Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › pantera II vs III
fishn4bass.
I am looking at buying a used Bass Cat and found a Pantera III. What is difference between a Pantera II and a III?Thanks.
The Pantera III was Bass Cats top of the line 19 footer for several years. I believe from 1998 to 2004(not sure on years). It was a superb rough water boat for any size but especially for a 19 footer. It was a little longer, a little deeper and slightly heavier than the P-II. It was also very well equipped. It came with most of the bells and whistles. It had more storage than the P-II it replaced as well. It has a great tournament layout and was probably one of my favorite Bass Cat models. It was one heck of a ride, especially when the big blocks came out. The 2.5 liter mercs did struggle a little with getting a P-III fully loaded out of the hole. Once Merc came out with the 3.0 liter 200s and Yamaha had the 3.1 liters you were looking at a very fine setup with excellent Top end Speed to go along with the rough water capabilities. I hope this helps and If I am mistaken on some of the information I provided someone will be along soon to correct it. I looked at the P-IIIs very hard when I bought my 2001 Classic and I wanted one badly, they were just a little out of my price range at that time. Superb rig all the way around.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
If you find a PIII thats in good condition, you would do well to get it over the PII. Ive never regretted getting my 2001 PIII. Its awesome in rough water and being a not so experienced driver, it is very forgiving as you learn to drive it. I think that may be true for all the BassCats, just have not driven the others. I know I really like mine. Ed2001 PIII2001 Merc EFI25p Trophy Plus Ed”Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by an unscrupulous main- stream media which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Also if you look at BCBs current lineup the Pantera 2 vs. Pantera 4, the P4 is a continuation of the P3 If im thinkin right, BCB correct me if im wrong but arent the hulls the same or very similar? They both have that Deep V hull and hole shot pad before transom, The Pantera 3/P4 are a nice alteranative to a 20footer or a NON bow lifter of other brands. It will not be as fast as the Pantera 2 yet will offer that security and ride to compensate for speed, I believe low 60s to 70 similar to P4….Brannon
I recall being at the (I think) 1998 OI with my dad, and we were helping out at the weigh-in site during the tournament since Dad was a rep for Bass Cat at the time. During an especially dull patch of the day, up pulls Ron Pierce in his new P3 and invites Dad and I, and Ken McTeer to take it for a test drive. Ken went out first, and when he came back, he was grinning from ear to ear. He looks at my dad and just says, “Your turn, Hugh.” Dad says, “Howd it do?” Ken just snickers and says, “Youll see.” Out we went… MAN, it was fun! Now, granted Ron didnt have anything in the boat but one rod on the deck and a small tackle box on the floor tray in front of the console, but we hit 73 on the GPS before dad had the hull all the way out of the water and had to come down a little. I do recall Ron saying he had that one done with balsa wood lids, which probably shaved the weight down a hair, but regardless the boat ran great. That was the original one, before all fiberglass, so if there was an all-glass version of the P3 by the end of its run, Ill bet it was an even more solid ride!
The P-III was indeed an awesome model during its time. As mentioned, with the twin 26 gal fuel cells in back, the P-III has a slight nose-high attitude, especially during holeshot.This and the hull design really contributed to its whitecap-busting ability.The P-IV, with the main fuel cell under the seats, rides a little differently than its 2″ shorter P-III brother.
I have never driven or been in a PII,however I own a 2000 PIII with a 200Optimax,If you are able to able to pick up a Pantera III in good condition you will not be disappointed.I love mine,it is a blast to drive,handles very well,especially in the rough stuff.It will run 68-69 with a load and two guys 225lbs.plus.Tons on storage,especially if you have the flipping deck insert.And its a very good fishing platform.Good luck with whatever one you decide to go with.
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
