95 Pantera II or 99 Pantera III

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August 2, 2009 at 1:05 am #337750

Donnie
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I currently have a 95 Pantera II with a Johnson 150 faststrike. Would be a big difference if I upgrade to a 99 Pantera III with a 200 johnson venom. What is the big difference in the two models, we do alot of fishing on the chesapeake bay and the potomac the P III has beeen garage kept its whole life and only has 184 hours on the boat and it is in mint shape except for upgrading the electronics. Which I would take off of the P II along with the fortrex and install on the P III the guy wants 12k or best offer Im looking for advice.

August 2, 2009 at 2:09 am #337769

Shap from La
Participant

Well, the P-III was a great rough water hull. A little deeper than the P-II you currently have and more than likely a few more bells and whistles. I have been in several p-IIIs as well as P-IIs and Classics. There is a considerable difference in the ride of the P-III. Speed wise it is a fairly quick 19 foot hull. It should run in the 68 mph range if properly set up with that Venom. I would say if the P-III had one draw back it would probably be a little slower hole shot. I believe that was due to the design of the hull that allows it to perform so well in the rough stuff. You should enjoy the enhanced ride on the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomic. I hear it can get pretty narly out there. It was really one of my favorite BCB hulls. Really nice rigs and they were top of the line in the 19 class. Overall fishability would be equal to the P-II in my opinion. If its mint, go for it. You wont be dissapointed at all. You will enjoy the performance upgrade in going from the 150 to the 200. I know its a low hour rig, but have that Venom checked out very well before you purchase. Just the smart thing to do. I love the Fastrikes and believe them to be some of the best motors ever built. I owned one and gave it all the hell a motor should face and it was absolutely flawless. I wouldnt have the same level of confidence in that big Venom. Just have it checked out by your local mechanic and get that piece of mind. Hope you are happy with either decision and remember that this is just one mans opinion. Ultimately You are the one who must be satisfied with your purchase. Look the rig over well, demand a test ride and have the motor checked by a mechanic you trust. Make your decision from there. Chris Coupel Paulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

August 2, 2009 at 1:40 pm #337793

4doorcat
Participant

I have been told by a friend of mine that from 93 and up those motor liked dropping the retainer rings out of the pistons at about 200 hours costing lots of money to rebuild. I would definatly have the motor looked at. Not trying to frighten you just wanting to help. Those motors do run very well

August 2, 2009 at 2:40 pm #337813

Hooter
Participant

Is the 99 model wood free? If so, anouther good reason to get it.

August 2, 2009 at 3:52 pm #337834

yellocat
Participant

You will definately enjoy that PIII. Those old carb powered OMC engines are described by many folks as being darn near bulletproof. I had a 200 Venom on a boat and can tell you that I treated that boat very rough. The only repair I ever made to it was a new lower unit and I have a stump on Sam Rayburn to thank for that. There was more than 1000 hrs on that engine when I sold the boat. Never a problem but then again I am a maintenance freak so I am sure that had something to do with it. That price sounds pretty reasonable to me too. I sold my 96 PII in mint condition with a 175 Mariner on it for almost $11,000. I would jump on that price.I also agree with Shap. There is no way I would purchase any boat/motor that age without having it checked by a mechanic YOU trust. Certainly nothing wrong with a boat that old (It is a Cat so age makes no difference in the boats dependibility). If the guy is honest he should not have anything to hide and should gladly allow a mechanic to go over it. If for nothing else to check the compression.Good luck.-Jason

August 2, 2009 at 4:15 pm #337852

StanH
Participant

I fish the Upper Chesapeake Bay and Potomac out of a Pantera III, it handles the rough water as good as a lot of 20 footers out there. The Pantera III is still one of the best 19 tournament rig Bass Cat has ever built. You do not see many for sale because guys that have them rarely part with them. Pure rough water ride, 68-72 depending on setup/load, twin rear tanks ( 52 gallons ), all the up front storage you need, under seat storage, 2 coolers. Add the flippin deck and you can fish 2 comfortably all day up front. Would be an upgrade in ride and speed over the PII.

August 2, 2009 at 9:26 pm #337869

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

would the 99 PIII have the lifetime warranty

August 2, 2009 at 9:50 pm #337889

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

There are limited 99 models that have a Lifetime Warranty to the original owners based upon the date of sale. Though those were sold new in 2000.
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