Thanks for the reply – the Margay I’m looking at is a 2017 with merc 115 dual console with a 80lb thrust TM.
the Ranger is a 2020 model with same motor and 70lb TM
I still really like the BC in looks and layout but The flexing on the trailer is somewhat worrisome for me.
Can’t find a Sabre in Texas right now. Still leaning to the Margay . Will continue to do research. I have read and heard a few same concerns on line and from other BC owners but also hear similar issues with Ranger. I appreciate the honest feedback as a $30k investment is a big deal.
Going to post one more time in hopes of feedback: I ran a 2007 17-1/2’ skeeter with a 115 for 10 years that suited my needs as a weekend warrior with a few local tournaments mixed in. I felt that boat took wakes and the occasional bad weather pretty good. Looking at the new 2021 zx150 skeeter I see not a whole lot change in layout other than a ice chest and 150hp motor @ $40k drive of the lot price tag. I really like the Margay especially the used unit I’m looking at for mid $20’s with a 115hp and upgrades of hot foot blinker trim and 80lb trolling motor. Am I over thinking the buy?
Margay is a 2017 with the upgrades listed.
A 2021 Ranger z175 is also on my list as it is within my budget and don’t want to get locked into a 15+ year finance commitment.
Thanks for the reply Wheelman!
The Sabre is a $40k boat and out of my range but would love it if it was. They are also hard to find and probably for good reason. Would I be disappointed in the performance of the Margay with a 115 on the back?
Lol wheelman – I drive a Eco boost V6 f150 right now it does fine for me.
I have only had experience with a 115 HP on my past boat so I feel my expectations are reasonable for a 17’ boat. I asked the question only because I’m looking at a used Margay that has a 115 on it. Garage space and ease of towing are also considerations for me. Like I said in my earlier post my old boat was a Skeeter with 115 and I found it to be fast enough and hole shot was pretty freaking good. Just asked the question on the margay performance with the 115 cause of the many post I’ve found it seems that a lot of people just say get it with the 150 well that’s fine but inventory levels are not good right now and I really don’t want to spend 40k on a boat so I’m looking used to save a few bucks.
i appreciate everyone’s response and will continue my research.
I really appreciate everyone’s response and it really helped me in my decision. I’m moving forward with the Margay with you he 115 hp and I feel really good about it after doing my research and getting the actually feel and move around in both the Margay and Sabre.
thanks again to everyone’s response and experience. I hope to have the boat by weeks end!
So the Sabre I looked at was a 2015 Vision. The boat looked in my option bulky but in a good way. I personally did not like the layout and how small the front deck was. This unit also had a 2 stroke 175hp versus the 4 stroke I’m getting with the margay. The particular unit i looked at also could not accommodate 8’ rods and the rod storage area felt a bit compressed to me. Just my personal options and why I’m choosing the Margay. All in all I feel that both boats are first class but storage in the boat along with my personal needs for storage in garage cans into play for my decision.
Again I appreciate everyone’s insight and feedback.
@cajunhunter67 – yes like I said it was the Sabre Vision and like I said it’s a fine boat but did not fit my needs from a storage standpoint. I’m sure the boat hauls A$$ and handles awesome as all Bas Cat boats do from what I understand but again this particular model was not for me considering what I personally want and need.
Thanks for the feedback.
Hey Wheelman – pretty sure it’s the prop that was shipped with the boat from BCB but not quite sure. The guy I’m buying from told me that at first he had problems getting the boat on pad and above 38 MPH. The local dealer took his boat out for a weekend and made adjustments to the JP and after he said it jumps out the water and runs mid to low 40’s which is ok by me. I’ll post once I get the boat on prop and a pic or two as I’m really looking forward to being a BCB owner.
FYI – I called the factory today to get information on the trailer for the title company and actually talked to a human person who answered all my questions and seemed happy to do so. I already like being a BCB owner and don’t have the boat in my possession yet!
So I wrapped up my purchase of the 2017 Margay this week with the merc 115 4 stroke this week. Love the boat so far but haven’t had a chance to get her in the water yet. Now comes the Margay prop talk, it has a tempest prop on it now and the original owner suggested changing it. Any help on what prop I should go with would be very helpful.
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