Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › New Caracal with a 200
Any thoughts or experience here? How would she do with a 200? Thanks.
Im sure that theres enough setup options to get decent performance out of a 200, but if I were to order a boat with one, I would bank on keeping it for a while due to resale value. The price difference at initial purchase would be negligible. Are you needing to stay under 200hp to be legal in your local lakes?I have an Eyra with a 225 ProXS, but mine was basically an SP package with other options, plus it was a dealer demo, so I bought it at a much lower price than a standard equipped Eyra. If not for that, I wouldnt have purchased this boat from a resale standpoint. As for the performance, Im very happy with it. It runs with all other brands powered by 250s and passes many of them, plus with what I have invested in mine, I should come out alright in resale in a couple years.
If the engine is a challenge in price we would not go to a 200 on the Caracal. It is a large boat and different than an Eyra and 200 rig.
Thanks CoosaCat and thanks BCB. I read elsewhere the Eyra with a 200 is a good set up. What kind of speed? Stability/fishability?
Ive read that the Eyra is capable of 70+mph with a 200, when setup properly and loaded light. Im no expert on the hull design or the physics behind it, but I do truly believe that 25 HP does indeed make a difference in top end, especially with a hull that doesnt like a lot of positive trim. Using my boat for example; with a 225 ProXS, Im turning a 26P Fury to about the same RPMs as the guys running 250s, but the difference is Im trimming my motor a little more to get there, whereas if I had 25 more HP, which would mostly be purely top end power, I would be able to get those same RPMs with a little less trim, resulting in more stern lift and less prop slip, which equates to more MPH. I also think a 250 will carry a load a little better on top end. While Ive run 3 different props, the 26P Fury Ive stuck with gives me the best compromise of holeshot, handling, and top end. I am getting right at 76-76.5 in the current air/water conditions, with 1 person, full fuel, and empty live wells. Fill the live wells and add a partner, and Im down to 72-72.5. Dont get me wrong, Im happy with these numbers, and I dont think anyone can ask for more out of a 20 boat w/ a 225, but theres still a noticeable difference between mine and an Eyra powered by a 250.As for the stability/fishability:What sold me on this model is that is was somewhat of an in-between size rig. It handles rough water like a 20 boat, but seems to maneuver around docks, stumps, etc. a little better, and most of all, the COFFIN LID layout. The front deck layout of the Eyra isnt for everyone, but for those who it fits, they all love them. Not only is it easier to access tackle anywhere on either side, but it also gives you a lot more options on how to arrange your tackle, than what you would be limited to with a more conventional layout. If you watch the model review on YouTube, Kevin Short explains how the console being shifted just a few inches forward, not only creates a bigger rear deck, he feels that it completely changes the handling of the boat. The holeshot with this 26P is pretty good, but the 25P Fury will break your neck jumping out of the hole. and acceleration from 40-60 is unreal. Those are qualities that are hard to quantify.In terms of stability, the boat doesnt rock when someone walks around in it, and the seats/console sit a little lower in the hull than the Puma and Cougar, which gives you a greater sense of security in rough water or at higher speeds. I havent had mine in any big water yet, but Im very pleased with how well it crosses boat wakes, which makes it much easier getting around people or out of the way at blast off to get into some clean water.
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