Bass Cat Cougar Advantage..

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

OK I GOT TO ASK...20FT LONG, 1400LBS, AND RATED UP TO 300HP..HOW DOES THIS KITTY RUN? SHOULD I LOOK FOR ONE? THIS BOAT CATCHES MY ATTENTION AND CURIOSITY TOO MUCH!!!

I am saving my dimes and nickels. i am getting close.

saLTIE-

[StogieMan]

Since you asked a SPECIFIC question I will try to answer you. I drive a 2003 Cougar FTD, I would guess they are similar in weight and overall design. My Bass Cat is powered by a 250 not a 300, but runs very well. In fact most Bass Cats (all models) run well. You could say your question is a "no brainer", slap a 300 on any boat and it should run well, true nuff. When a Bass Cat is wrung out they run with very little hull in the water making them a "drivers boat". Drive it in at a normal speed, 70 mph, and it's like anything other boat. I have played with some props and set ups over the years just to see what my boat is capable of doing and hit 81 on the GPS. This speed, although obtainable, is not practicle as I previously mentioned the driver input is so involved that you cant focus on where you want to go to fish The boat you describe, and I hope you are thinking of a Mercury 300, will run in the UPPER 70's loaded for bear, but are YOU capable of driving it at that speed? ps my Kitty is for sale.

[BassCatPuma]

The Cougar you are speaking of is an awsome boat. If you will call me at 707-972-5188 I will go over the specs and pricing and show you how you can get into this boat for way less than 40k.

[Rick G]

If you are planning to fish Tournaments, watch out for the 250hp rule. The 300 Optimax is a awesome engine, but illegal in most Tournament Org's. Rick G.

[N.A.R]

Its funny you asked this question. I spent an hour last night comparing the specs of a BassCat Classic to the rest of the bass boats on the market. I found that their isn't a single boat that comes close to the weight of this boat. At only 1200+ Lbs rated for 200hp, I couldn't even find a boat rated for a 175 that weighs less than this boat. This rig has got to flat out fly! My concern would be what is going to be the cons of having a boat that doesn't weigh that much.

[Bassmaxx]

The Basscat Cougar Advantage is the best boat for the money under 40K. I sold one last week and if you would like to talk to that customer let me know.

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

Stogie, thank-you for the great response! i do not think i will be able to handle this boat right out of the package, i know it will take patience and time. But because of the specs, i was thinking of a easier boat to tow on my truck, maybe better gas mileage for the truck and boat and a little better in performance. the best thing about this boat is that it is nice and long, 20 ft long!

i do not know it i want a 300 hp motor, but i do not want to feel like i wish i had more either. this is a one time investment for me. my current boat has been in the family for all it's life and will stay. this boat will to! I know i want 225 at least but 250 or 275 would be great too. I really like this boat.

Has anyone been on clear lake with this boat in those giant swells combined with 20 mph winds?

saLTIE-

[bigstick]

I have an 05 Cougar FTD with a 225 pro xs.GPS on this boat with just me, full rod lockers/tackle compartments,gas tanks at 75%, live well at 50% is 76.5.With two people it drops to 74-75.If you go with a 250 that boat should run around 80 easily.You should be able to reach that speed consistently without thinking about it once you learn how to drive it.
They are great rough water boats and are very stable to fish from.If
this is a one time purchase you can't go wrong with a Bass Cat.
They are built to last.

[ash]

In terms of the Classic weighing in at 1200 it means it doesnt take much to get this puppy going. To get a better ride in the real big stuff just adding some water to the livewells will put the weight in the back and keep the boat down.

If you can get a ride in the Cougar FTD i recommend it. These boats are built to last. You can also check out the Bass Cat owners board at http://www.basscat.com/

[L.Hackney]

Good comment about adding water to the livewells for weight. My Cougar is a rocket ship, rides better in rough water. Tell you what, there have been times that I have thanked my lucky stars for that thing. Bashing big waves in the break have broken two trolling motor mounts and stands. Not even a stress crack in the gel coat.. I think any Cat you decide to get would be money well spent for sure !
Saltie, if you want a ride in a Cougar, I would be glad to meet you some where and take a spin. If it's any other Cat your looking at cal Steve at Mossdale and he could set you up with a ride in other model's.

Mossdale Boats (209) 983-9718

[TopH2o]

I'm a owner of a 06 Puma theres just one thing that everyone one forgot too say " the people that stand behind BassCat boats are second to no one" let alone being a family owned and operated business in the US of A they do give a DAM. No brag just fact.

[StogieMan]

If you are planning to fish Tournaments, watch out for the 250hp rule. The 300 Optimax is a awesome engine, but illegal in most Tournament Org's. Rick G.

To clarify Rick's comment- the answer is it depends.
If you fish B.a.s.s. or FLW then yes, there is a 250 h.p. limit. After researching this on what I consider a local level (i.e. Team Circuits) the rules read-" no boat shall exceed it's legally rated horspower" or verbage of that type, meaning a boat rated for a 300 is legal to fish these events. Food for thought.

[Tornado Dave]

All,

I have been in the kitty with Stogieman many times and on Clear lake when the wind was howling and it runs great. As he said, it is a drivers boat and it will take some practice. But nothing that can't be learned.

His boat is wicked fast. One day, we were coming under that train bridge near cruser haven with intend to go up the cut that runs along the train tressel. Well, this fella in a champion pushes through the no wake zone and gets on pad with about a 60 second lead. You should have seen the look on his face when Stogie passed him like he was standing still... Priceless. Full tournament load, live wells full and still turning 78 miles an hour.

I know that boat, it is well maintained and a smokin deal.

TD