MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – When Bass Cat released the new Puma STS, feedback from initial test rides shared unanimous praise over the performance and features packed into the new twenty-footer. A wave of consumer interest ensued, never before seen in the company’s history. This week, the hype was validated as the Puma STS earned the 2022 NMMA Innovation Award at the Minneapolis Progressive Boat, presented by Discover Boating.

“We are very appreciative of the judges’ decision on behalf of the NMMA,” said Rick Pierce, President of Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats. “The Puma STS truly is a very special boat! This is a credit to those who’ve worked hard to bring the model and it’s features to the market. We appreciate the judges seeing those efforts.”

Key considerations for the award were the many small details designed to enhance the angler experience. One such feature is the new, patent-pending lift-latch system. Flush, push-button access located outside of each box lip makes for efficient access and one less way for water to enter storages. Lightning detection, a new Reflex flooring concept, elevated mounting flats for graphs and many more new features set the Puma STS apart from others. Most importantly, the new STS (Soft Touch Series) hull concept was fitted to the wide, feature-rich cap. It carries a soft, stable ride that simply has to be experienced to believe.

Bass Cat President, Rick Pierce received the innovation award on Wednesday night. – Minneapolis, MN

Bass Cat has been pushing design concepts for over five decades and they’re extremely proud of the STS. “We’ve designed dozens of fresh designs and this one likely has the strongest acceptance among anglers anyone’s ever experienced. It’s packed with new features and obviously the market wants those. I don’t believe a bass boat ever moved to the top so fast before. Even with more molds than we’ve built in decades we can’t meet consumer demand today.”

Rick finished his thoughts with gratitude for the NMMA’s recognition. “It’s great to have these opportunities and we thank the NMMA for this platform. This gives us two in a row in this category, along with 2020 and the 219 TFX. We now have those back to back Bassmaster Classics with Hank Cherry.”