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Mainliner61.
I have been looking at a new basscat, I would love to have a cougar ftd, but the price is out my range, so how does the cougar advantage match up against my skeeterzx20? IN ride, fishability and all out performance?
I am sure you will get many replies. I have fished out of a Skeeter zx20. Also fished out of a Ranger z521. When I was interested in buying my last boat I did research on all the companies mentioned including Bass Cat. After everything was said and done and I had visited the plants I was convinced that Bass Cat was the only choice for me. I only bought a Sabre FTD, and I hope to move up soon to the Pantera II but my Sabre fishes much bigger than an 18 boat, top speed is Good, and the ride is incredible. I know the way I fish I will never need anything bigger than the Pantera II that I am currently dreaming of. There will be plenty of Cougar owners chime in I am sure.Dan
Welcome to the greener side of the fence. Lol. You could always hunt for a used FTD. I see them posted here occasionally. I say if youre going to spend that much money anyway, you might as well go on and get exactly what you want. Only downside to used is not getting the exact colors you might want.13 PIV w/ 200 MercIG: WarriorRiverCustomRods
The Cougar AE is all the boat anyone would ever need, it will do anything its brethren will do and maybe even a tad faster. It has traditionally been offered in a package, with a 225, etc,,, for a boat show deal, and is an incredible boat. Ive run mine for six years, and if the Caracal had not been introduced I would be buying another Cougar AE.I wish you guys would fill out your profiles so we could see where each other are located. I would be glad to give you a ride in mine if you are close. It is for sale as well.http://www.impactfishing.com/dougswann/dougswann.htmLast edited by dbasketman on September 11th, 2014, 5:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
dbasketman wrote:The Cougar AE is all the boat anyone would ever need, it will do anything its brethren will do and maybe even a tad faster. It has traditionally been offered in a package, with a 225, etc,,, for a boat show deal, and is an incredible boat. Ive run mine for six years, and if the Caracal had not been introduced I would be buying anotherCougar AE.I wish you guys would fill out your profiles so we could see where each other are located. I would be glad to give you a ride in mine if you are close. It is for sale as well.http://www.impactfishing.com/dougswann/dougswann.htm^^ that is a beautiful boat. Someone will be getting a sharp looking cougar. Wish it could be me. Lol13 PIV w/ 200 MercIG: WarriorRiverCustomRods
HI, Check out the for sale section on this site. I personally have a 2014 with extreme low hours priced well below what an advantage is. Good luck and you wont go wrong with either.
In answer to your question, the top end performance should edge to the BCB, the fuel mileage danged sure will be better on the BCB. A BCB hull is like driving a tight steering vehicle while some other competitive brands are more like herding. Absolutely nothing wrong with the difference in handling if thats your preference, just that BCB hulls are tighter. Competitive boats often are driven with throttle adjustments changing performance and most Bass Cat hulls use the trim to make big performance changes. Also Bass Cat hulls do not like excessive trim and almost everyone overtrims a BCB. That includes most owners. Fish ability is opinion oriented as some like massive decks and Cougar Advantage model tucks you right up in the nose. They fish easily out of either Sid this way and you can flip without catching the trailer on the gunnel. You can easily fish a stick bait, top water or most baits out of either side. Roll casting a spinner bait under trees is simple, just roll you wrist and you dont hit the trolling motor head and backlash. Abut the only drawback to the forwards position is open water fishing. Everything else is easier and better, with more efficiency. The hull is a dry ride and the attitude of the hull will vary depending on the engine and gearcase. You will only get wet from blowback of the side spray, or driver error in most any condition. The hull really does ride extremely dry. Compare rides at the same speeds if your going to drive one. Run 50 MPH and see, do 60 and compare the rides at 60, run 70 and compare 70, then run 75 and see on your way to trying an 80 MPH pass. You should be ale to get close.
I have own Ranger and the Skeeter. With that being said I now own the Cougar FTD. All are good boats but the basscat in my opinion is an excellent built boat, second to know one. It will take some getting use too. I live in N.C. and if your live nearby I will be more than glad to carry you for a ride. If you look at the quality that is built into a Basscat you will be sold. The customer service is outstanding as well. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Thanks guys all good read. As you know this this is a major decision. … you cant buy one and take it back if you dont like it, a week later. Lol Just not happy with the changes on the new skeeter s. If any one lives in the stl area with a cougar would be happy to pay my way for a day out.ThanksBassahualic
I also have owned Ranger and Skeeter and now have a Puma FTD. To me the difference is daylight and dark. The Cats ride ALOT better, I like the layout and storage better than any other boat I have been in, and BassCat treats you like family. Even if you buy a 20 year old BassCat from someone and never plan to buy new, BCB will treat you as if you just bought a brand new one. You will find someone in your area with a Cat and take you for a ride. Im sure any of us would be glad to help. Good luck!
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