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As some of you know, I traded my Cougar FTD 5-6 weeks ago for a new to me 2015 Caracal at Sherms Marine. The ProXs had 19.6 hours on it. Ever since BCB introduced the new Caracal, I thought this might just be the boat to cause me to trade my Cougar. I was right! I had Sherm install a passenger console and move the power pole pumps out of the port storage locker. ( Dont know why they were put in there). I need to get the drop in tub for that space, or have Sherm build a back wall for that area to block it off from the bilge. At any rate, Ive had the boat on a couple lakes in Indiana and this week on a very angry Ky Lake. The boat handled the rough water quite well, it rivaled the Cougar in the rough stuff. For me, it fishes better than my Cougar. It seems more stable. Im not a speed freak. I used to be but not so much any more. I have had the boat near 70. I know it will do some better than that, just not had the opportunity to open it up, my wife isnt real enamored with high speed and she has been with me every time out. Its a head turner for certain, as all BassCats seem to be. It surely fishes like a 20 boat. The only thing I miss is the under seat storage. That is an option on the new models though. So BCB…in my humble opinion, you have yet again, hit it out of the park with this rig. I appreciate that!
Thank you for sharing your opinion and we are glad you are enjoying it!
Pics!!
I almost went home with a caracal from Bowden marine, I just couldnt bring myself to it. In my opinion the boat is awesome looking except for the front deck storage. For some reason I cant get over how chopped the front deck looks the way its laid out.
Ksig512, the separated front boxes instead of one or two large boxes are more down the tournament line for (1) separating rain gear, Life vests, spare clothing and other items in one area, (2) a day use box on the front deck in the vicinity of the bow deck angler position for todays tackle needs, (3) an area under the rods for stowing extra low use flat bait boxes (Plano) handy, (4) separation of tackle and internal levels for varying storage organization or use on #1 line, and (5) the ability to place high or low use rods in the left rod storage so you seldom have to move rods to the side while fishing. That pretty much explains it.
Im not knocking the boat by any means , I just have a OCD issue and for some reason It bugs me when things arent symmetrical.
Everyone is different, The layout is part of what made me buy it. When I was looking at it I thought the Rod Box is in a good place, After using it for a couple months I think t is in a Great place.
Ksig512,We get the OCD and the designers at BCB are not symmetrical and they stay outside that box of normal. They move for function any day over a symmetrical layout.
Ive found the layout to be a great improvement over my Cougar. And I dearly loved my CougarFTD, both of them. But this boat, as I said above, just fits my needs so much better. I had a ton of “stuff” in that Cougar, it all fits into the Caracal easily. Being asymmetrical doesnt phase me at all, I do realize for some thats not going to get it though.
I have been a Skeeter fan all my life , really bothers me they went to cookie cutter boats , I have looked at all your boats , and I mean all… I have my dealer working up a price on a caracal . Love that big wide front deck . I like to fly fish . I think it’s the boat for me ..
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