Welcome to Uncharted Perspective, with me, Cody Blair, President of the world-class brands Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats. This is a place where I get to share my thoughts, experiences, and insights with you. A blog where I’ll discuss industry trends, personal reflections, and the moments that make life and work meaningful.
It’s hard to believe we’re already seven weeks into 2025. As always, the new year kicked off with a whirlwind of activity—boat shows, open houses, and all the normal hustle that comes with this season. But this year feels different. There’s a renewed sense of optimism in the air, a shift in momentum that’s hard to ignore. People seem ready to buy boats again. We call this positive consumer sentiment, and we’re hearing it not just from potential boat buyers but also from our dealers and marine suppliers.
That said, optimism alone doesn’t drive sales. While the energy in the industry feels good, the latest registration data still shows a market in decline. It will still be a little before we see January’s numbers, but we’re hoping the data starts to align with the enthusiasm we are all witnessing.
The pandemic boom in outdoor recreation is now long behind us, and we’ve been in the season of hard-earned sales where every sale is a meaningful, fought-for prize. Manufacturers and dealers alike must work harder than ever to generate leads and nurture them into boat purchases. The industry has shifted back to a traditional sales environment, where relationships, persistence, and value-driven conversations make all the difference.
To those of you debating whether now is the right time to buy a boat, my advice is simple: do it. There may never be a better opportunity than right now. Once the current inventory moves, so does the chance to secure an incredible deal on a world-class boat. But beyond the purchase itself, boating is about something far greater—it’s about the experiences, the adventures, and the memories that will last a lifetime. When we look back on our lives, we won’t regret the money spent on making memories with our loved ones. We will regret the opportunities we let pass us by. Some of the best times you’ll ever have will be out on the water—fishing, laughing, and simply enjoying life’s moments.
As I write this, I’m sitting in Miami at the Miami Boat Show. It may not be a traditional bass or walleye show, but I’m surrounded by people who share the same passion for boats and being on the water. There is a contagious energy here, a reminder of why we’re so fortunate to work in this industry. We are truly blessed, and I believe we should thank God regularly for the opportunity to be part of something that has such a profound impact on people’s lives. At the factory we call it “Building Dreams” and we take it very seriously. We know that we are laboring over someone’s dream of getting on the water and going fishing, and that drives us to excel at all that we do. We consider it an honor and blessing to make life better through building the dreams of so many.
The main reason for my Miami visit is to accept the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award on behalf of Bass Cat Boats. Each year, thousands of marine industry companies survey their customers about their experiences with their products and services. Since Bass Cat began participating in the CSI program with the NMMA in 2020, we have consistently earned this prestigious award every year. This year, we are one of 63 companies to receive this honor—an achievement that reflects our relentless commitment to delivering world-class customer service and building the best product possible.
To consistently win such an award takes the collaboration of many parties working together toward a single unified objective: Satisfied Boat Owners. We work with some of the best dealerships in the marine industry, who not only care about getting their customers in the industry-leading, highest-quality product available, but they deeply care about their experiences after the sale. Some of their customers become lifelong friends following the transaction, highlighting the deep connections created through boating. We also have curated what I believe to be the most skilled, knowledgeable staff in boat manufacturing. Our team continues to impress me day after day with not only their skillsets but their ownership of product quality and customer service. A huge thank you goes out to our team, our dealers and the many suppliers that have helped us be who we are, and continue to support our mission each day.
So, as we move further into 2025, let’s embrace the opportunities ahead. Let’s work hard, sell passionately, and, most importantly, create memories that will last a lifetime.
Since this is my inaugural post, I want to share the meaning behind my chosen sign-off: “Live Grateful, Stay Steady, and Be Bold.” This phrase reflects my personal philosophy—some of it has shaped my journey for years, while other parts are newer truths I’m still learning.
Gratitude keeps us grounded and reminds us of the blessings we have. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It is far too easy to feel entitled, as if we are owed something in this life. When asked, “How are you doing?” I can often be quoted as saying, “Better than I deserve.” This simple phrase is a reminder that the only thing I truly “deserve” is eternal death, and anything beyond that is granted by the grace and mercy of God.
Staying steady means maintaining focus and perseverance, even in the face of challenges. As Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Life is at many times a never-ending set of difficult challenges, and too often our response to these challenges is to run, hide, or all together give up. Staying steady means knowing your why and living it out. If you don’t have a “why,” I implore you to take time to discover it and bring meaning to your life. When we are working toward our why, the rest of our life has more meaning and impact, and when the storms of life come our why keeps us focused and steady.
Being bold is about taking risks, embracing new experiences, and making the most of every opportunity. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Bold living means stepping out in faith, trusting that God has equipped us with everything we need to face life’s challenges with confidence and courage. Don’t hold back. Be proud of the person God made you to be; embrace your strengths and weaknesses, own who you are, and live boldly.
I hope you can find some encouragement from these words as you continue down your path.
Until next time,
Live Grateful, Stay Steady, and Be Bold.
Cody Blair