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rlb8s.
Ive always been a fan of the Pantera line so I was intrigued when I saw in the latest blog that BCB is planning on rolling out a new Pantera Classic in 2017. It also got me thinking of what it may look like. If I designed it I would put the current Cougar FTD top cap on the PIV hull (I am a huge fan of the day box). It would have underseat storage and room in the bilge for power pole pumps and four batteries. Id also try to stretch it slightly to get it a 225 rating, although a strong 200 pushes the PIV nicely so I assume it would push my version of the P Classic well too. It would have handrails (stainless is fine w/ me, but most seem to like the acrylic), pro air option and dual bilge pumps. It would also have the option of rod racks in both the port and starboard rod boxes. Throw it on a swing tongue trailer and it would be one sweet tournament/fishing machine. Regardless of what it turns out to be I am sure it will be winner. So what is your version of the ideal P classic?
I dont know what BCB is aiming for with the new Classic, but when they mentioned aiming at the post college young adult and retired crowd and based on a budget, I wonder it it will be a boat that will compete with some of the other big name brands out there that are building 18.5 rigs that are somewhat stretched out to offer as much deck space as possible. To me, if it will be a budget based rig, my ideal design would be a wide body hull like the Caracal, but about a foot shorter, maybe just under 19 overall. The deck layout could offer plenty of storage, while bypassing options such as lighted compartments, glassed surfaces in them, belly tanks, like the AE models, etc. Im excited to see what they have for us either way!
I dont see it coming back as a modified PIV, the Caracal is everything we PIV owners asked for in an upgraded boat. I think the Classic is the boat that gets the younger tournament anglers into the BassCat family. Once theyre here, many will stay for life and move up in boat size and hp.
I hope they keep making the P2, I going to order one soon.Please change my user name to Firecat
Caracal seems to have filled the niche the P4 used to. I saw BCB said the new classic would be rated for a 200 but would often be rigged with a 150…based on that I’m guessing it’ll be similarly light as my classic so it can be reasonably towed with a Ľ-ton truck or a V6 SUV, simply laid out, but a bit more Y2K compatible in terms of width and layout. You have to figure a boat like this competes head to head with the Nitro Z18, phoenix 618, skeeter ZX190 and similar boats, and all of the new boats like that I’m familiar with are not only significantly wider than the older P-classic, they carry a lot of that width pretty far forward. To me that width adds a lot of perceived size to a small boat and makes them feel bigger, which I think really adds to the value of a smaller boat for a lot of people. A simple, no-frills 18’6”-19’1” widebody that’ll do low-to-mid 60’s with a 150 4-stroke and easily fit in a 24’ garage with a swingaway tongue would make a lot of sense to me and is missing from their lineup…essentially a widebody Sabre-plus I guess.edit: looks like Coosacat and I have our money on the same horse!Last edited by Macintosh on March 25th, 2016, 12:13 am, edited 2 times in total.
Heres my version of the new Classic1. Will not compete with PII2. 18 9″ with wider deck that appeals to the masses. Similar to Nitro/Ranger wide front decks.3. Shallow side rod lockers with upgraded center rod box design4. High 50s with 150HP 4 stroke and mid sixty for 175HP and low 70s with 200HP setup.5. Has newer design rear deck step ladder6. Co-angler Rod locker7. Single axle trailer is standard.8. 1375lb in weight.9. Traditional BassCat Handrails10. Deeper hull like Caracal for added hotfoot leg room for taller guys.Last edited by Flyswatter on March 25th, 2016, 2:26 am, edited 2 times in total.
Fly, That sounds like a slightly smaller Caracal
i would love to see that boat no shorter then the last gen pantera classic at 19,1 19,5 or 19.6 would be ideal. the same kind of front deck layout would be nice i like how simple it was. just like to see it alot wider at the front of the deck. fished out of my classic for the last 6 years. little bit wider would be nice. do like the room behind the driver seat with a hotfoot.
Since the Old Classic was a Older design cap wise I think they will keep it simple but to Todays “Classic” design, the Cougar,Sabre, P2 layout is most Classic layout for a Modern bass boat maybe with Wider bow section like New Pumas etc….But then again why have the P2 then……Should be interesting…….
Flyswatter wrote:Heres my version of the new Classic1. Will not compete with PII2. 18 9″ with wider deck that appeals to the masses. Similar to Nitro/Ranger wide front decks.3. Shallow side rod lockers with upgraded center rod box design4. High 50s with 150HP 4 stroke and mid sixty for 175HP and low 70s with 200HP setup.5. Has newer design rear deck step ladder6. Co-angler Rod locker7. Single axle trailer is standard.8. 1375lb in weight.9. Traditional BassCat Handrails10. Deeper hull like Caracal for added hotfoot leg room for taller guys.Fly – good list. What do you mean by a shallow side rod locker?
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