One consideration anyone that is in the market for a new bass boat needs to consider is; are new companies like Falcon and Caymas going to be able to stay in business through the current economic situation because if they don't make it you have no warranty.
I saw a motor fall off a brand new boat just after take off in a Redfish Cup in Port Aransas years ago. Right in the middle of the ship channel! The control cables and wiring harness were still holding on. The guy was going about 55, hit a boat wake, and it off she came! 150hp 4 stroke Yamaha turned into an anchor! It was a sight to see! Less than 2 week old boat. Factory did a great job on that install.... (cough) Ranger....
I’ve been doing a little digging and to replace just the cockpit flooring seadeck is several hundred dollars....which makes no sense to me, I don’t understand why somebody can’t come up with something down there that Velcro’s in or some similar removal attachments and make it where you can run for 6-12 months, spend $200 and get a new one, this just can’t be that expensive to make?
Only reason for me to buy a actual bass boat is to fish tournaments. Companies would have to build a boat like the ranger 522D for me to buy one. Ill stick with my Ranger 1880 for big water or buy a 620FS , warrior 2080 in the future. But at that rate i could afford a Lambo with the way bost prices are going.
Glad you are doing these. I also like the electronics videos. I added an on/off switch for my trolling motor. Didn’t realize a power surge could take the ultrex board out
Ken, I just want to say thank you for doing these videos. I know it’s a lot of work. And don’t own a boat, but just really enjoy looking and learning about them for now. Hopefully someday I’ll be able get one. Good luck to you, and thanks again.
Seen many many Vault hubs fail. Just had one fail on my new boat bought in july. Buddy bearings with grease are much much better. Little leak with oil and you WILL be on the side of the road. Grease can sling out for a long ways and you can always make it home for repairs.
I have a 2018 Falcon with the vault system. I had my blow out and was stuck on the side of the road. Have them check every other year. Would like to send you pictures.
You are doing wonderful work for all of us considering a boat purchase. I vote taking the time to complete a Predator review. Thanks Ken from a Great Lakes smallmouth angler in Michigan.
Two issues; you will never get 5 days out of that battery. Secondly you can put that livescope transducer on a trolling motor with the correct equipment along with the 360. The time it takes to put the second mount down is TOO MUCH.
And you still can control the direction of the transducer independent of which direction the troller is pointing. There is even one that is controlled remotely.
I would like to see the Predator. I’m currently in a 521L and the Predator is the boat that I am most interested in. Thank you for doing this series of videos!
I recommend doing some research on the vault hubs. I know nothing is perfect but from what I understand Bass Cat is no longer using them for good reason. I personally had catastrophic failure on a nearly new vault hub. I'm confident that my bearings have grease on them now that the vault system has been replaced.
Can’t wait until you have run through all of the potential boats, so I can decide to what I am upgrading. Did he comment on the 15 foot talons. I like the idea, but understand they are a nightmare to keep up, compared to power pole; and super heavy.
I sat in the first version's of the 195, 205, and 215 when they initially launched. Buck's Island is a fairly large dealer for Falcon in AL. I didn't like the driver's seating position at all in any of those three. Seems too small. And I'm just short and fat, not tall 🤣
Review on teh Predator would be great. Also interested in the rod lockers. I like the "gull wing" idea but concerned about the overall weight and the hinges. Can these be ordered with a traditional set-up?
Don't believe all you hear. The vault hubs been around 10 years and they are much better than the manual greasing setup. Basscat is changing to increase profits.
@@mikeharris130 Believe what you want but in March of 2015 Correct Craft bought Basscat and although Rick runs day to day operations he does not get to make the big financial calls anymore. Big companies don't care about being the best just the most profitable.
My trailer had that vault set up with the plastic caps and both of the caps actually broke off at the firat thread. Im assuming because they were over tightened from the factor, since replacing the caps ive had zero issues.
So why is the port side the standard side for mounting trolling motors maybe used to be for visibility from the helm but by the time you double stack double graphs on the starboard side your loading visi billity
Look like it going get a good review. This not a go fast boat, so i dont see that hurting scoring with you haha. Never been in a falcon they say it turns and corners great. This off subject boat brand question but im suprised you didnt do a bass cat 22' jajuar review. Was there a reason not testing one?
I’m interested in your comment about the Minn kota charger and AGM batteries. I have a Minn Kota digital 440, which doesn’t have a battery type selector switch, with all AGMs and I question if they actually get a full charge because I see around 12.6 Volts after taking them off charge.
Jacob I talked to Mike yesterday, he is trying to get the prop right on the boat, as soon as he says I can come drive it I'm on it, he's had it about 2 weeks and it is great looking!
@@KenSmithFishing that's what I was told, same hull different cap lay out on them. Predator maybe Lil different then it was just coming out. But all 20 foots had same hull 21 etc. That was a question I asked and dealer said yes just different top cap layout. Something to check I guess but to small of a company to be charging big Ranger and Bass Cat prices no resale, look at Charge, love their boats but just a Missouri area boat. At one time they were more popular but bad dealer net work, not enough of them.
