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jignpig.
Getting closer to finally making a purchase – pretty settled on a Puma, but still have a short list of things that would make the boat perfect for me. None of these are reasons I havent or wouldnt buy the boat (the main reason is the economy, the health care bill last year, and my reluctance to part with 50 grand during uncertain economic times, but thats another story). Im just throwing these out there for discussion, and to see if anyone else has any others – these are not criticisms, but rather my thoughts on how the boat would be an exact fit for me.1) I would like a gelcoat or similiar option for the inside of the compartments (I really like this feature on my Ranger as the compartments look well finished)2) Retractable rod straps – I just cant warm up to the velcro straps3) Storage compartment dimensions to match the standard plano boxes – a feature I really like about the z520 and the Phoenix boats4) A redesigned console that has a rod “pocket” to allow the rod tips to be moved furthur toward the rear of the boat, and out from under your feet.5) More room under the trolling motor when in the stowed position to not lie on reels (without using a ram support).6) Easily removable second console option (I like what Phoenix did with this on their 721)7) A vinyl custom cover that ratchets down and fits like my Ranger cover – I dont know that BC doesnt have the exact same cover, but the covers Ive looked at so far didnt seem to fit as well as Id like. A built in place to hang baits when changing lures (I use a cheap and aggravating suction cup version from Academy now and it makes me insane)9) Slightly more room between the consoles to allow the co-angler better access during frantic netting attempts. I learned this one the hard way as a FLW co-angler – I limped for a month after banging my knee on the corner of the console trying to net a fish for my boater.10) Better customer support and a more active owners board – OK, so Im joking about this one! I love reading this board!Anyway, its a nit-picky list, but I love the boat anyway.
We will have someone internal at BCB (probably Rick) reply to this when we can gather them. The are tied up this weekend with some family functions and home life.
Not that big of a deal – just a few observations after a year of relentless analysis of whats on the market now. Im starting to think that I might need to take a few months off and just hang out at the factory while they build mine – hope thats ok!
#1- get boxes carpeted then. Mine are and I love it#2- I have owned velcro and bungee straps and fish out of a z19 a fair bit that has retractables. Id rather have bungees-simple, quick, easily replaced #3- I turn mine sideways. They fit fine. Fit tightly. allows me to use the bit of triangular space in the posterior/aft end of the center box for smaller boxes as well#4- Sounds good to me- maybe well see that one!#5- agreed when there is a second console- which i have with a 52″ fortrex. Although I will say that the very few times I was ever on fish I never needed more than 4 rods up front. Without a second console the issue doesnt really happen#6- Man as a fellow owner I would have to disagree on this one. I figure that thing is fixed into fiberglass with large anchors that the console pops into. Ill let phenix decide hows this works long term and not me. I fear that the high frequency vibrations we all get into will eventually microfracture. Certainly if there is a long slide with multiple anchors this will be fine but Id let someone else find out first.#7- Love that cover too! I hear rumors of another cover that someone at BCB has been trying out…..can I say that?#8-Isnt there a simple system already out there from cooks? Heck I imagine some picture wire and two small hooks will get you that-#9- Ying and Yang. Large console is your buddy when its 36 and raining. I can just about put my 3 year old in the box its so large. Now I recommed a battery operated LED light hanging in it.#10- Man I know. This board stinks. You outta meet the guy that runs it! C.O.D. Jr. III
Also, I already realize that several things on my wish list cant be done in the BC due to structural and design issues (such as the retractable rod strap due to conduit for the trolling motor wire, etc).
Im not sure I can live with carpeted boxes – my boxes now seem to get a lot of dirty stuff in them somehow. I just rinse them out with soap and water about once a year and they look like new. I like the bungees OK, but the rod saver retractables have worked so well, and look really neat, that I hate to not have them. I do prefer the bungees over the velcro though. I agree with the worries about the removable second console. I fish alone 80% of the time, but the second console is really nice for the occasional partner. I dont have any great ideas on this yet. I agree that time will tell on the model that Phoenix has out.The Cooks system is under the lids, if Im not mistaken. Im talking about something built in and outside, perhaps on the side of the console. Im apparently too lazy to lift the lid and hang the bait when I change it.I like the BC consoles the best, from a co-angler perspective. Im pretty happy when I draw a guy with a BC, particularly in February. My right knee, however, is not as happy about the narrow space between the consoles. I had just got new progressive lens bifocals when that happened, so now that Im not stumbling around like a drunk when I wear them, it might not be such a problem for me.I only need one rod on deck when Im on fish. The other 99% of the time, Ive got 5 out minimum. Ive actually thought about drilling a new slot for the latch on the TM about one inch furthur back so that the motor sits up a bit and doesnt hit the rods. For some reason, my current one has enough room under it.
1. I understand how you feel, but now knowing how they are made, I will take them how they are. They are very easy to clean. I might have my next one with carpet in them for quietness.2. After watcthing a guy loose most of his rods with the retractable straps, no questions asked, Velcro it is. My mother has a rubber bungee strap get nicked on her Ranger and it broke while going down the lake under a calm day. 3. Im glad they dont make them for the Plano, I found out for me I prefer the Falcon type. It makes me feel more organized. Just preference. I do have to say it make it look neat and tidy.4. I have to agree in this, maybe the new Eyra console will make it down the line.5. I think this is on the raised decks, I have plenty of room on my P4. 6. It would be nice but time will tell on durability.7. I have a deans and it moved just a touch more that the Ranger covers, but Its not like a tent going down the road. I have thought about converting mine over to a ratchet strap around and still use the tie downs also.Anyway just my 2 cents worth. I know I really like my cat and It will be another one here very soon.Good luck in your choices.Eric
The best thing for you to do is call Ivan 870-481-5135 or ask for Rick…In 2007 I started selling BCB, and I was a Ranger sales person. I asked the exact same questions pretty much. All brands COPY eachother, except for BCB. The Yellow boxes are that color and unfinished for a reason, the retractables can be modded, ask Flyswatter. But with BCB everything is done for a reason. The positives of the boat and construction and WARRANTY are far more important than some of your concerns,in my opinion. The Deans cover is over 1/2 the price of the Ranger covers, Ranger covers do Scuff the Rub Rail area, I know because ive sold 100s, they both use the same material and BCBs is close in concept, but its also not $1200……Just my 2 cents dude……Brannon
Thanks guys – input much appreciated. The construction of the boat is the reason Im probably going to go with a BC. I really like the Ranger cover, and Ive not noticed any rub rail scuffs. It would be a great option on the BC, and I would pay more to have it (I keep my boat covered pretty much all the time, even in my boat storage area). Im convinced that the cover is the reason my 5 year old Ranger still looks brand new.I know that BC does everything for a good reason – I have learned that when doing my research. Seems I remember the box finish issue being a structural design issue that prevented the use of a smoother finish, in exchange for a stronger construct. Am I remembering that correctly?Ive seen the mods on the retractables where a hole was cut in the rod box – I would probably have to be medicated to allow someone to cut a hole in one of my lids. This isnt a deal breaker for me, just an annoyance.I never realized the Eyra consoles had a pocket cut out for the rod tips. Maybe they can just stick two of those on a Puma for me – problem solved!
It isnt because of structural design that gelcoat isnt used. That would be if you are talking about the drop in style plastic boxes. The interior tackle and storage boxes are not lined with gelcoat because basically it adds nothing to the boat. The interior storage on BassCat is already a smoothed fiberglass finish.Flyswatter among others, has installed the retractable rod buckles on his front deck, not the gunnells where the pvc piping is located. It can be done, but that would be aftermarket.I believe the Cougar AE has a narrower console than the Pumas already, but the net storage is handy for the Puma.I too could see a new designed boat trailer cover on the way as well, but it will have to meet their standards for BC to commit to it…..Hope to see you in a Cat soon!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
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