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I posted this on the boats for sale board and it was recommended that I post it here. I am currently running a Ranger Z21 and looking at making a move to a Cat. My question is, what is the major diff between the Puma and Cougar? The spec look the same on both and what is the FTD? Also, any info on the new Jaguar. I blew my back out in 04 so the ride is important. Also, one of the things I really like on the Z is the extra padding on the deck, can I get this on a Cat. Thanks in advance.
Rich I am a Sabre and Pantera guy so I dont know that much about the bigger Cats. I am sure that someone will be on here in a minute to give you the differences. I do know this ,you will not be disappointed with the ride in rough water. My 19 Pantera was a great riding rough water boat. I can only imagine what the larger boats are like.
No new info on the Jag except that it is big. As far as Puma v. Cougar, the interior layout is the main difference. The 20s all share the same hull. FTD stands for Full Team Deck…the deck extends all the way back to the consoles. In the old days with say the 400 series Rangers and even with the older Jag/Cougar, there was an open floor area with rod boxes/storage on right and left. As far as padding I do not believe it is an option…..yet. Good luck and hopefully one of the BCB moderators will correct me soon96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
as far as the ride goes, I havent ridden in any boat that rides as well as my Cougar FTD. What part of the country are you in, Im sure someone will take you for a test ride.
I live in MD. We have a Cat dealer 10 min from the house, but he is also the Ranger dealer. After the way I was treated with my Z by them they will never get another dime of my money. I was really disappointed when I heard they were a Cat dealer.
We have a local dealer that has started carrying Ranger as well as BassCat. They have always been a BCB dealer, and just picked up the R line. BassCat has high standards for their dealers. You might tell them you are looking at BassCat and see what response you get. If they appear to have a negative attitude, you need to let BCB know. Customer service is what has driven them to the top ranks and they want to make sure every customer/family member is treated like they would want to be treated. You probably will not have issues with the boat as much as engine/electronics..Good luck!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
Jignpig, I will drive several hours and give the money to a dealer that appreciates it, not one that views it as a pain. They used my boat at a couple of shows due to the color combo and sold several boats due to that, I also sent 3 people to them that ended up purchasing. Oh well, over and done with. lol Everything I have heard about BCB has been positive. Looking at the board I like seeing how willing people are to share info and that BCB is on the board also. Im pretty sure by before this time next yr I will own one.
Youve got a couple of choices nearby,,,relatively. Pops in Toano,VA., and Franzwas in Millville,NJ. Ive been to both and wouldnt hesitate to purchase from either. Pops is more bass boat concious than most others since that is all he sells, but the folks in Jersey are equally as pleasant to visit. Good luck, and if any of us can assist dont hesitate to give us a shout. As far as the difference in the boats, all four 20 rigs share the same hull, but have different configurations on top. The Puma FTD has a Puma front, and Cougar FTD rear deck, the Cougar FTD has storage up front expanded instead of a net holder, and a different step up cooler, the Cougar Advantage Elite is a former Cougar FTD version with a smaller console and a few less amenities, while the Puma is still a Puma, with the rear storage, midship fuel tank, and net storage up front. Send in a catalog request or study them online and compare. You wont be dissappointed with any one of the boats ! D.Last edited by dbasketman on April 3rd, 2009, 9:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Rich In lieu of anwering your email I will respond here. The Jaguar is still in production and this boat has not been tested. However, after seeing the hull in the early stages this will no doubt be the best riding boat on the water. Its big, wide, and deep. There are suppose to be many innovative things that no other boat has as well. I do not know what those are. Currently, there is no padding on the front deck of the boat. It is my understanding that the carpet will not adhere to the padding like it should after several years use. Too, I believe the padding wont hold up like it should after several years. Maybe water intrusion. Anyway, Im sure BCB can help you out with this question as to “why ” they dont have padded front decks. FTD stands for “Full Team Deck”. That term was used on a new model Cougar in 2003. The front deck was full length from bow to the consoles. The Puma FTD came along this year after the Puma was introduced in 2005. The Puma FTD doesnt really utilize a full team deck in front, but carries the exact characteristics of a Cougar FTD from the consoles to the transom. There is no such thing as a standard Cougar. The standard Cougar went away in 2003. There is a Cougar Advantage Elite which is the same hull as current Puma, Puma FTD, and Cougar FTD. It utilizes the top cap of the old Cougar FTD (year models 2003 – 2007). The Puma has the same front deck as the Puma FTD. The difference is on the rear deck where the Puma has large storage boxes and the Puma FTD has small storage boxes. The Puma FTD also has storage underneath the seat. The Puma has a 33 gallon fuel tank under the seat. There are also differences in the standard features of the “FTD” models vs. the Puma and / or Cougar Advantage Elite models. If you have major concerns with your back and not so much with top end speed, then I would definitely look at a Jaguar when they hit the water. However, it has been mentioned that this thing wont be cheap. How much?……………I have no ideal. Otherwise, money not being an option, I would get a Puma FTD everyday of the week. Just my preference here. The current hulls ride good (top two or three on the market) and are dry (probably the driest). If youre coming out of “Z” then any 20 BCB will be better in all aspects! As far as dealers, I can understand your plight. BCB will find a way for you to get a boat if you decide to purchase. Good luck.
As for the other items, we will let the owners give you their opinions. They do a very good job of expressing the thoughts they have on BCB. Some have run BCB models over 30 years, and we have a loyalty percentage that is unmatched, thankfully, no boastful. The foam padded decks we have not found a foam that is durable. This started with a defunct bass boat company in TN/AL and they had issues as well. The foam does not adhere well to the carpet and in no time the carpet is wrinkled and loose from the foam, stretching the knap and stitching. We found only one singular foam that would work, though we can not find the manufacturer. Until we figure out where that came from, we defer from foam padded decks. You would expect us to pay warranty on carpeting coming loose, and we will not chase that issue. The Jaguar is going to be a very expensive boat with tons of features and some pretty neat concepts. Which means a Bentley type of price tag and not a Mercedes. We are stepping out there. The boat will not be completed for production for a couple months yet. If you have a more specific question, let us know. Thank You very much for looking at a BCB, and the dealer in your question is very aware of our commitment to the consumer. BCB
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