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dbasketman.
I am getting a new boat and looking at Legend 211/ Phoenix 920/Ranger 520c and Puma ftd. I have taken a ride in the 211 and loved the boat and ride. I have seen the 520c and the 920 and looked through both real well. Really like the 520c sixe of deck not so much the consoles but could forgive them. The 920 is real nice also. I will be taking a ride in the 520c and 920 this weekend to see how flat and stabile they fish and how they ride. The 211 didnt have near the width of deck as these two boats but it still seemed big enough maybe because so long. Love the looks and detail of boat. Liked the lay out also. Like the seats that are cool seats and wont be so hot. This will be my last boat so want to make correct choice. I had a p4 back in 2002 I believe was the year. Was ok but compartments were not finished out back then and dont know if that changed. Plus it was a narrower boat than others leaving less deck space and storage. Not a speed guy. Love the looks from what I can tell on line of the Puma ftd but we only have 2 dealers in Ok and neither one have anything like this or really anything to speak of in stock and are not getting anything. All I can do is order. I need to ride in one and see it in person to get good feel of layout and see if it fishes real flat and stabile and dont catch much wind. Dont care about speed because I cant drive fast boats anyway because you have to be able to keep them from walking all over and I never could figure it out. But that is ok as long as it hits 70 and easy to drive at that speed. Does anyone have a newer model 2013 I can look at and ride in to check the pros and cons so I can make the best decision that fits me?
You need to call Ivan Williams at the factory and have a talk with him.And have you considered the jaguar.He is the man and can answer anything you need to know and would provide you with an opportunity to ride and drive a new boat.
He is referring to the center boxes not being smooth gelcoat like the newer Puma FTD and Cougar FTD are. We steered away from finished boxes to double laminate fiberglass in those areas. The new rod box floor design was created to allow a smooth finish on the newer models. The Cougar Advantage Elite, Puma and Pantera IV models are all still double laminated fiberglass with a seam seal on box sides. The factory has steered away from commenting on this as you are looking for consumer opinion. They did not want to encroach on opinions you were going to receive. The internal finished boxes are not necessarily better on all brands. You have to make sure they are attached to the hull properly. The finish on top is little influence on the construction that makes a quality product inside. They spent plenty of time at dealer meeting injecting variations of resins, fiberglass and production techniques into dealers so they would be more informed. You are welcome to visit or speak with the factory themselves at any time of course. BCB Admin.
That is correct. I do not want jag. Too big. I did talk to Ivan today and he answered many question to help me. Him and Rick although its been years ago I met them and picked up my p4. I am glad they are finished now in compartments. I love the light bar. Also love the new radiant colors. I was looking at lime on these other brands. I called the locust grove dealer Ivan gave me which its called Gibson bait so guess a bait store that sells some boats also. No answer or returned call today so I guess they were closed. Maybe they will call tomorrow and has someone that has a 2013 puma ftd they can show me and take me out for test spin. Plus I will get quote on a loaded puma ftd and see how they all compare. Figure pro and cons to all and make a decision. Dealer is huge so we will see how that goes also.
Well…………You need to do your homework as you are doing. Of your list there two there that I would never consider. While you are doing you homework make sure you compare apples to apples. Check out the trailers and compare each to the other. There are some serious shortcuts here with some and youll get glossed over by the shine of the boat. As far as the finished boxes. Both my 2013 and 2014 have smooth finished boxes and definitely not plastic. You can have these carpeted if you wish as an option. Not sure I would ever have them carpeted, but I guess each to his own. Compare company financials. BCB has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 40 years. The others you speak of ???????? Only BCB warranties the hull for the lifetime of hull. Yes a Bass Cat will run circles around the others in top end speed and Ill guarantee the BCB hull will be much more fuel efficient as well.Construction techniques – Vacuum compression is still the best method and has only been mastered by Bass Cat. Materials – BCB uses the best there is period. I witnessed some of these materials that have been used in the past and some that are currently used and you would be am less than impressed by the inferior one. Bass Cat has worked very hard with testing of materials (resins) to give the best there is within law. Layout – only you will be able to determine which fits you best. Though, there are 4 models over 20 and one should be able to find one that fits their needs in the line up.Deck width – make sure you check out a 2013 or 14 model. The deck widths did change some and make sure you measure in the decks in area where you will be fishing from.Deck length – make sure you look at the deck length and how much space is wasted in front of the trolling motor foot pedal.You should know what youre getting with a Bass Cat if you owned one in the past. By the way, the P4 was first introduced in 2003 at the owners invitational. You will have to determine what you want and what you want to spend your money on. Though you will be hard pressed to find a boat better than a Bass Cat! And as suggested above, call BCB and talk with those who build them. Theyll give you flat out honest answers and if their boat doesnt fit your needs then at least youve heard the story. Good luck with your shopping and good luck with your selection.
Yes I am doing home work. I looked back and my P4 was a 2004 model. I would not want carpet either so that smooth finish is great. As far as BCB goes I have been to factory and met both Rick and Ivan I guess in 04. Had a p3 before the p4. Been out of fishing since about 2007. Had a z19 then. I am looking at Bass Cat mainly because they are a great company. I know they build a great product no doubt. Hopefully I get a call today from this Gibson bait shop that is the dealer of Bass Cats and see how it goes. Rick and Ivan have always been great. Hopefully I get a call from this place and I can quote one then hopefully they have someone that has one that is a 2013 or 2014. We will see. Not many down our way these days. Then I can walk through it and see how I like the layout. If I have too I will call up Rick or Ivan and see if they have one if necessary and may have to drive to Mountain Home but I hope not because really dont have 11 hours to do it. Thanks for input. I do know what you mean by plastic though. One other brand I know is loaded in plastic and one of these boats has some plastic. More than I like and I dropped it from the list.
Monte,You might give a call to Scott Dennis at S an D Marine in Shawnee, Ok. He usually orders a Puma FTD as a Demo if I remember correctly. If not he might be able to get you in touch with someone that has late model for you to look at or ride in.
I second the S & D recommendation, they were very helpful to my boats original owner, and myself. Very nice folks who also have good taste in color selection ! BUT, if you happen to get over this way let me know and we will find you a ride, and the folks at H2O SportZ here can fix you right up ! They will also go outta their way to assist you in any way possible.p.s. I will never get into Ivans or P.A.s boats and go for a ride,,,,, i would have to take THAT boat home with me because they are set up so perfectly. Last edited by dbasketman on August 13th, 2013, 6:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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