Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Poll on a new boat! Open Viewing 12-25-09 ~ Merry Christmas!
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What size boat would you prefer, and would buy new for your fishing needs. (Your vote has been cast.)Total votes: 138 A new yet not produced 17 model inexpensive all around fishing boat with a 50 HP rating maxx. Retail in the lower teens to below $15,000. 2(1%) A 17+ model that is rated at 150 HP and performs in the 60s 3(2%) A 17+ model that is rated 150 HP and performs as strong as a 200 HP. 3(2%) An 18 model that is rated Economized along the Vision groups, and rated for a 115 engine max. Price tag in the $20,000 and up range. 0(0%) An 18+ model a little bigger than a Sabre and Rated for a 175 HP. 13(9%) A 19+ model rated for a 225 engine and runs like a haint. 53(38%) A 19 Pantera IV model with a 200 HP rating and just freshened some. 13(9%) A package price on one of the 20 models in the $40,000 to mid $45,000 range with limited electronics and options to control costs. 12(9%) A Baby Jaguar for a 225 or 250 engine in a bigger 20 model. 20(14%) Just knock out the little 18 and small boats and save me a few thousand on my 20 Puma, Puma FTD or Cougar FTD. If I could buy those for less I would be a player. 16(12%) I want something no one have built yet. 3(2%)You may select 1 optionLast edited by Bass Cat Boats on December 25th, 2009, 5:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
Folks we are searching for serious input here, so keep those cards and letters coming on both posts! The poll is scheduled to open on the 28th of December we believe. So soon you will all know the vote. We are going to let this one be a Christmas present and open it on Christmas day for all to see your preferences. Thank You for your input! BCB Admin Update: After almost two days of input, the outline of posts is just what our thoughts were it would be. Just as in the other post, there has not been a surprise yet, and we are not challenging you to put a surprise up. Though our thoughts are similar and along those same lines. The Margay of years back may not sell in this time and day. The beam was 89″ with a narrow front body and that would be a hard push. Though that performance it has is why most bought it, so bridging a gap on performance to function might have a window. The Caracal hull did run like a “haint” as most know, though the ride is a 17 hull still and while it rides great for a 17 hull, it is still a 17 hull. (did we say it is only 17). Perhaps the hull could be stretched some, though that would be a major project requiring a total retool. Our expectations were that we would see many ideas of 225 rated P4 models. That model of engine is a very low sales percentage in comparison to the 250 engines. Plus we have several 20 & 250 tolerable rigs now. The $40 k price tag is very difficult when the engines list at Retail for a 225 Pro XS is listed as $18,375, and you would all jump past the 225 Optimax at $16,860 and spend the extra $1500 for a Pro XS. The engine is a significant percentage of the total boat package, after you consider graphs and troller, on to batteries and accessories, the margins for a boat and trailer really get crushed. Just to clarify, we are not working on a 225 rated boat at this time. The issue on the 20 models is that you are willing to spend another $1200 and go to a 250 Pro XS, which is why the 225 market is very small and in low percentiles verses a 250 engine. Also note that the 150 and 175 market run a very similar course of percentages. There basically is little reason for a 175 or a 225 in the bass boat market today. If we only had 250s at only slightly lesser prices in comparison, then we would only sell 150 and 250 engines. Basically a 225 Opti to a 250 Pro XS is an added $2,700 and on a $40K boat so it went to around $43k. Not a big jump in the scheme of things. Though on a 150 to a 175, the percentage and ratios are out of balance slightly and the 175 ends up being a significant jump is cost on percentage of the total rig, at $2400 retail on a sub $30k rig, nearing mid $25k, or near 10% of cost. No different than any time, we always have something in process for the future years of production. This year we finished the Jaguar, and we are working on efficient little Sabre Day Tripper models with 90 and 115 engines. Though in 2011 and 2012 we are pushing the envelope more. We dont intend to quit trying to offer more. Italics added by Rick Pierce Last edited by Bass Cat Boats on December 24th, 2009, 1:32 am, edited 5 times in total.
Got my vote in!!
With the move towards smaller garages these days I would think there has to be folks like me that would like to see a boat a tad larger than a Sabre FTD, I would gladly give up rear storage to move the tank back to the rear to gain speed and other benefits of the rear tank design. I know I am in the minority on giving up rear storage but once you get used to the rear tank boats they are in your blood. I am old school and just dont see the need for anything larger than a PIV unless you lived on the Great Lakes or fished professionally, but the market dictates 20 footers so that needs to be what you build because we ALL want to see you around for years to come.
For my personal all around fishing needs I think 19+ model rated for a 225 engine would be ideal. But I also like the idea of A Baby Jaguar for a 225 or 250 engine in a bigger 20 model (w/ a different console design). I voted for the former since only one selection is allowed. Thanks for asking.
Throughout the years I have owned or had access to different size Cats……my Eyra(1710″), my Sabre (18, also my first BC), my PII DC(19) and my brothers Cougar FTD (204″). They have all exceeded my needs and expectations. While the 20 footers rule, I agree with JohnM 17 and in this economy I see a trend back to smaller……….96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
No question I plan on using the word “haint” all week.C.O.D. Jr. III
Start with the Puma FTD and widen the decks. Keep the gas in the back, add the passenger rod box, add the cool tackle storage, I would not need separate trolling motor storage and I do not want the stereo. I do want the telescoping stern light. Biggest thing is widen the decks, especially in the front. Carry a slightly wider beam further forward. Have it ready by mid-summer 2010, please. Steve
Sparker wrote: Start with the Puma FTD and widen the decks. Keep the gas in the back, add the passenger rod box, add the cool tackle storage, I would not need separate trolling motor storage and I do not want the stereo. I do want the telescoping stern light. Biggest thing is widen the decks, especially in the front. Carry a slightly wider beam further forward. Have it ready by mid-summer 2010, please. Steve My thoughts exactlly. I would like to see a 20 footer in the same lineup as Cougar FTD and Puma FTD with a wider front deck. I love the reaised decks on those models too. I like the idea of a baby, scaled down jaguar with a 250 on it. Maybe a Jaguar with the regular FTD console.
I had to vote the last option. A Puma FTD with consoles that have pockets on the side to lay rod tips in to give another 12″ of space for big feet up front, the ice chest/step like the Cougar but still have the net storage, and perhaps a 45 gallon gas tank so you would have a cubic foot more rear compartment storage rear with bigger lids…that would be perfect for me.
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