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dbasketman.
I have new Pantera IV (2006) single console with a 200 hp Merc. Optimax. I am running a 4 blade Trophy w/26″ pitch. I am new to the Bass Cat family. I have , however, had 5 bass boats in the past. The last three have been Champions (2003 206 Elite being the latest). My question is: what type of bow lift should I expect? I have lowered the Slidemaster jack plate according to my dealers’s (Sherm’s Marine) instructions. I still have spray occurring in front of the helm up to 4000+ rpm’s. I can trim all I want and nothing changes. The boat has really no load except for me a some bass tackle. Again, is this the norm or does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks! AAC
I have the same set up you do. My jack plate, the inner slide plate is 1 1/2 inches above the permanant section. Hole shot is about 2 seconds, (with no partner and live well empty) and the boat is on plane. While 4000 rpms is not much, you should be able to have the spray right around the helm if not just aft of, then once you get up to 4500-5000 and trim up, is when you will really feel the bow lift and your speed increase. While these are definatley the best built bass boat on the market they are certainly not the lightest (which is a good thing), so you may need to tinker with the plate a little or stop running around at 4000 rpm and let that baby fly a little!!!
Jason Law
The Pantera IV is not a bow lift hull. They are totally different in the way they perform from any other BCB hull. They do tend to run flatter in the water at the mid range and even on top end, they are not as bow high running.
The P4 will not bust loose easily at the 3500 range by design. It will handle rough stuff just fine, and cut through it. Though what you are looking for won’t usually happen on your combination until about 4200 RPM’s no matter on propeller.
The Pantera IV is a very unique hull made for overall performance in rough stuff, and moderate top end. The mid range bow high driving does improve on the mid range if you lower the engine. It is a compromise for overall use in the design. Fishing to Top end!
We would set the engine to run it’s best at the top end, and adjust the hole shot accordingly at that height.
BCB
I’m running an 06 PIV with 25P Tempest and as BCB says you won’t get a lot of bow lift out this boat no matter the combination at lower speeds. Once you get up to the upper speeds, it’ll get closer to getting the bow up like you’re probably accustomed to, although I still wouldn’t expect it to run quite as high as others do.
It is a flat running hull, but runs very well at higher speeds. I’ve tried 25 & 26P Tempest in addition to the 25 & 26P Trophy’s prior to opting for the 25P Tempest on my boat. This prop seems to give me the best of all worlds, but then again I’ve a small version of a Bass Pro Shops in my boat most of the time.
Does anyone have a picture of their jackplate as adjusted on a P4 running a 26P Trophy Plus? Please email to([email protected])
thanks,
Bundy
Bundy
Setting up a Bass Cat is one of the easiest boats to set up. All you do is raise the jack plate until you feel steering torque that is less than desirable. This method can be used on all models.
Thanks Phil, but I would still like a visual reference as a starting point.
Would a hydralic plate be beneficial on a Bass Cat? I have had hydralic plates on several of my boats in the past. If so, what plates do you recommend? AAC
I see this question all the time about BCB’s and I wonder if maybe that should be something that the dealers tell clients. They run flat….then show them the hull and the wedge design( diamond ). That creates an air pocket for the boat to run on. Could explain why some run much faster flat than other boats do.?
Scott,
Only the P4 is a flat running hull. All other models have bow lift and the degree depends on the model.
We were after a totally different hull in the P4, and we achieved that for ride, fishing, comfort and handling. The other hulls all have their own characteristics.
The triangle thing is not really a good explanation of what is goign on. Way too generic an explanantion and way too much is happening under there.
BCB
Ageed BCB’s….I just know some people think the lift gets them speed and I seem to ride with all of the ones that think that. Your hull design (cougar) runs so much better flat and I have witnessed a couple think that there boat was slow until they learned to….lift of course…but let the design work!
I was not trying to infer that one boat is all boats. I don’t build them and you guys are the experts….but I will say Cougars run like a dog with the bow up. And if you take your time on the trim…you will feel the hook-up and bump once and she is gone!
That is Correct!
BCB
Again, would a hydralic plate be beneficial on a Bass Cat? According to BCB, if I lower the engine I will get better midrange lift. Inversely, I assume, if I raise the plate I will increase the top-end performance, If my assumptions are correct, a hydraic plate is te best option for the P IV. What plates do you (BCB) recommend? Does CMC make a plate the BCB’s approve of (6 bolt attachment)? AAC
On a P4 we do not think a hydraulic plate is a benefit. Though it is handy if you fish flat shallow water or tidal water for access use.
They are handy if you use a 987 Humminbird unit and the side scan image. You can lower your side finder and raise it for running. We mount the side scan transducer on the plate rails.
BCB Only uses Detwiler in the new style, with the 115 hydraulic rams at this time. The new plate is pretty spiffy.
BCB
The P4 as BCB said is a different boat, and as they call a compromise, i call it phenominal ! The shallow water draft, combined with the stability and super ride in the rough water all combine for a unique boat. BUT, it’s is a performer, and don’t think for a minute it’s not ! I’ve found the P4 to like the engine run lower on the transom than most BCB hulls, and therefore must be lowered to attain the lift which it is capable of. You can run too much trim though, as the hull does perform better with a couple bumps down once you get some air under the hull. My set-0up is the inner plate on my jackplate is apprx 1/4-3/8″ below the outer plate, that’s with the 26 Trophy, and fully loaded i still get a little blowout and have to feather the throttle during breakover sometimes, but the boat does perform well, and is always loaded ! Good luck, D.
A couple of PVS Plugs will help that vetnilation and feathering in your set up DS.
BCB
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