Caracal Owners – Input Please!

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 5 months ago by billius.

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January 3, 2017 at 2:58 pm #404481

CoosaCat.basscatowners
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I just sold my first cat the other day (2015 Eyra), and Im debating on what model to go with next. I have told myself I wouldnt buy a Caracal, but I keep getting drawn back to it for the layout. I realize that all models have pros and cons, and while speed isnt a top priority, I do see that that there will be a noticeable drop in top end with the Caracal. What are the biggest pros and cons you guys have found after owning a Caracal?Thanks in advance!

January 3, 2017 at 4:20 pm #404484

billius
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I went from a CougarFTD/250ProXs to a 2015 Caracal/225ProXs. The boat is fantastic. Ride is the same, to me at least. Id given up being a speed freak several years ago, so having a boat which runs in the low 70s is okay for me. The boat handles rough water quite well. The deck layout is good. Tons of room up front. Thats a plus for an old guy like me. . The downsides to me are few. The space between consoles is a bit narrow. With the second console, you basically cannot access the storage compartment next to the cooler. Storage is more than ample. I got all the gear that was in my Cougar into the Caracal easily. I have the belly tank plus one 26 gallon tank. So, I have a lot of room in the bilge. If I was getting a new Caracal, Id opt for the underseat storage. I dont have that on my 2015, and I miss it. I also miss not being able to store my seats in the starboard rod locker, they arent deep enough. But all in all, for me, the Caracal is an upgrade.

January 3, 2017 at 4:57 pm #404487

basscat tyler
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CoosaCat, why did you tell yourself you wouldnt buy the Caracal? Is there something specific that you dont like? Ive never been in one myself but I like the looks of the layout. You would be giving up 6″ in length I believe but Im not sure where that shows up? Back deck? Front deck? Console area? Maybe a bit from everywhere. Id try to find one close to you and check it out. Good luck with your search!

January 3, 2017 at 6:05 pm #404490

DaLa
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I am curious why you told yourself to stay away from the Caracal. I have recently spoke to a new Caracal owner who stated that it feels just as big as his previous 20 foot other brand boat.I love mine, but it is the first brand new boat and the biggest/most horsepower boat I have owned. I have a 2015 Caracal, so no underseat storage. If I bought a new one I would get the twin 26 gal tanks in the back for the added storage. I do have tons of room in the bilge, but it does not seem to be as easily accessible or usable as the underseat would be. I have hit 73 mph which seems fine for me as I mostly fish narrow waterways. Good holeshot with the 24p Fury. I have a single console so I cannot speak to the narrow pasage to access the front deck. I get asked if it is a 21 foot boat – it looks bigger than 19-8 when on trailer at the ramp.Pros:Wide front deck and can fish three people in the boat fairly easily12″ Lowrance fits into the consoleLots of storage on front deckAm enjoying the inboard rod-lockerAm enjoying the deeper seating positionVery dry ride compared to my previous boatsConsWish I had the underseat storageDave

January 3, 2017 at 7:57 pm #404493

CoosaCat.basscatowners
Participant

I have been told by a few friends that Id regret not getting a 20 with a 250 and that resale could be a little more difficult than with any of the 20 rigs. I know that the boat has more than enough storage for my needs, and probably fishes bigger than the Eyra that I came out of. Ive read a few comments about the cockpit being a little cramped and that the seats sit a little low. That was about the only thing I wish was a little different on the Eyra. If the seats could sit up higher like the Cougar and Puma. Definitely not a deal breaker though. I would buy the Eyra again in a heartbeat and all of the BCB models are appealing to me.

January 3, 2017 at 8:02 pm #404496

High Cotton
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250itis. As in I got to have the biggest motor.

January 3, 2017 at 10:47 pm #404499

mike dominick
Participant

Ive got the 400itis, but not the budget

January 4, 2017 at 12:36 am #404502

Zoomworms
Participant

Not much for me to dislike …75mph boat that fishes great! I love the rod box location.

January 4, 2017 at 3:17 pm #404505

CoosaCat.basscatowners
Participant

Ive read that the front compartments are shallow, but is it really an issue for anyone? The compartments on the Eyra were more than deep enough for anything I carried. I never needed to put the seats in a rod locker. Will a butt seat and pedestal still fit in the starboard locker?One of the biggest selling points of the Caracal is the passenger rod box. Has anyone had trouble with spinning rods fitting in the tubes? What about rods longer than 7?I found one I can go sit in thats about 3 hours from me, so I may go do that. Can anyone compare the seating height to the Eyra? Is it much lower, if any?

January 4, 2017 at 5:28 pm #404508

billius
Participant

The front compartments are more shallow than my Cougar. You cant get the butt seat or fold down seat in either of the lockers. Some spinning rods will fit into the rod locker box, some wont. I put those in the port locker.
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