Additional details have emerged concerning Phoenix Boats. In short, the company will be headquartered in the former Bumble Bee plant in Tullahoma, Tenn. Phoenix acquired Bumble Bee's equipment and molds and leased its 50,000-square-foot factory after the company closed its doors earlier this year.
Former Stratos and Champion president Gary Clouse heads up the new company. "Phoenix will produce top-of-the-line bass boats with special attention to customer service," he said. "Our plan is simple: We'll build a company people trust because we design and manufacture high-quality boats that are offered at competitive prices without compromising customer service."
The first boats from Phoenix will be the Bee Line series, with eight models ranging from 15 to 21 feet. They're expected to reach market by Oct. 1. A company statement noted that the rigs will be built by many former Bumble Bee employees, and "will be priced for the entry-level angler." The largest, 21-foot model (equipped with a 225) is expected to retail for about $35,000. Also notable is that Phoenix will not assume Bumble Bee warrantees, but said it'll do what it can to help those owners and will welcome their calls.
In addition, the first all-original 18- to 21-foot Phoenix designs are expected to reach market by spring 2008, with two new models to be marketed every 9 months for the next 4 years. The primary goal is 18 individual models.
Clouse, who fished at the pro level in the 1980s, said of the company's goals: "We're going to design these boats for serious bass anglers. My experience goes back to using the product, and I'm constantly looking for new ideas to make our day on the water better. We'll be introducing innovations not seen before in the bass-boat industry.
"These won't be cookie-cutter, mass-produced boats," he added. "We'll be looking at all-around handling performance – how the boat runs in rough water, how easy it is to fish out of, how tackle systems are integrated, and many other things. The whole package is my definition of performance."
The Phoenix Boats website (PhoenixBassBoats.com) is currently under construction. For information, BassFans may call: (931) 455-2014.
Phoenix Boats Management Team
