Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › For my next Cat…Cougar AE vs Caracal
dcmclassic.
So for my next cat Im down to the Caracal and Cougar AE. I love the width of the Caracal and the storage, the center rod box is a huge benefit to me, also I think it will be easier to store in my garage. Its plenty fast as I rarely push my PII above 65mph. The Cougar moves me up into a 20ft which would be nice running Toledo Bend more often than I used to. And also regularly fishing three in the boat. Im also thinking the Cougar will handle a second console better.Caracal questions: Will I see a big rough water ride difference going from my PII to a Caracal? Does anyone regret moving from a small 19 to a big 19? Instead of just moving into a 20Do you get used to the passenger console not being all the way over?(I know that sounds stupid, but Im weird)Cougar AE:To be honest I am just a little concerned going with the AE vs the FTD, mainly because of retail. Honestly I see a lot more FTDs.Has anyone with the AE regretted not going with the FTD? I dont really feel I need every feature of the FTD but certain ones are a must have.Who all is running a 225? From what Ive read they perform well on the Cougar but is there a big savings in effeciency vs outboard cost?Still weighing my options, and from what Ive priced out with my dealer they will be within a couple thousand of each other. All in all I think Im leaning more towards the Caracal, Ive loved the layout since it was released. I just dont want to look back in a year or two and regret not getting a 20 footer. Last edited by dcmclassic on March 3rd, 2016, 6:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
In your position, if you get rear tanks in the Caracal then the newer floor plan will probably be your preferred purchase in several years. The Marine Town latches and Premium parts will definitely be nicer. We are talking just over 8″ or so between these two boats and the Caracal has plenty of nice features in the floor plan that offset its length being a 19 8″ model. The Cafe windscreen and larger console is also a very nice item. The design for multiple graphs and layout is appealing. The Caracal layout has several nice features and newer concepts. The floor plan of the Cougar Advantage Elite is also obviously well proven and will not be a back seat (lesser) option. It will fish fine and the lack of a net scabbard or center rod box is one difference. The smaller rear storages and sump mounted oil tank area are also differences. The floor plan on the CAE is best described as a more conventional BCB design. The 225 is fine and with rear tanks and you will be well into the 70s loaded if you watch your gear weight distribution. It could climb above mid 70s empty. We would feel either rig with a 225 is fine. Of course if you ever want to rip the throttle and have the adrenaline rush, the 250 on a crisp morning is a total energizing experience. The performance difference is around 35 HP in reality. As for ride the larger hull will ride better in some conditions, though a Caracal is right there and it sounds like it will fit you down the road more.
Is the AE considered premium. And does it come with the vinyl Ester.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury
It is not a Vinyl Ester boat and that is an excellent point. That is an option anyone keeping a boat should consider.
I have fished outta both boats mentioned. If 65 is your speed then id get a caracal with rear tanks. Thats an easy one cause deck width is substantial in caracal vs cougar or my EYRA or anything other than a jag. Basically the caracal is a baby jag to me. Ride of caracal vs cougar ae is a wash in most cases, speed not a factor here, so given higher end options on caracal and the much wider deck Id go caracalLast edited by clownshoes on March 3rd, 2016, 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.C.O.D. Jr. III
So Im kinda new, so I will ask. Does rear tanks get more boat out of the water so as to not “push” or “plow” so you can go faster? By rear tanks do you mean not under the seat?
Yes more weight in the rear makes it easier to lift the boat and therefore run faster. Belly tank softens the ride however but caracal has such an incredibly deep V vs other hulls I dont expect the ride to worsen with weight in the back.C.O.D. Jr. III
I like to be able to walk around the console rather than always through.
Saw my first Caracal “live” yesterday. It by all means lives up to the hype and pictures. BCB out did itself on this one. As doc mentioned, it has a deep V for a great ride. The passenger area is remarkable deep and wide. Two consoles should be no issue. The two steps up to the deck are pretty well spaced at (I just eye balled it) about 10-12″ per step so they are far from mini steps up from the floor area. The storage space is remarkable. Two rear tanks vs space in the bilge area is a trade off. With belly tank like the one I looked at, there is a ton of space for 4-5 batteries if so desired if you wanted a 36V TM and two cranking batteries. Over kill for sure but you got the room. With two rear tanks I think you have to do some mods to get 5 batteries in there but 4 shouldnt be an issue. There is space designed in for two pumps for power poles which I thought was great and leaves bilge area for batteries/chargers. Speaking of chargers, I failed to observe where it/they were installed. Anyeay, there is just room all over the freaking place. I think the challenge will be not to fill it all up so you arent hauling around a few hundred pounds of gear to slow you down! (at least it would be for me). To me its like the perfect design. If a time comes where money isnt a consideration (OK its not an issue for me but the wife has other ideas), Id buy one in a heart beat. The colors on the one at CR Marine are beautiful. Guys did a good job with both boat and trailer. If folds in the NE want to see it, it will be at the World Fishing and Outdoor show in Suffern NY. They got a nice PII too. Not sure if that is going south also.http://sportshows.com/suffern/http://www.crsmarine.com/2016-bass-cat- … in-stock=1
I think Im leaning more towards a Caracal with an SHO on the back. If I can get my PII sold Ill probably be getting the Caracal that Bowden has, finally got to see it in person.
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