year and the Calif Delta. With a 200 two people and tourney rigged I can do 71/72 just me 75. I can keep up with 20 footers and pass many. (I dont use poles). A big reason is my garage is a California standard 2 car garage at 22' long. At 19'1" and the new 4 stroke it just fits straight in! I also have motorcycles so angling a boat wasn't in the cards. I fish team and some Pro/Am tournaments and the boat never failed me. I can shove way too much stuff in this hull.

[@bobbywalker4685]

Great videos, I was thinking Skeeter had it wrapped up for you lol. What’s your opinion on both boats in ruff water. How is the ride? I’ve run skeeter from day one never been in a bass cat.

[@MrRattnroll8191]

Congrats on your new Bass Cat!! That was my pick. It’s gotta be one the sharpest boats I’ve ever seen!! Can’t wait to see it in the water and the 70+ mph run. Keep those vids coming! Good stuff!

[@KenSmithFishing]

it will roll....

[@rex2837]

Lol great vid, I was 100% sure you were going with the Lynx, But you teased it perfectly. I thought: after all of that, he’s going back to Ranger! Lol. Anyway, You chose well and your color choices look awesome. Basscat boats just look fast. Congrats.

[@KenSmithFishing]

thanks, was a little worried I'd tick some people off with the tease, but everybody took it as the fun it was

[@dmoneyakathatguy]

Watched a lot of these videos and it helped me to pick my new boat!. Waited about 3 months and just picked up my caymas cx 18s last Saturday! I had a budget to stay in and opted to put more money into electronics rather than going bigger. I would have loved to have it all but like you said it gets expensive quick! Thanks for all your time spent on this series and I'm glad you finally found what you were looking for!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Dante, more or less than $10k in electronics?

[@dmoneyakathatguy]

@@KenSmithFishing spent 8k for the Lowrance ghost and 12 and 9 inch hds lives.

[@jackstein5486]

Congratulations on your purchase. Thanks for all the reviews. I was a marshall for Brandon Card's Lynx in the first year it was introduced. It fished and road great but I felt like I was in the bottom of a boat as it seemed super deep. In any case, enjoy it and thank you again for all the time and effort that you put into this boat search. I found it super interesting and informative.

[@KenSmithFishing]

You do sit deep in it

[@ScruffyCityFishing]

I’m not officially in the market for a boat yet. I’m not even sure if I’ll go glass, aluminum, bay boat, or bass boat. But, your videos have made me really think more about what I would like in a boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Lots of big and little things to consider, hope I added to your list of things to think about!

[@simondoran6979]

Ken, Congratulations on your Bass Cat Lynx! I enjoyed every review and rating video, learning a lot about boats as I watched them all. Your method for identifying the boats with the best value for you was easy to follow and well applied across all the boats in your search. Thank you for sharing your new boat search journey, Have a great day!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Simon, thanks that was incredibly cool of you to say!

[@Irishmule169]

Great choice Ken…! Love my Cat and welcome to the family !! Lay it up in the air and feel the rush !!

[@KenSmithFishing]

That's the plan!

[@rickpurcell4920]

Ken, welcome to the BCB family. It’s a great family to be part of. I have two, my very first bass boat a 1995 Pantera and a 2018 Cougar.

[@KenSmithFishing]

What do you do the the ‘95?

[@rickpurcell4920]

@@KenSmithFishing, I keep saying I’m going to sell it, but it was my first fiberglass bassboat, ordered it and have a lot of great memories fishing out of that boat. I’m afraid the sentimental side of me may take over and it ends up staying around. Last summer I bought the 2018 Cougar from a very anxious seller, a near new boat well rigged and with very few hours.

[@basscat2007]

Welcome to the Basscat family Ken........ I have been a family member for over 20 years.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks!

[@stu1058]

Been looking forward to this one, Ken. Been watching these since the Puma Hybrid.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks for staying tuned in

[@mikekeller8660]

From what you kept describing as what your needs were in a boat, I knew the Lynx would be the perfect choice. I've owned 2 Bass Cats in the past and currently own a Ranger. My next, and probably last, boat will be a Bass Cat. GUARANTEED.

[@KenSmithFishing]

You not happy with the Ranger?

[@mikekeller8660]

@@KenSmithFishing Ken, I bought my 518 back in 2002. Previously owned a 1990 and 1995 Panteras. Only reason I left Bass Cat was because at the time, they didn't have half the storage they do now or my Ranger. Have had no problems with this Ranger at all. But, does not have near the speed or rough water ride I had with Bass Cat. Now that Bass Cat has the storage, my next boat will be Bass Cat, GUARANTEED! You will never be satisfied with any other boat after owning a Bass Cat.

[@mattclaypool-sw1wc]

I thought basscat’s contingency money program was far inferior to skeeter Ranger and Phoenix. You gave basscat high marks for contigency money. Can u explain ? Thanks !!! Great job on the search !

[@KenSmithFishing]

Matt it’s basically the same $$ level for same tournaments, and it’s no cost

[@J_Staub]

Congratulations on a beautiful boat and thanks for taking us along on this journey with you. Interested to see what prop you go with!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Me too, looking forward to trying several

[@59BigWalt]

Congrats Ken! There's nothing wrong with being tight with your change man. Because the way you look at Hollis, says it all. Enjoy it Ken and thank you. You help a lot. U 2 Jerry, thanks.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Big Walt, I got a lot of college to pay for in my 70's....

[@59BigWalt]

@@KenSmithFishing Just paid my loans off last year

[@scottlrussell3606]

Great choice!!! I purchased a Skeeter in Dec 2020 but the Basscat has always been one of my favorite boats. For me the ZXR21 fit in my budget and needs a bit better. You will enjoy that boat and there are as close to bullet proof as any boat on the market can be.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Sott, that ZXR I reviewed was a really pretty boat.

[@CMDAVISs]

Did you try the 203 hybrid yet? Old champion hull supposedly. I just miss champion 😪

[@easonterra]

Heck yea Ken! Running this Cat 20 years. You couldn’t get a better boat. As you mentioned, Bass Cat is the only one that “all” Fiberglass Repair shops put high on best boats on market.

[@KenSmithFishing]

You got that right!

[@CB4basser1]

Been in the BC Family since 2005 in an area of the U.S. that had very few. Now more people aren finally waking up, glad to see you went with the Lynx. Enjoy a boat that can do everything, especially look like new still in 10 years if you take care of it.

[@KenSmithFishing]

thanks Chris

[@Kdavis8377]

No one can convince me there’s a better built bass boat on the planet than my Ballistic .204 but if I didn’t have a Ballistic, Basscat would be the boat in my garage. There’s something special about family owned business building bass boats that give you things companies like Ranger, Nitro, Triton and the whole White River Marine group can’t give and that’s attention to detail, a caring attitude toward you and your boat. Enjoy that new boat Ken, she’s a beauty and will serve you well

[@KenSmithFishing]

and the ability to get somebody on the phone to help you, try to get a Ranger part right now....

[@Kdavis8377]

@@KenSmithFishing exactly. Thats why I can’t believe companies like Ranger, Skeeter, Triton, etc can get away with selling their boats for 80-90k. . Ok so mine and your boats probably cost close to that but our boats are hand laid with attention to detail from the owner all the way down. These other boat companies are rolling blown in chopped fiberglass down the assembly line, boats going to dealers with screws that aren’t tightened and all kind of other issues and then you have zero chance of speaking to anyone important on the phone about your boat. No thanks.

[@chadsweitzer325]

I found this channel after I decided on a Lynx, this just confirms my decision! Such a great series! Thank you

[@KenSmithFishing]

Welcome aboard!

[@timbury9167]

Though you were going to go with a phoenix, but can't blame you for choosing bass cat. Both are top quality boats. I went with a phoenix 920 elite. Enjoy your new boat. It was a great series.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Tim, that elite boat is really nice as well, don't think you could go wrong with either.

[@billypowers52]

Great choice. Makes me even more confident in my decision. I am due to get my Lynx in July. Can’t wait !!

[@KenSmithFishing]

You going to tour the factory?

[@billypowers52]

I would love to, do they let you know when they start on your boat ? That would be cool, go watch them do some of the work

[@rainysunday6186]

Wow, what road you driving down? That is some great scenery. How can anyone, nowadays, with a phone be lost.

[@davidkay92]

i agree with you on the phoenix comment. they are just every where. i think if ever get rid of my zxr it will either be for an fxr or a vexus

[@KenSmithFishing]

I think it’s a really solid boat and good looking, which is why there are so many!

[@dannyhardy878]

I’m a little confused because Blazer has a contingency program- it’s called Blazer Bonus Bucks. Its on their website. It’s actually better than the one I had at Skeeter- you get more for your registration fee- jersey, shirt, hat, decal, etc... I was wondering where you got that information - since I’m having one built.......

[@KenSmithFishing]

Danny sorry you are correct, i went back and updated that in the notes on the review, it just didn't score as well as a few others.

[@Barteraddy]

Congrats Ken....BC does have some very custom features, and a really solid construction method.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes it does!

[@jakehorton1410]

Great vid ken. I was looking for a used lyinx in 2018 had i found one i would of never been in a nitro. Keep us up to date on that rig.

[@KenSmithFishing]

you still in the 18?

[@RenfrowBirchfield]

I really liked your reviews. I live in NWA and will be looking for a boat in 4 more years to buy. Looking at spending 50k cash as a retirement present for myself not sure if I should go new Nitro or used Basscat. Thoughts?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jason, just my opinion but you asked, I think the Bass Cat will outlast the Nitro by a significant margin

[@stanwhite9148]

Ken, thanks for doing this series. I am sure many fishermen will use this to help make an informed decision. Also thanks to all the people who loaned you their time and boat for a day or two which made this resource possible. I am sure you are going to enjoy the Bass Cat. Tight Lines, Stan

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Stan, still kinda stunned how many people watched the series.

[@donfousek379]

Congrats on the Basscat . I am so happy you got the best boat that you like. I have been in a few of them and they ride nice. I did like watching the process. It was very eye opening. I still love my boat. Would buy a new one if I was in the market. Enjoy your Lynx!!!!!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@stringoverbet2790]

Where is Vexus part 3 (or what was their score, or reason you went the other way at their shiny sign)?? I am looking at a dvx22 and have been waiting on your review for them. Was hoping you were headed there when you went to Flippin. I fish in cold weather from March-Dec up north, so I like full glass windshields. I drive a lund 208GL and am curious about Vexus...

[@KenSmithFishing]

String I was never....how to say this, I tried to get the 21 out, multiple calls, it was never available.

[@darryldavenport1158]

Awesome boat Ken. Hope to see ya on the lake one day. Or maybe the Dairy Mart...

[@KenSmithFishing]

Man that's crazy good food over there!

[@ezed3354]

OMG, I was right. I love your colors. Thanks for taking us along on this journey. I really do appreciate it

[@KenSmithFishing]

You are so welcome

[@cherokeelaketennessee7895]

That's a great looking boat!! I'm glad you got the low profile tires, don't like the huge tires the normally put on. Enjoy!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@loucarter6291]

Congratulations sir and good choice. I run a Phoenix but would have no qualms about switching to BCB.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Phoenix was in my top 3!

[@pastorbillyedgar4986]

Welcome to Arkansas You surprised me but I think good choice if I had the dough from your video and my preference it would be the Basscat or the Phenix Lots of older Basscats here in the area tells me thy will take a licken and keep on ticken Be blessed thanks for all the info it will help me when I upgrade

[@KenSmithFishing]

both good choices

[@norrisrevis8932]

Congratulations on your new Bass Cat Lynx. Did you save money on freight by picking up the boat yourself ? Thanks for the videos Norris.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Norris I assume I did since anytime I’ve bought a boat there has been freight and on this one there wasn’t. I didn’t ask so sure enough not asking now!!!

[@jerrellbrewer9077]

Okay brother Ken I feel like we are family as much as I have engaged in your videos. I want to make it a point to meet u. Now I have to say congrats on your new boat. I have owned 4 bass boats an 2 aluminum boats but I can see and hear you made the right choice in your voice and tone. Bass cat is a great builder and yes they treat u like family. And it’s fast. So no not going to pull up on u in my skeeter!On a different note you are a dangerous guy. Stopping to have Mexican on a road trip! Toilet disaster awaiting. Haha congrats again and blessings can’t wait to see your full setup and how it performs

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jerrell I have the stomach of a Viking...well except I can't handle Indian food!

[@alanmcnally7268]

Good Journey Ken and congrats . Tough decision for sure. Would like u to report on boat as u run up the hours; like prop sizing, the first 30 hrs what goes wrong and have to get fixed, does the cover fit properly , etc. You het the idea

[@KenSmithFishing]

Alan I made this comment somewhere else as well, I'm going to do an initial walk through of the boat this week, then when I have some hours in it a second one with the good and the bad

[@SeanClark-um9sl]

Would love to know the reasons you decided not to go with the Vexus?

[@KenSmithFishing]

I don't like the way the boat looks, that was the main thing. I'd like to have tested it in rough water to see the ride, but I just didn't like the look of the boat.

[@larrycooper8424]

are you going to do a review on the Nitro z21

[@KenSmithFishing]

I'd still like to, I'll try to get in one in January

[@larryknoob9798]

Great pic my first bass cat was in 1975 I hope you will love your,s

[@KenSmithFishing]

I hope so too!

[@toddgregory5850]

Congratulations. Loved the effort and time you put into making the videos. You answered several questions I had on several boats. Thank you and good luck with the new Boat!!!!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Todd

[@jameys18]

Man that turn around at Ranger was smooth cold😂😂😂

[@KenSmithFishing]

All in good fun!

[@shiggityswa]

Man..... I was excited to see how the vexus scored. The vexus, basscat and Phoenix are my top 3.

[@KenSmithFishing]

All really solid options I think

[@shiggityswa]

@@KenSmithFishing your videos are selling me on basscats. I won’t be making a jump to a new boat until 2023 and ultimately it will be between phoniex and basscat with contingency program playing the biggest factor.

[@mikeh9744]

Congrats Ken! Great series. Thanks for taking us on the journey.

[@KenSmithFishing]

My pleasure!

[@lorithane2006]

I have a 1992 saber , still using, tuffer than than you can imagine 🤠🤠

[@KenSmithFishing]

I just saw one of those boats, amazingly big front deck for a boat that sized! If you ever decide to sell that boat let me know please

[@rdaniel3451]

Congratulations on your choice, outstanding process and well done sticking with your process to the end!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@jeremyshepard7833]

Welcome to the family. Love my basscat! Great decision

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Jeremy

[@Kylewatchesstuff]

Congrats on the boat! You have helped me, in what to look for and with my likes and dislikes about certain things, thanks for doing this. When the time comes I will be in a Caracal.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Glad to help

[@kevinstiff8681]

Ken congratulations on the bass cat fantastic boats. My best friend and I have been fishing Lake Fork since it opened for the last 15 years he’s had bass cats and I always go home with a smile because of the performance of the boat even in rough water. I’m disappointed that the new owner of gambler did not have a boat prepared I think that would have been in your top three I believe it’s also a fantastic boat a fast boat with some weight to it And you don’t hear that hull slap going across the water like you do some of the other faster boats. i’ve caught a lot of fish out of fork and some of the other lakes out of my friends bass cat Hell we’ve even shot ducks on Pat Mays out of that white and red monster one of the funnest days I’ve ever had. Again congratulations you have a go fast boat but also very stable your grandmother could drive it at speed. Hope to see you out on the water someday with your new boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

When they are ready we will take it out!

[@nedstewart5523]

CONGRADULATIONS!!! That is a beautiful boat!! ENJOY!! Looks like that stimulus check really came through . lol.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Damn it Ned we didn't get one!

[@adamcartwright9966]

Have really enjoyed this series Ken, thank you for sharing your process with us. I am going to be replacing my 2010 Puma next year and my short list is the lynx and the 921 elite from Phoenix. It's not hard for me to see why you picked the Lynx, however I would really like to hear you expand on why you choose it over the Phoenix. Or at least why you decided to not even price it. Again thank you.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Adam in my part of the world there are just so many Phoenix's and neither of the Phoenix's I tested would run over 70. I also thought the Cat just felt more solid to me. I can tell you from fishing in Dicky's boat and Terry's boat I'd have no problem fishing out of either of them, I was just more excited by the Bass Cat.

[@Macdaddy8124U]

HELL YEA MAN ......IM SO GLAD YOU GAVE RANGER UP

[@KenSmithFishing]

some little part of me is still sad about what has happened to that brand

[@scottsilver5409]

I can't believe you did not follow through on your vexus testing. We have several of those up on Lake Ontario and there is no comparison in rough water performance between a vx21 vexus and a 20 or 21 foot bass cat. Maybe what's most important to you is a couple more miles an hour in speed?? If so the bass cat would probably be slightly faster but definitely sacrifices rough water performance.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I tried, on multiple occasions. After about 7-8 attempts with no cooperation from them I decided they didn’t want me in the boat in big water

[@rex2837]

Back in the day, when I bought my first Ranger, it was an older used boat. BUT, it was a RANGER. Just owning one gave a sense of pride and confidence in the product. Rangers positive brand image was based from years and years of positive reviews. Those feelings are the “it” factor you were alluding to. In today’s market, while there are some great newer boat mfgrs, only Basscat fits the criteria for the “it” factor.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Rex I think there are a few left, but just a few

[@jaypruss3236]

Best of luck with your new boat. Enjoyed the journey from the first video to now, not to mention Bass Cat is an awesome boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Jay!

[@ColtFunderburg]

Great video series Ken! I really enjoyed it. You had me fooled getting "lost" in Flippin... I bought a Vexus right before this series came out. I almost went with a Bass Cat. Cool decision to go with an Arkansas company. Woo Pig!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Go Hogs Colt!!!

[@kwd1253]

Congratulations ken on the new boat, glad you found the boat maker that you’re happy be part of. I know I put all my boat picks if I ever won the power ball or mega million lol. But in reality I been looking hard for my next boat for little over a year now. Bass cat, blazer, Phoenix are the 3 I keep going back looking at. I been in just about every bass cat, Phoenix. Been in a blazer 625 just not the 650 yet. Maybe by end of the year I make my mind up 😂. Looking forward to your new videos in that beauty.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Kyle I suspect you'd be happy in any one of those three, all great boats

[@DavidMccallister65]

How did you not go Caymas!??

[@KenSmithFishing]

I talked about it in this video, just never was a fan of Bentz built boats, if I didn't like Stratos, Triton, or Javelin, and he built and left all those companies, nothing about that makes me want his newest offering.

[@rogermilholland5445]

Loved the Boat Search series.. When it started I said to myself this is going to end in a Basscat or a Phoenix. Glad you got what you were looking for.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Good call Roger!

[@doycesmith3627]

Congratulations on your new boat...now get to putting out some Rayburn Reports...lol...congrats and enjoy

[@KenSmithFishing]

Man I can’t wait, but Toledo first for Bass Champs!