Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Considering a Sabre FTD & Pantera 2- input appreciated. Thanks!
cef1965.
If I go with Basscat Im torn between buying a sabre FTD with a 175HP or Pantera II with a 200HP. Im considering both new remaining 2014 models (the clock is ticking on those) and used 2013 models. I have not been able to see a Sabre FTD, only the basic Sabre model which looked too small and cramped on the front deck for my taste. I have not been on the water in either model.How much difference is there in the front deck layout between the Sabre FTD and P2. I saw one post that stated the front deck layouts are similar and the Sabre FTD was only 3″ shorter in length and negligible in width. Is this correct? Is it negligible in width from the nose of the boat all the way back to the console? On Basscats website it says the P2 front deck width is just under 60″at the rear. I measured the P2 and thought I measured 68″. Maybe I misread it and it was 58″??According to the Basscat site, it states for the Sabre FTD under the optional equipment, that 5″ diameter is the maximum size for a flush mount console graph. But comparing the console pictures on the website, it appears the Sabre FTD console is larger in that area and would hold a larger graph. According to Billy McCaghren on a you tube video it holds up to an 8″ graph. Would a 899 humminbird fit flush.? From pictures, the 2013 & 2014 Sabre FTD look to be the same. Does Sherms marine make a mount that would fit the 899 behind the steering wheel? And would there be enough room for it without it covering up some gauges? It looks like a Sherms mount would be a better option than a flush mount anyway. You could adjust it, to be more visible and not be looking through or peering over the steering wheel to see it. Any opinions on Sherms mount vs flush mount?Now a question comparing the Sabre FTD and P2 console room. Im 6 ft 210lbs. There is ample room for me sitting in the P2. According to some posts Ive read the bottom floor room is about 6″ shorter in length in the Sabre FTD. I dont think it would be an issue, but Im assuming when sitting in the seat behind the console on the Sabre FTD it will be 6″ tighter. Is that correct?My basement storage requirements–I have 105″ width clearance going through my kick out garage door from the floor up to 32″ above the floor. Then it necks down to 102″ from 32″ above the floor to the top of the door due to the hinge arms. I only have 6 5″ vertical clearance where my garage door opener is mounted to the joists, and could get 2″ more clearance if I absolutely had to remove it. I have plenty of length. Would the Sabre FTD and P2 fit in there? Having to keep my boat in a storage facility would probably be a deal breaker. I forgot to take a vertical measurement at the maximum motor height on the P2 Sorry for all the questions, but without being able to see a Sabre FTD, its difficult to decide whether Id be satisfied with it, or whether I should opt for the P2. Id hate to drive the 1000 miles round trip with intentions of buying a Sabre FTD and feel that its too small when I see it. I fish mainly for pleasure on small water and big water occasionally. Id love to see both, ride, and drive both, and fish out of both, but thats not an option. Id appreciate any feedback on the deciding factors from those who chose between the Sabre FTD & P2. If anyone can give me any measurements of the front decks, that would be great. If anyone could confirm that my storage restrictions would accommodate these 2 models, that would be great.THANKS!
I have a Sabre FTD with a 150 Opti. My neighbor has a PII. As far front deck space theyre virtually identical. Where the referenced 3″-4″ front deck difference comes in to play (for me) is stowing you rods on the deck under the TM. The Sabre FTD has a slight recess in the deck where the reels lay so the TM (at least an MG Tour) doesnt hit them in the stowed position. Otherwise, I note small variances in room in the seating area, and rear deck, but very little. Im also 6 and 200 lbs. I have a Hotfoot installed. The Sabre seating position is perfect for me. More than enough room behind the console and the HF is perfectly positioned for my height. Based on prior posts, I believe the newer Sabre FTDs will accept up to an HDS-8 in the console. You cant go wrong with either rig. You wont give up anything if you go to the Sabre FTD. Just about the perfect fishing platform for my needs. Exceptional rough water performance, drives like its on a rail, plenty of top end, and fishes shallowskinny water like no other boat in its class. Of course, the same can be said for the PII. Exceptional boat. Just slightly longer with a few more ponies. The Sabre is likely going to be a little more economical to operate/tow. I often wonder if my gas gauge is stuck I use so little fuel on most trips. Strictly depends on what your primary needs are. If someone is ever able to pry my Sabre FTD from my cold, fishy smelling hands my next boat will likely be a PIV or an Eyra. Hey, good luck with your quest. Youre on the right track already. Youre looking at BassCats. No better boat on the market today.
Sorry if I cant feel bad for you and your win win dilemma with your choice of Bass Cat boats. For measurements remember that the choice of motors make a difference in the storage lenght with the motor trimmed. If you have to steer the trailer by hand the choice of one or two axles will be vital. As for the other issues Id recommend that you get some time in and on both boats. Being a proud owner of a pretty white P IV Im a bit bias to the spacious deck and big wave handling. With a four blade powered by a SHO there arent many times I get wet by any rough waves. Good luck in your questPractice Angling CPRCatchPictureRelease2010 PIV 200SHO
I have a HDS 10 on a Sherms mount at my console on my Sabre FTD and love it. The Sherms mount is rock solid, looks great, places my electronics perfectly, and is a Great value in mounts to boot. I agree with RazorCat. The only thing that would tempt me out of my Sabre FTD is a P IV or an Eyra! BassCat is the best boat on the market. You will Love whatever you decide on.Dan
I have a Sabre FTD, which I purchased without really researching any other BCB product, just saw it and bought it. Ive been very pleased with it and, it has met all my needs. I am 6 2″ and the console/seat setup is fine for me. It had a hot foot when I purchased it and, after trying it, I had the dealer take it out. I didnt just not like it, I hated it, not my “cup of tea”. It had the slider option, but even with it all the way back, it cramped my leg after awhile. As far as the deck space the dimensions are as follows: starboard to port at base of TM = 43″, starboard to port at step up = 64″, from base of TM to step up (bow to stern) = 55″. So, I suspect your measurements were correct.As far as the width of the rig, its a little over 8 wide. So, 105″ is going to be “tight”. The height of my rig at the highest point on the motor (Yamaha hpdi 150) tilted it about 6, of course the Yamaha has a “wing” on the back of the motor that makes it a little taller when trimmed up. I can back my rig in my garage with the pro poles “up”, you wouldnt be able to do that with your clearance. Having said this and, considering your comment it could be a “deal breaker”, Id recommend you personally re-measure both your garage and the rig youre considering before buying it. But, based on the info youve provided, I think the Sabre FTD will fit, albeit “tight”. I am assuming you dont have any tight turns you need to make backing in. Bottom line, if I had it to do over again, Id give the P2 a closer look… only because Id want to know the difference in price between the rigs. Id rather have a 200hp 4 stroke than the 150hp 2 stroke that I currently have. But, Im pretty sure the sticker shock would bring me back to “reality”. What I was hoping for, and it may or may not happen, is for Yamaha to come out the a 175 sho 4 stroke.As already mentioned, I think youll be pleased with either choice…. good luck.
Thanks for the replies guys. You were very helpful.
If it were me I would prefer the PII. I have owned it and loved it. Given the option, the only reason I would ever go with the Sabre FTD over the PII would be for storage limitations. The PII with a 200 is a very economical rig.BrianBrianHAWG Hunter2013 BassCat Eyra2013 Mercury 250 Pro XS Gen2 L/U
Peg Leg 2150 wrote:I have a Sabre FTD, which I purchased without really researching any other BCB product, just saw it and bought it. Ive been very pleased with it and, it has met all my needs. I am 6 2″ and the console/seat setup is fine for me. It had a hot foot when I purchased it and, after trying it, I had the dealer take it out. I didnt just not like it, I hated it, not my “cup of tea”. It had the slider option, but even with it all the way back, it cramped my leg after awhile. As far as the deck space the dimensions are as follows: starboard to port at base of TM = 43″, starboard to port at step up = 64″, from base of TM to step up (bow to stern) = 55″. So, I suspect your measurements were correct.As far as the width of the rig, its a little over 8 wide. So, 105″ is going to be “tight”. The height of my rig at the highest point on the motor (Yamaha hpdi 150) tilted it about 6, of course the Yamaha has a “wing” on the back of the motor that makes it a little taller when trimmed up. I can back my rig in my garage with the pro poles “up”, you wouldnt be able to do that with your clearance. Having said this and, considering your comment it could be a “deal breaker”, Id recommend you personally re-measure both your garage and the rig youre considering before buying it. But, based on the info youve provided, I think the Sabre FTD will fit, albeit “tight”. I am assuming you dont have any tight turns you need to make backing in. Bottom line, if I had it to do over again, Id give the P2 a closer look… only because Id want to know the difference in price between the rigs. Id rather have a 200hp 4 stroke than the 150hp 2 stroke that I currently have. But, Im pretty sure the sticker shock would bring me back to “reality”. What I was hoping for, and it may or may not happen, is for Yamaha to come out the a 175 sho 4 stroke.As already mentioned, I think youll be pleased with either choice…. good luck.Peg,Great observations. Ive had two Sabres. One being a FTD setup. Love that boat. Storage if awesome, with 175 HPDI it was a rocket, Console is the same as the PII and fishes comfortably. Ive been with and without hotfoot and tell you the ride is so much more comfortable without a hotfoot. Ive owned 6 bass boats in total and gotta say when I took out my hot foot the ride was so much better. Initially I was fearful at WOT. Not an issue at least for me and will say if you cruise at 4500-5000 rpms which 90% of us do anyway nothing better to stretch out the legs and hand throttle to and from with cruise control attributes with a hand throttle. My next boat regardless of size will not have a hotfoot period. Also, BassCat prefers sans hotfoot just the same. Their reasons maybe different but will say when I had mine out of my SabreFTD it was a noticeably more enjoyable driving experience.As for 175SHO wont happen for a while IMO. Yamaha has a new 175 four stroke out but its more for the saltwater market.
As for 175SHO wont happen for a while IMO.Fly – its “sinking in”… albeit slowly. But, on the “bright side”, its saving me $. Hmmmm, wonder what Hydro Tech could do with my hpdi 150?…. Just kidding!!!!!!!!
Do you ever fish 3 from the boat? While there is not much difference in deck, the PII might provide a little more room if you fish 3. Love the PII. IMHO, the best value in the BCB line up.
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