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Devoreflyer.
I am wanting to hear from current or past Pantera owners. Your likes and dislikes of the boat compared to any other model Bass Cat you have owned? Your Top Speed? What prop and engine did you run on your Pantera? Which Pantera did you own? Would you buy another one?Dan
I got a 2013 Pantera II last year with a Merc 200 with 25P fury. Runs great. Great boat. Couple little issues but nothing major. I can only compare it to a 17 Ranger I had 10 years before that which was a great boat. So far so good on the Cat.
I had an 09 PII with an 09 ETech 200 H.O. I ran a 26 Fury 72mph mediocre hole shot and mid range. 25 Fury 71mph awesome hole shot awesome mid range. 25 Trophy Plus I had worked by DAH it was 70mph with awesome hole shot awesome mid range and was my favorite all around prop of the bunch. It just flat out worked like a prop should work in all water conditions. When I sold the boat I took the potential buyer out for a test ride and he was apologizing for making me take him out in gale force winds. We made a run across the lake at 70mph against the wind then turned around and did the same coming back. I then showed him how it would stay on plane at 19mph even in that rough of water. Needless to say he was amazed with the comfort and confidence of the ride and committed to buy it before we got back to the ramp. That was over a year and a half ago, he still texts me and thanks me for an awesome boat. Yes, I wouldnt hesitate a second to own another PII if I was in the market for a boat that size again.BrianBrianHAWG Hunter2013 BassCat Eyra2013 Mercury 250 Pro XS Gen2 L/U
I owned a Pantera 4 for about 1 1/2 years when I was a Local Pro-Staff member. This boat was amazing because it would run at 71 mph without even having to “drive” it at all. Great ride in big water or Intracoastal Canal with tugs and barges making big wakes. I personally thought it felt “too big” for the small canals that I often fish. When it came time to sell, I got a Pantera Classic (2006). I still have that boat and still like it. Max speed for me was 72.5 but I dont drive like that anymore. Fast for me now is 65.I just like a 19 ft. boat. As I get older I will probably replace it with a Sabre FTD or a P2 with a single axle trailer.Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!
2013 PII, XS 200, 25 Tempest. Overall great boat. The only think I really dislike is no real handle for passanger. My 8yr old had a hard time hanging on WOT until I looped a rope around bar beneath the seat for a handle. My personal best speed is 73.6 GPS (last October going down river with tailwind and light load) and 70.4 GPS (full tourney load, full livewells, 35 pounds of Gville heads, 500 pounds of me + partner also with tailwind). My next will be a Puma FTD or Erya. But I will say one MAJOR plus…..passing most 250s and having fuel left in the tank at the end of the day.
2007 Pantera Classic 200 Merc Opti with deck extension. Ive been super impressed with this boat my first Basscat and glass bass boat. Im the 3rd owner and bought it in early 2010 so this is my 5th season. Ive got about 200 hours on motor of which I put 150 on it. Ive hit 71.4 with the 26 Trophy Plus and a little over 70 with the 26 Fury. Fury a little tougher to drive but the hole shot is awesome. Im blowing the 20 – 21 footers with 250s out of the water because by time they get on plane Im a couple hundred yards down the lake even with a tournament load plus full live wells. Tournament load top end is 68-69 for me. Most of our runs are not real long so that big jump makes all the difference in the world. Only boats passing me are Pumas on longer runs. Rough water ride is surprisingly good. I can take up to 3 at speed 45-55 mph depending how close together the waves are, 60 plus if I really want to push it. Four-six footers Ive handled but cant say its a bunch of fun but I got to where I needed to go. I wouldnt want to run 20 miles in that big stuff however. The deck extension ($100) is great and I have folks react with surprise when I tell them its a 19 footer. Id buy another though Id probably go with the PII for storage and a bigger cooler. Ive had some heart issues and I have to keep hydrated on those hot sunny days and my cooler has only enough room for my water/drinks/food which leaves no room for my co. I suppose for right now, with the Classic on hiatus, if you want this hull youd have to get a PII. Ive looked at a PIV. The amount and depth of the storage is massive compared to my Classic. You give up some speed but if you want a smaller version of the Puma, think thats the ticket. Im not sure if Ill move up to a 20 next time around. If I do it would be a more a want thing then a need. For where I fish (south Lake Champlain), 19 is more then enough 98% of the time.
2001 PIII with 2006 200 opti running a 26 Tempest is my current one, 91 PII w/1999 200 opti running a 25 trophy before. No comparison between the 2 as the PIII has a deeper V and is hard to beat in rough water. 85 Caracal the fastest with a 150 Suzuki running a modified 26 tempest, 85 Phelix w/ 75 mariner w/23 high five the funnest of all to drive, would pass other brand boats with 90s and some 115s all day long. No complaints about any as some were faster and some were more fun or handled rough water better. I think it all depends on where you fish the most should decide the boat. I have my PIII now because of lakes like Toledo Bend, and Sam Rayburn where huge rollers are not uncommon. My Caracal and Phelix were great in the marsh around Houma, La where I live, but suffered on the big waters. I would buy a P4 or bigger in a heart beat as I was looking real hard at a Jaguar a while back, but I think my wife would then stop the beating of same heart a short while after.
similar story here. 2008 p2. great size for me. speeds with 25 fury loaded down right at 70. great fuel milage if you back off just a bit. love the layout and if you drive with some reserve handles any water conditions I have faced. wouldnt hesitate to have another. this summer we have used extensively to pull kids on tube and we have had a blast ( did add a ski pole)Treat everyday like it might be the last
Dollar for dollar, the PII may be the best value on the market. It rides great in rough water. Plenty of storage for 2 anglers. It fishes bigger than it is. Have seen 74.1 (by gps) in hot weather with a 26 Fury/200 Optimax. Have entertained running a 27 fury just for fun. Heavy load is consistently in the 72 mph range.Other likes: storage lay out; economical considering its a 200 HP engine; cooler does a great job during the AL summers; the back compartment is very organized. It performs well overall with a variety or props–Tempest Plus, Trophy Plus, and Fury. Each prop has its merits.Dislikes: I cant find anything to complain about after 3 1/2 years of ownership; cant find anyone to make my boat payment.If you are entertaining buying one, see if there is someone in your area to give you a test ride.
2006 Classic with 200 Optimax, 26 Tempest and flippin deck. 68 gps with partner, tournament load, full fuel and livewells, still had rpm left to go. Amazing hole shot and incredible fuel mileage.
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