Looking for my first Cat– Help appreciated!!

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 6 months ago by Aruss1984.

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November 17, 2015 at 3:26 pm #424876

Aruss1984
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Hey guys, Ive been doing a lot of reading for months on different bass boats and spent a few days in some different Cats. Im looking to get my first bass boat and Ive decided to join the great community of Cat owners!I live in Southern Ontario Canada so I spend a lot of time on the great lakes, particularly Lake Erie or St Clair. My only issue is which size of boat I can get away with. Being that Erie can get pretty nasty I know that something in the 20- 21 range would be ideal for bigger water. Im leaning towards something in the 19 range because I drive a smaller truck (Toyota Tacoma 4×4– rated for 6500lbs towing) and dont want to be overwhelmed by the weight. Would I be sacryficing much ride quality and safety going with a 19 footer rather than 20 or 21? Ive been looking for something in the range of 2004-2008 anywhere from the Pantera 4, Cougar and maybe PumaId really appreciate any advice you guys have!Thanks, AaronLast edited by Aruss1984 on November 23rd, 2015, 5:23 pm, edited 2 times in total.

November 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm #424878

clownshoes
Participant

I would get p4 or a 20 model.Opinions are like another part of the body but I would do eyra or puma FTD on the 20 model.Other option would be to find like a 2003 20er with the really good old resin and just repower/recarpet/new electronics.C.O.D. Jr. III

November 17, 2015 at 5:21 pm #424879

MeanV2
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If I were fishing a body of water that big I would be looking at a Puma, Eyra, and especially a Jaguar!Dan

November 17, 2015 at 5:46 pm #424882

catdude28
Participant

Aaron:I am also in Southern Ontario. Not sure if you knew, but there is a Puma for sale down in the Belleville area. PM me if you like.

November 18, 2015 at 1:01 am #424884

Aruss1984
Participant

catdude28: Ive actually seen that rig, its a beauty just too far out of my budgetI think im leaning more towards the PII or PIV cats. Do you guys know the difference between them and the highwe models? Im pretty sure theyre built witht the same hull, its just more layout thats different if Im correct?Any thoughts if my Toyota Tacoma 4.0L V6 will be able to handle any of these rigs? Its able to tow 6500lbs but im just hoping i dont need to upgrade my truck as well and that it should be able to handle at least a 19 er but hoping a 20??

November 18, 2015 at 1:26 am #424886

acf cat
Participant

The P4 is better for big water. The boat is 4 inches longer and the v is deeper. It was designed to be a bigger water boat.

November 18, 2015 at 11:13 am #424888

speck
Participant

I had a P2 and loved it but not for big open water. I have a pumaftd and much better in big water esp on the troller.

November 18, 2015 at 12:39 pm #424890

Mike Whitten
Participant

In a 19 foot boat, for Great Lakes water, Id want a P4 or even a P3 if you can find one. Pantera IIs are faster, but the others are deeper V hulls, and in my experience will serve you better in big water. Ive run a Puma FTD for years, and a 20 hull is a definite advantage with big waves.You can tow any of these with a Tacoma; it wont be great but you can do it. Your issues will be stopping, so Id want trailer brakes on both axles, and also getting up and down ramps. Im not a fan of pickups for tow vehicles–seen too many spinning on ramps. You may have to add some weight in the bed to get traction.

November 18, 2015 at 1:09 pm #424892

tjbubba
Participant

P4 owned 3 of them they are great boats they will take the big stuff no problem.

November 18, 2015 at 6:35 pm #424894

Aruss1984
Participant

The P4 is proving to be very hard to find. How do you guys feel about the Pantera classic? Comparable to P4 on ride? Not as many options from what I understand? There just doesnt seem to be many P4s for sale
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