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JohnM17.
Guys need some feed back on the topic, i live in southern VA and fish Smith Mountain Lake and Kerr Res. (Buggs Island) Our water isnt small but its not Gunntersville, i have narrowed down to the Classic and the Sabre FTD, P2 is just out of price range, i looked at used but most cats are many many miles away from me plus finding someone to service the engine could be problem got a local Yamaha dealer in town said they would take care of me, but most used cats have mercs, plus i am coming out of a used boat and it dosnt have any warrn. on the engine, makes me nervous for the type of fishing i do so i am leaning towards the new. I would like pro and cons from both sabre FTD and Classic owners, looking at buying this spring once my boat sells.
The FTD has more storage space than the Classic – but its ideal w/ a 150. Bump up to a 175 on the FTD and theres little price difference between the two boats. The classic is a hot rod with the 200 and has somewhat less storage than the FTD. Mines a standard Sabre, which is the same layout as the classic – just shorter. You can add the flippin deck to the Classic and have approx. the same front deck as the FTD with mid-70s speeds. Guess it comes down to two questions:1. Do you really need the extra storage that the FTD will give you?2. How fast do you want to run?Both boats will do well in rougher water if youre careful. Theyre not 20er stable for big water running – but Ive fished my little Sabre in some pretty rough water across Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri and havent found a situation that put me on the shore waiting for calm. Just look at what your budget is and find the one that best fits your style of fishing – theyre both great rigs.
What JStew said. Hes got it covered as good as your going to hear or read about SabreFTD and Classic. Most definitely buy motor based on best local support. Good luck!
I fish all over with my Sabre FTD with a 175 Pro XS. I live within 30 miles of Guntersville and fish it all the time with no problems. You have to use some good sense when you have 5 and 6 foot rollers. Of course, you have to do that with any boat on any body of water.
Is the sabre FTD deck wider in the front than the classic or are they the same have not seen a FTD in person just on website
The FTD deck is longer with the second storage as well as being slightly wider. When you add the flippin deck to the classic, you gain most of the space difference. Youll have most of the size but have one large box vs. two smaller. The FTD has a larger icebox for drinks and sammiches. Youll need to climb on both to see which best fits you. My Sabre has the flippin deck so its almost the same as the Classic. I often have my tourney partner fishing from the front with me and we have plenty of space. With the forward pedestal and troller position – deck size differences have little impact on fishability. To minimize front weight, I carry most of my tackle in rear storage and would have no use for the additional storage. The Sabre is weight sensitive so distribution will impact how the hull lifts and performs.
I have a standard Sabre/175 and love the boat. If I had more room in the garage Id have bought the Classic/200. I like the “traditional” look of the hand rails on the Classic as opposed to the FTD. I have been on LOZ in my Sabre and buddys Classic and both handle waves/cruiser waves very well (and dry). The storage in the Sabre or Classic is plenty for me, but the top end of the Classic with a load is about 4mph better.
BamaCat wrote:I fish all over with my Sabre FTD with a 175 Pro XS. I live within 30 miles of Guntersville and fish it all the time with no problems. You have to use some good sense when you have 5 and 6 foot rollers. Of course, you have to do that with any boat on any body of water. Having been in several BassCats now the only five and six footers Im going to see will be on the putting green.
sabreski wrote:I have a standard Sabre/175 and love the boat. If I had more room in the garage Id have bought the Classic/200. I like the “traditional” look of the hand rails on the Classic as opposed to the FTD. I have been on LOZ in my Sabre and buddys Classic and both handle waves/cruiser waves very well (and dry). The storage in the Sabre or Classic is plenty for me, but the top end of the Classic with a load is about 4mph better.Sabreski, I love my new to see but soon to drive SabreFTD. Couldnt agree more with your handrail comments. Im going to miss them. Its a signature feature from BassCat. Not saying its critical but sure is nice offering with multiple uses.
Sherms Marine may still have a great used Sabre FTD DC/175 ProXS in stock? Give him a shout. If he does may save you some coin and still have warranty. The Classic has a little more room in the drivers area. If you are a big guy youll want a tilt wheel on the Sabre. They also feel a little longer up front (a few inches). The Classic with the Flipping deck insert makes for a really big deck on a 19 footer if you dont mind a step up to the front deck. At my age the step up cooler is nice and the split cooler in the Sabre FTD was real nice Last edited by JohnM17 on December 3rd, 2011, 12:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
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