Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › 2006 BASSCAT PANTERA CLASSIC w/ EVINRUDE 200 ETEC
kruzz1009.
Thinking about picking up this pantera classic. I am looking for input about this boat from anyone who has experience with it. This would be my first bass boat. I have been looking at other brands, a 2004 stratos 201 pro xl dc with an 04 225 evinrude ho. I keep coming back to basscat because of the quality standpoint and people I have talked to. It would be much appreciated for any feedback. Thanks.
Bought a 2008 Classic w/Merc 200 OptiMax last Sep. Previous owner said it would do over 70. Taking his word for it, 60 something has been fast enough for me. Totally happy with it, I dont think youll be disappointed if you go with the classic.
A 201 hull is a larger boat than a Pantera hull. We think the decision is one you make based on your needs. Service and ability to get parts tips to BCB, ride differs for both hulls in varying water condition. The 201 Stratos hull of the 1990s is a design some newer brands are formed from. You will see the resemblance still today. The Pantera is an all fiberglass hull with a full fiberglass transom and That is a factor. The Stratos is composite so check the mounting bolts and splash well areas. 2004 is post OMC ownership and under Genmar ownership prior to the 2010 bankruptcy, Platinum Equity (Fishboat Holdings) are the fourth owners of the Stratos brand. BCB is Pierce ownership throughout, which this story sort of tells you why they dislike bankruptices so much. The BRP engine also should be verified for condition. The 225 has a moderate history while the 200 use more reliable we have found. Since there is no warranty ask about the service records of each engine and have a dealership check the history on computer. This is a tough decision and condition of the boats would be a factor as well as other equipment. If this were a newer Pantera II we would go BCB, though on this one you alone have to make a gut felt decision. No one knows the equipment, options and condition except you. Yes, we are being very honest here. Buy the one that has the most equipment if they are similar in condition.
Bass Cat Boats wrote:A 201 hull is a larger boat than a Pantera hull. We think the decision is one you make based on your needs. Service and ability to get parts tips to BCB, ride differs for both hulls in varying water condition. The 201 Stratos hull of the 1990s is a design some newer brands are formed from. You will see the resemblance still today. The Pantera is an all fiberglass hull with a full fiberglass transom and That is a factor. The Stratos is composite so check the mounting bolts and splash well areas. 2004 is post OMC ownership and under Genmar ownership prior to the 2010 bankruptcy, Platinum Equity (Fishboat Holdings) are the fourth owners of the Stratos brand. BCB is Pierce ownership throughout, which this story sort of tells you why they dislike bankruptices so much. The BRP engine also should be verified for condition. The 225 has a moderate history while the 200 use more reliable we have found. Since there is no warranty ask about the service records of each engine and have a dealership check the history on computer. This is a tough decision and condition of the boats would be a factor as well as other equipment. If this were a newer Pantera II we would go BCB, though on this one you alone have to make a gut felt decision. No one knows the equipment, options and condition except you. Yes, we are being very honest here. Buy the one that has the most equipment if they are similar in condition.What a quality response. Most impressive.
I have the 07 Classic and can very much vouch for the boat but I got a 200 Optimax. I dont know enough about the motor to comment so Ill leave it at that. A 200 should push you past 70 once you learn to drive it which takes TIME. Ive seen close to 72 but know there is more there with a better pilot. But for me 71 plus is fast enough to stay anyone and beat most boats in my club. If you go with the classic, consider the extension deck. Makes the deck huge vs. good size so a good $100 investment. BTW, boat is a blast to drive.
If you fish an area where you hit stuff occationally, or alot, beware of the 225 Evinrude. Almost everyone I know of with those motors have had lower unit issues, often from minor bumps Merc and Yammys shake off.JMO, but in areas where you cant run clean all the time, I recommend Mercs and Yamaha.
I go against the grain here a bit…I wouldnt go against the Rude. I have a 200HO on my 07 PII. My next boat I would seriously consider with another if any dealers in my state sold them. I know Rudes take a bashing and sometimes it seems unjustified the amount they get. Yes I had a PH issue, I wont deny that. But it was fixed by an authorized tech and is just as strong and fast as the day I bought it new. I will put it up against any other 200, and even some 225/250. Reality is that ALL motor brands can have issues. I havent had any lower unit issues. Like BCB said you have to decide what your gut tells you. Good luck with purchase and welcome to the family. (Psst…mine is for sale on the boards here)
Thanks for all the input, it was all very helpful. I am going to check out the stratos tomorrow.
Thanks for the feedback, I just had one question about something you mentioned. I am going to look at the stratos tomorrow, and you said to check to bolts and splash well areas. I am new to this, so can you ellaborate more on this, it would be much appreciated. Thank You.
Since were on this topic, let me pick your brains a little more. Ill take all the help I can get. Like I previously stated, I am looking for my first bass boat. I owned one previous boat, which was a 15 Alumacraft Fisherman 150 with a 9.9 Tuhatsu. It was a great first boat, giving me the ability to learn boating and such. Now I want to upgrade into something more serious. I just started getting into tournament fishing, as well. This makes me want to get a bass boat that much more. Im really looking for something to fish tournaments with and play fish with. I dont have giant lakes around me so, I dont need a giant boat, looking for the 17 to 19 foot range would do. My friend who I fish tournaments with runs a 06 puma with a 225 merc and he loves it. He is the main reason I am looking at bass cats because I know first hand how well the boat runs and his personal views of bass cats compared to the rest of the industry. Looking for any opinions on what I should get or look into? Trying not to go over the 20k mark. I live in New Jersey if that helps. If I left anything out, dont be hesitant to message me. Thank You all again.
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