Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Buying my first cat!
Issy1.
First of all let me say from what Ive read this company and its owners are top notch! Now to my question, Im in the market for a 20 foot bass boat and Ive narrowed it down between the cougar ftd and the puma ftd. Unfortunately I can only afford one slightly used instead of custom ordering a new one which from what Ive read is an awesome experience! I have no where near me to look at either of these boats and I cant decide which one is for me? Im not concerned with speed as Ive heard the cougar is a little faster. What Im concerned with is deck space (front deck mainly) and storage. I want the one with the bigger front deck if there is a difference? And better storage which is hard to decipher from pics? Any and all advice and opinions will be appreciated and I cant wait to join the basscat family!
cougar ftd has a larger front deck than the puma ftd. the best storage is determined by the individual. the puma ftd has net storage on the front deck and the cougar ftd does not. the puma ftd has more storage compartments on the front deck than does the cougar ftd. performance wise…………both are about the same as far as top end speed and ride.
Ive got a 2009 CougarFTD and live in far south Alabama. If thats close to you…Id be glad to take you for a ride in it. Might even be interested in selling it if the price is right.
Not sure about the Cougar having a larger front deck, though Iwould assume Phil knows his Cats. Id like to know where it is larger, maybe BCB can answer that one. Either of the boats you are looking at will do every and anything you want them to do, and if you can fill up the storage on either, then id say you carry way too much gear! Another option would be to look at the Puma Adavantage could possibly get a new one for the used price of an FTD model. Id still personally go with the Puma Premium/ Puma advantage model if buying new or used for the rear storage bins are larger and deeper then the other two models. Check out Phils website for good deals on used cats. http://www.impactfishing.com Either way you are in the right place, just take your time, and if you can hold out for about 3 more months alot of folks will be getting ready to order 2012 models and you can usually find a slighty used 10 or 11 model for significant savings.
Willet 02:I have an 09 Puma FTD that is for sale in Central Texas. I am only selling the boat to purchase another BassCat, probably a new Jaguar. I think the front deck of the Puma and Cougar are similar in size, but the Puma has a net storage compartment on the front deck which is absolutely great with two smaller storage compartments beside it and one larger compartment behind it. The net storage compartment holds a huge net and boat paddle with no difficulty, and both are out of the way. I do not see how I in the past was able to fish without the net storage compartment. The two smaller compartments next to the net storage compartment each have trays for four 3700 Plano boxes that strap down within the storage. Mine will hold six plano boxes each, as I put an 3700 on each side of the storage box. I store bags rope and dock buoys behind the 3700s I use the front boxes for hardbaits and light items. Behind the two front storage compartments is a large compartmetn that holds a whole bunch of 3700s sith life preservers stored on top of the 3700s. I store 13 rods in each rod box. There is a day box and a cooler on the step before the front deck. In the day box I keep pliers, nippers, dye, garlic spray, line conditioner, and the soft plastice I plan to fish for the day. The cooler beside the day box I use to store three 3700 plano boxes, towels, sun gloves, sun screen, and maps. There are two storage compartments beneath the seats that are as dry as the day is long. I store a spare motor guide prop, tools, snacks, rain suit, extra clothing, lure retrievers, and small boxes of lures I do not use much under the seat. Between the seats is a great cooler that I use for ice,cold drinks and food. The back two storage compartments I intitially thought were small, but they will each hold seven plano 3700 boxes with room for three of the plano 3600 boxes on top of the 3700s and one beside the 3700s. In the rear boxes I keep heavier items. Most of my regular partners do not use storage boxes, but keep their tackle boxes on the floor in front of them by the passenger seat. I always emply a rear box for tournament partners, and many times I will leave them the use of both rear boxes. I like the configuration of the storage compartments much better than I like the storage on the Rangers. I used to love the configuration of the storage compartments on my old Tritons: however, once I became accustomed to the different layout on the Puma, I preferred the Puma layout. I really love my Puma. The boat is listed on the BassCat for sale page. I would love to take you for a ride in the Puma if you are close to Central Texas, whether or not you wish to purchase mine. I have owned Rangers, Tritons, and now this Puma. The Puma that I now own is my favorite of all boats I have owned. It is one well built and well performing machine. Please call me if I may be of any assistance. Corky (254) 773-3023 (phone number)
The front deck of a Cougar FTD is approximately a foot longer than than the Puma or Puma FTD down the middle. Both the Puma FTD and Puma have a higher raised deck than the Cougar FTD. You really need to take a close look at both prior to deciding. Surf around on Bass Cats Facebook page to distinguish between the two. Heres the link to that site…………..http://www.facebook.com/p…l-Number/106283106080215
Wow thanks for all the info guys. I am located in southern ohio and realize im probably going to have to travel to get my cat but im hoping to find one within 300 miles. I will definitely check out the link later this evening when I have more time. Corky I looked at the boat on the for sale page and it is beautiful. Its a shame that you are so far away because I would love to see it in person. I am currently working 7 12s and have a couple weeks to go so I am trying to decide now on which boat I want so I can persue that when Im done working all of this overtime.
Willett02:Let me know if you become more interested in my boat. My dealer may arrange financing if needed. Also, I am happy to answer any questions you might have whether or not you are interested in my boat. You will really enjoy being a part of the BassCat family. They are a great group of guys. Corky
Well after looking at the facebook page it seems like alot of people are choosing the puma ftd over the cougar for some reason? Since I have no where within 3 hours to look at these boats in person I think I will just buy the one I can get the best deal on. From what ive read and heard I will be happy in either one of these boats and cant wait to pull into my first tourney of the year with a basscat in tow! Thanks for all of the info and help! And Corky I will contact you if I become interested in traveling that far to buy possibly flying out and renting a truck to bring it back but I am hoping to find one closer. We will see how that goes.
I live just south of Louisville, KY and have a 2011 Puma FTD w/250 Pro SX, if you want to see in person and/or take a ride PM me. My dealer is Marine Work in Harrodsburg, KY you can give them a call, ask for John at 859-748-6180.Gary Isgrigg
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
