I have a 2001 Cougar with a 225 EFI and I bought a 25 deg Trophy 3 blade prop because it was supposed to be the latest and greatest. Honestly, i was dissappointed. I bought the boat used and it came with a 25 deg 4 blade Tempest. The Tempest has a better hole shot and it runs the same top end with either prop (72 mph on the GPS with 52 gal of fuel and 2 people with all my fishing junk). I took the Trophy off and just use it for a spare. I am usually on Lake of the Ozarks (LOZ) and I have never had a problem with bite on some really rough water, but then again, if it is that bad, I slow down.
OUCH! I would not want to have to sell that ride…nice boat!
One thing that can make a coil go bad is a bad spark plug. Unfortunately, Champion plugs are very popular and Champion plugs are notorious for going bad. Odds are, someone put Champion plugs in your boat. A lot of times, they are the only brand you can get. Its just been my personal experience with Champion spark plugs. As everyone else has commented, todays outboards are pretty trouble free, regardless of the brand. I prefer Mercury, but Im sure one is just as good as the other.
I would never use SOS pads on the aluminum, however. To really get your wheels clean (this is labor intensive and NOT fun), you can use Coopers aluminum polish. It is found in most truck stops. I have my tractor trailer polished at the wheel polishers in Arizona and they use a two step process. First, they clean the wheels with hydraflouric acid, which will cause the wheels to turn gray (the acid causes the aluminum to oxidize). Then, you have to really rub the aluminum polish on the wheels until they turn black. Then, take a clean cloth and rub the black stuff off. Unless you are really energetic, I would not do this. ANY type of acid based cleaner will discolor your wheels, so be sure and read the ingredients. I have polished my trailer wheels a year ago, and they still look good. Would I do it again? Nope! Too much work!
I bought a used 2001 Cougar with a 225 EFI Mercury off of Craigs List. The boat was a little rough when I got it, so I took it to Garys boat repair in Mountain Home, AR (he works at BCB). He basically refurbed the boat for me (pumps, plumbing, carpet, new style seats, trailer fenders and tires). I have to tell ya, he did an awesome job! I didnt even recognize the boat when I went to pick it up. I guess i got lucky, no issues with the boat so far, but when i needed some trivial thing from parts, they were outstanding. As far as ride? Its the best in the industry! I have friends that own virtually every type of boat made. They all agree, Bass Cat is one of the best boats out there. Resale value? Nothing beats a BCB. They have great resale, appearance, ride, handling, speed…you name it, I personally feel they are the best. By the way, I bought this one only, and only, because a friend of mine loved his so well. Now I know why! Good luck on your decision, and have a Happy And Prosperous New Year!
Wow. Nice ride!
I have a pair of silver metal flake fenders I took off my 2001 Cougar. Both fenders are in good shape except the right fender has some gel coat coming off. Probable sand them and paint the color of your choice fairly cheap. I would take $200 for the pair but you would have to pay for shipping. I live in Rolla, MO (65401) but Im not sure how to package them for transit. If you are interested, give me a call on my cell at 573-578-9288. I might be able to find out the transit cost for you. Maybe just wrapped in cardboard? There are a lot of transportation companies locally, so Im sure I can get a reasonable price on the transportation cost. Thanks…Tim Flegel
I have a 2001 Cougar (204″ long) with a 225 EFI Mercury. Trying to figure out how to post boat right now. Boat has been totally redone 3 or 4 years ago (new seats, tires, fenders, carpet, latches, etc), and looks brand new. If interested, call me at 573-578-9288. I live in Rolla, MO.
I have a 2001 Cougar. Trying to post pics and list the boat, but having a little trouble. I can send pics from my phone (boat looks close to brand new) If interested, please call me at 573-578-9288. Im asking $18,000. Thank you.
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats

