How does a P4 compare to a Cougar or Puma?

This topic has 8 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 10 months ago by brnzbaklvr.

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August 9, 2008 at 1:08 pm #305108

Bitman
Participant

Hey guys, when Im able to start shopping for a new to me used Cat Id like to make some educated decisions. Most of the boats I find that Im interested in are far away so I havent been able to see up close and personal the real diffs between the Cougs-Pumas vs the Pantera IVs. Im selling my PII and wanting a larger boat and all three of the models I like look real similar in layout. A little help from my fellow Cat lovers please. The smaller 200 vs the 225 or 250 wont kill me as Im not a speed freak at all. But I am in some big rough water quite often so keep that in consideration please. DannyG

August 9, 2008 at 1:28 pm #305109

dbasketman
Participant

The P4 is a different hull than both the other boats youre comparing to, but the deck layout is like the Pumas, but 11″ shorter, mostly in front of the consoles. the ride is very good, and the boat will handle whatever conditions you throw at it, and fishes BIG. Im on my second P4, and am in a quandry as to what to get next,,,,,,other than another P4 ! D.

August 9, 2008 at 2:43 pm #305110

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Debated the same thing recently. The big question to me is how much does speed mean to you? Bigger boat is faster-73-75 in a tournament P4 66-70 in a tournament. I have heard very experienced drivers in big water give all sorts of answers as to which boat they prefer.Have one guy that would prefer a p4 for rough ride over either of the bigger boats. Hes fished plenty out of all of them but PA will tell you as would others that they prefer the 20 hulls. I think its a speed question.C.O.D. Jr. III

August 9, 2008 at 2:50 pm #305111

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It will all depend on the conditions, as a P4 is a great hull in certain types of wave action and crest separation. The 20 models reach out on the longer ones, though can get hung up in short taller waves. Then sometimes an 18 model is easiest. There is no One Answer to your question. Though on overall ride, in general conditions of the middle America reservoirs, a P4 will handle them all well. The 20 models then do ride better as well in those conditions. BCB

August 9, 2008 at 4:14 pm #305112

Bitman
Participant

OK sounds like I need to hold out for a Puma or Cougar. Thanks Danny

August 9, 2008 at 8:14 pm #305113

Bama96
Participant

I you are looking for a P4 I saw one on the Bass Boat Central site that seems to good to be true. 2005 P4 w/ 2005 200 Merc Optimax. $23K!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET A DEAL!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4sale.htm

August 10, 2008 at 2:48 pm #305114

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I asked this question awhile back and received similar responses. I recently was able to get in both the P4 and the Cougar on the same day at Lake Ozark. Middle of the day with the cruisers out at 13mm. Roughest part of the lake. Both boats worked well. The P4 rode flatter, the cougar nose higher. The cougar appeared to handle the very rough water better than the P4. Both were good boats. It will come down to a matter of price for me.

August 10, 2008 at 5:04 pm #305115

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Lake of the Ozarks traffic is incomparable to anything short of Saint Clair in MIchigan. The 20 model will definitely give you an advantage there. The P4 model will be fine for other parts of that area. It will ride better on most of the Lake of the Ozarks waves than many competitive brands, though the 20 model will reach out and hte bow attitude is a factor. BCB

August 11, 2008 at 7:45 pm #305116

brnzbaklvr
Participant

I cant really compare the Cougar to the P4 because i have never been in a P4…I currently own a Jag and have ridden in a cougar a few times…I have fished the BFLs as a Co angler for the last few years and fished as a Non boater in quite a few tournaments so I have had the opportunity to see a few rigs in action on Lake St Clair..I really dont think you could go wrong with either of those rigs…My friend has a P3 and he does not hesitate to head out in rougher (reasonable) weather…I think rough water is all about the driver…I had a guy last year just about kill me in a 22 ft Ranger. He drove like an Idiot..On the othere hand I have had great rides in 18ft bass boats..Bottom line is buy what you like and work on your big water skills and you will be fine in either boat..
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