Going Pantera II to a Sabre FTD

This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 1 month ago by barrigj.

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April 2, 2022 at 7:03 am #704187

barrigj
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I am looking for thoughts from anyone who has stepped down from a PII or larger Basscat to a Sabre FTD w/ 175. After 12 PII’s (latest 2020 w/ 200 4s), I am getting older (will be turning 66) and moving the boat in an out of the garage is getting tougher. Looking for anyones experience, likes/dislikes, speed, fishability, etc. Thanks in advance (Gerard).

April 2, 2022 at 9:16 am #704189

Cajunhunter67
Participant

I went from an Eyra to a Sabre FTD with a 175 Merc. I am currently in a PII so I can relate.

The Sabre will handle slightly better then the PII running bayou’s. You will feel wake impact a bit more in the Sabre.

The Sabre is slightly more responsive to TM inputs.
Storage will be nearly identical. Front deck is slightly shorter on the Sabre .

You will feel a partners movement in the back a bit more then the PII.
Also, when your both on the front deck, the bow will sink noticeably compared to the PII. Alone, it is very much like fishing off the deck of your PII.

Hole shot was close to the PII.
It was a solid 69 mph rig by myself. It is more bow weight sensitive then the PII. The 175hp helper with this.

I would still be in my Sabre had I not found such an incredible deal on my current PII.

Don

April 2, 2022 at 9:46 am #704190

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

We would consider the Bobcat in that situation and it does give up a little in the performance vs. a Sabre FTD.

The Sabre FTD is sweet and with a 175 is plenty of fun, though it also is the same base overall deck template as the P2 model.

BCB

April 5, 2022 at 4:20 am #704269

Dwayne
Participant

This would help with your issues

April 5, 2022 at 5:34 pm #704271

Wheelman
Participant

I really like my Sabre FTD and can’t imagine the difference between the two fishing would be that noticeable as it’s basically a P2 minus a foot(3” front deck/3” rear deck/6” cockpit) if you’re a bigger person I think the cockpit would be most noticeable about the length. The hull is about 200lbs lighter and the smaller engine is going to save maybe 50, so I’d see if your current boat is much easier to push around w/o a 250lb friend in it as you’re already on a single axle trailer. The Bobcat is more of an economy boat and not as nicely equipped as the Sabre I thought, plus it only can handle a 150. I think the biggest difference is going to be speed and rough water where that extra foot could come in handy, my 2 cents fwiw.

April 8, 2022 at 8:46 pm #704324

himmelrr
Participant

I went from a PII to a Cougar (250hp) to a Sabre (175hp) and now in a Caracal (225hp). I liked 90% of the Sabre. There were only two things I did not like about it. First was the rod placement on the passenger side. My longest ones would hang over and I was always worries about them getting broken. Second was the lack of room at helm. The geometry of the steering wheel, shifter and hotfoot position just did not work with my legs and gut. Other than that, it was a great boat. Hole shot was instant, rode great, and was a go-cart in turns. It runs well with just about any properly pitched prop. I liked the Trophy Plus the best.

April 15, 2022 at 11:00 am #704530

Jstew
Participant

They’re virtually identical boats. Sabre 3mph slower, little more tippy, handles quicker. Sabre and hotfoot don’t get along if you’re taller than 5’7″. I prefer the hand throttle anyway. Biggest issue as far as garage maneuverability is having a single axle trailer for either. Many prefer the tandem axle, but I’ve towed my single axle Sabre from Table Rock to Tenkiller to Lake Fork and never had a single issue. If you have a single axle under the PII – 1 foot length shorter won’t make beans for difference in pushing into the garage. Electric tongue dolly would be your best friend, like shown earlier.

April 18, 2022 at 2:18 pm #704587

barrigj
Participant

Thanks for all the reply’s! I am leaning to keeping my PII though no final decision has been made.
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