Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: Jason Christie

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Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Christie runs an Xpress X21 Pro, with a length overall of 21 feet and an ultrawide beam of 95 inches. That’s equal to most fiberglass rigs in its class.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Christie runs an Xpress X21 Pro, with a length overall of 21 feet and an ultrawide beam of 95 inches. That’s equal to most fiberglass rigs in its class.
The all-welded aluminum boat, built in Hot Springs, Ark., has a fuel capacity of 40 gallons, and an approximate weight of 1,580 pounds. The rig is powered by a Yamaha 250 horsepower V6 V MAX SHO outboard.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The all-welded aluminum boat, built in Hot Springs, Ark., has a fuel capacity of 40 gallons, and an approximate weight of 1,580 pounds. The rig is powered by a Yamaha 250 horsepower V6 V MAX SHO outboard.
The Xpress X21 Pro has cavernous storage compartments, and Christie carries everything else he needs inside these custom-made storage slide-outs for tackle. Occupying the space are baits from YUM, BOOYAH, Smithwick, Bomber and Norman.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The Xpress X21 Pro has cavernous storage compartments, and Christie carries everything else he needs inside these custom-made storage slide-outs for tackle. Occupying the space are baits from YUM, BOOYAH, Smithwick, Bomber and Norman.
This compartment holds spare spools of SunLine and Garmin accessories.
Photo: Andy Crawford - This compartment holds spare spools of SunLine and Garmin accessories.
Christie enters the boat with this Easy Step System that mounts to the tongue or frame of the trailer, for safer, easier boarding.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Christie enters the boat with this Easy Step System that mounts to the tongue or frame of the trailer, for safer, easier boarding.
At the bow is a Garmin Force 24/36-volt trolling motor, with wireless connection capabilities for a Garmin fishfinder that also includes sonar built in to the unit.
Photo: Andy Crawford - At the bow is a Garmin Force 24/36-volt trolling motor, with wireless connection capabilities for a Garmin fishfinder that also includes sonar built in to the unit.
Mounted to the shaft is the Garmin Panoptix LiveScope LVS12 transducer, providing 30-degree forward and 30-degree down real-time scanning sonar. Forward view displays structure and fish swimming in real time up to 200 feet away from the boat; down view shows structure and fish swimming in real time up to 200 feet deep below.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Mounted to the shaft is the Garmin Panoptix LiveScope LVS12 transducer, providing 30-degree forward and 30-degree down real-time scanning sonar. Forward view displays structure and fish swimming in real time up to 200 feet away from the boat; down view shows structure and fish swimming in real time up to 200 feet deep below.
Mounted on top of the Garmin Force motor is the transducer and speaker for the Hydrowave KVD unit by T-H Marine.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Mounted on top of the Garmin Force motor is the transducer and speaker for the Hydrowave KVD unit by T-H Marine.
The T-H Marine G-Force Troll Jacket Sleeve features a Velcro closure that can be customized based on user needs.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The T-H Marine G-Force Troll Jacket Sleeve features a Velcro closure that can be customized based on user needs.
Beside the Hydrowave are Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra chartplotter/fishfinders, one each with 10- and 12-inch screens. Christie uses the Ultra 10 for the Panoptix LiveScope setup.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Beside the Hydrowave are Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra chartplotter/fishfinders, one each with 10- and 12-inch screens. Christie uses the Ultra 10 for the Panoptix LiveScope setup.
Bolted through the floor is a T-H Marine Troll-Tamer Trolling Motor Stabilizer Lock. The part secures the motor with a clamp-on shaft bracket.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Bolted through the floor is a T-H Marine Troll-Tamer Trolling Motor Stabilizer Lock. The part secures the motor with a clamp-on shaft bracket.
T-H Marine Chill Trax Traction Pads are easily applied to the foot pedal with a 3M Backing for and EVA non-skid surface.
Photo: Andy Crawford - T-H Marine Chill Trax Traction Pads are easily applied to the foot pedal with a 3M Backing for and EVA non-skid surface.
The Power-Pole Blade 8 switches for the port and starboard units are easily accessible with a tap of the foot.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The Power-Pole Blade 8 switches for the port and starboard units are easily accessible with a tap of the foot.
The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra Units are secured to the deck with Precision Mounts Over and Under mounts.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra Units are secured to the deck with Precision Mounts Over and Under mounts.
The ultra-wide front deck offers plenty of space for lure presentations, from casting to pitching and flipping. What you are about to see next is there is no wasted space beneath the front deck.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The ultra-wide front deck offers plenty of space for lure presentations, from casting to pitching and flipping. What you are about to see next is there is no wasted space beneath the front deck.
The Xpress X21 Pro has spacious storage throughout. The deck features SeaDek closed-cell PE/EVA flooring throughout. The padded flooring provides comfort and surer footing in wet conditions.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The Xpress X21 Pro has spacious storage throughout. The deck features SeaDek closed-cell PE/EVA flooring throughout. The padded flooring provides comfort and surer footing in wet conditions.
During practice, Christie might carry up to 30 outfits in the spacious rod compartment. He reduces the number to 20 or less. This is the setup following the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork.
Photo: Andy Crawford - During practice, Christie might carry up to 30 outfits in the spacious rod compartment. He reduces the number to 20 or less. This is the setup following the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork.
Christie brings out a special rig that won for him at the Sabine River, the event prior to Lake Fork.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Christie brings out a special rig that won for him at the Sabine River, the event prior to Lake Fork.
This same 1/2-ounce BOOYAH Covert Spinnerbait with tandem Colorado blades, with a YUM Swim’n Dinger was a top lure for Christie.
Photo: Andy Crawford - This same 1/2-ounce BOOYAH Covert Spinnerbait with tandem Colorado blades, with a YUM Swim’n Dinger was a top lure for Christie.
Here is the juice. Christie stores his game-day tackle in this container. He stores heavier baits and terminal tackle toward the rear of the compartment; the front holds soft plastics and lighter tackle. Better boat performance is a benefit of the setup.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Here is the juice. Christie stores his game-day tackle in this container. He stores heavier baits and terminal tackle toward the rear of the compartment; the front holds soft plastics and lighter tackle. Better boat performance is a benefit of the setup.
Fittingly, in the compartment is a box of signature YUM Christie Critters, designed for rigging with heavy gauge hooks and concave weights for a more streamlined presentation. Impregnated with YUM’s proprietary scent, the bait is ideal for flipping and pitching in heavy cover.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Fittingly, in the compartment is a box of signature YUM Christie Critters, designed for rigging with heavy gauge hooks and concave weights for a more streamlined presentation. Impregnated with YUM’s proprietary scent, the bait is ideal for flipping and pitching in heavy cover.
Forward of the console is what Christie uses as a “catch-all” compartment. Inside are Sharpie markers for coloring baits, SD cards and chips for Garmin units, GoPro cameras and anything else he needs to quickly use.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Forward of the console is what Christie uses as a “catch-all” compartment. Inside are Sharpie markers for coloring baits, SD cards and chips for Garmin units, GoPro cameras and anything else he needs to quickly use.
In front of the “catch-all” box is storage for Costa sunglasses, outerwear and AFTCO rainwear.
Photo: Andy Crawford - In front of the “catch-all” box is storage for Costa sunglasses, outerwear and AFTCO rainwear.
Everything is stored in the same compartment, for organization and quick access.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Everything is stored in the same compartment, for organization and quick access.
Gas spring lift assist parts keep lids open and are easier to close.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Gas spring lift assist parts keep lids open and are easier to close.
Within arm’s reach of the driver and passenger seats is an integrated cooler.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Within arm’s reach of the driver and passenger seats is an integrated cooler.
Along with an integrated measuring board.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Along with an integrated measuring board.
Built into the outside of the console is a Sirius/XM capable AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Built into the outside of the console is a Sirius/XM capable AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.
Also nearby is a built-in tool holder for essentials.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Also nearby is a built-in tool holder for essentials.
Christie sits behind the helm where he spends a lot of time spent idling and studying the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra chartplotter/fishfinders.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Christie sits behind the helm where he spends a lot of time spent idling and studying the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra chartplotter/fishfinders.
The units are rigged with a Precision Sonar Dual Smart Bracket Console Mounting System.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The units are rigged with a Precision Sonar Dual Smart Bracket Console Mounting System.
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra chartplotter/fishfinders with 12-inch screens are mounted on the console.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra chartplotter/fishfinders with 12-inch screens are mounted on the console.
Christie uses an ATLAS Digital Position Gauge Kit by T-H Marine to monitor the level and position of the ATLAS Hydraulic Jack Plate.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Christie uses an ATLAS Digital Position Gauge Kit by T-H Marine to monitor the level and position of the ATLAS Hydraulic Jack Plate.
At each side of the steering column are SeaStar Marine Pro Trim blinker controls.
Photo: Andy Crawford - At each side of the steering column are SeaStar Marine Pro Trim blinker controls.
A special good luck charm hangs on the steering column. “That’s my lucky shell. I was given that before the Sabine River tournament (which he won), and it rides here for the remainder of the year.
Photo: Andy Crawford - A special good luck charm hangs on the steering column. “That’s my lucky shell. I was given that before the Sabine River tournament (which he won), and it rides here for the remainder of the year."
This is a unique feature of the Xpress X21 Pro.
Photo: Andy Crawford - This is a unique feature of the Xpress X21 Pro.
Open the lid and there’s a storage compartment for essentials like buffs, sunglasses and personal items.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Open the lid and there’s a storage compartment for essentials like buffs, sunglasses and personal items.
Below that is an integrated cooler for more drinks.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Below that is an integrated cooler for more drinks.
Everything is easily accessible.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Everything is easily accessible.
Raise the lid again for access to the cooler.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Raise the lid again for access to the cooler.
Beneath the passenger seat is a large storage compartment for a spare prop.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Beneath the passenger seat is a large storage compartment for a spare prop.
Also located in this storage is the Power-Pole CHARGE Marine Power Management System. It does the work of three devices: a traditional battery charger, a charge on the run and an emergency start system.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Also located in this storage is the Power-Pole CHARGE Marine Power Management System. It does the work of three devices: a traditional battery charger, a charge on the run and an emergency start system.
Beneath the driver seat is storage for boat registration and other legal documents.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Beneath the driver seat is storage for boat registration and other legal documents.
An Apple iPad and holder are rigged near the console for easy viewing.
Photo: Andy Crawford - An Apple iPad and holder are rigged near the console for easy viewing.
The Xpress X21 Pro features dual aerated livewells, including an Oxygenator system for improved fish care.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The Xpress X21 Pro features dual aerated livewells, including an Oxygenator system for improved fish care.
Christie uses the T-H Marine G-Force Conservation Cull System Gen 2, with detachable colored buoys and colored cables for quick fish identification, as well as a durable buoy clip.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Christie uses the T-H Marine G-Force Conservation Cull System Gen 2, with detachable colored buoys and colored cables for quick fish identification, as well as a durable buoy clip.
There’s a premium balance beam with looped cable ends that make culling quicker and more efficient.
Photo: Andy Crawford - There’s a premium balance beam with looped cable ends that make culling quicker and more efficient.
Behind the passenger seat is an empty compartment for Marshals to stow their belongings and gear.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Behind the passenger seat is an empty compartment for Marshals to stow their belongings and gear.
Snacks and PFDs are stored on the other side.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Snacks and PFDs are stored on the other side.
Another brilliant design feature is this rectangular compartment in front of the rear seat pedestal bracket.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Another brilliant design feature is this rectangular compartment in front of the rear seat pedestal bracket.
Remove the tray and you have access to the battery compartment.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Remove the tray and you have access to the battery compartment.
The battery compartment has two 36-volt Lithium Pros batteries and two Lithium Pros 12-volt batteries.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The battery compartment has two 36-volt Lithium Pros batteries and two Lithium Pros 12-volt batteries.
Also mounted in the rear is a must-have for Christie, which is a collapsible push pole.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Also mounted in the rear is a must-have for Christie, which is a collapsible push pole.
The full view of the back deck displays the abundance of available storage and configurations.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The full view of the back deck displays the abundance of available storage and configurations.
On each side of the transom are Power-Pole Blade 8 shallow water anchors.
Photo: Andy Crawford - On each side of the transom are Power-Pole Blade 8 shallow water anchors.
The Xpress X21 Pro is powered by a Yamaha 250 horsepower V6 V MAX SHO outboard.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The Xpress X21 Pro is powered by a Yamaha 250 horsepower V6 V MAX SHO outboard.
The outboard is secured by the T-H Marine Steer Stop Outboard Hydraulic Steering Lock. The part keeps the motor centered and prevents it from turning from side-to-side.
Photo: Andy Crawford - The outboard is secured by the T-H Marine Steer Stop Outboard Hydraulic Steering Lock. The part keeps the motor centered and prevents it from turning from side-to-side.
Here is the ATLAS Jack Plate.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Here is the ATLAS Jack Plate.
Another view of the Power-Pole Blades.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Another view of the Power-Pole Blades.
At the base of the transom are transducers for the Garmin units.
Photo: Andy Crawford - At the base of the transom are transducers for the Garmin units.
Another view of the ATLAS Jack Plate.
Photo: Andy Crawford - Another view of the ATLAS Jack Plate.
And the tour is complete. Thanks for the tour, Jason!
Photo: Andy Crawford - And the tour is complete. Thanks for the tour, Jason!