Puma/ Cougar question

[twohands25]

I am considering getting into a Cat. Something used, around $25k. Not a tournament guy. Just want a NICE boat when I get to go to the lake. I am not much of a "go fast" guy. I like a good, easy ride. Currently have a Bullet, it's just time for something different. I have owned a couple Skeeters and liked the fact that they did not have to be "driven". Point them and go. At what speed does the Cat start to need a fair amount of driver input. I really like the Cats and everything I have heard about them. If it will cruise at around 60 without much help, it seems like a winner. TIA, Scott

[catdude28]

You will be fine cruising at 60 without chine walk. It starts later than that if it is set up properly.

[iron banks]

At 60mph unless light as a feather it will not walk. Around 70 is where it started needing some attention. It gets to be second nature after awhile.

[printman71]

I have a 2016 Puma / 250 SHO
60 is no issue
70 is pretty easy
75 takes some work
Above that gets past my driving ability.

I have had a Skeeter, it is easier to drive, but no fun.

[twohands25]

Thanks Printman. I have seen a couple white with blue hulls that would look GREAT with JTM Yamaha.

[Bama.Bassmaster]

I've got an '06 Cougar for sale that you'd love. Depending on trim and plate height, it doesn't require much, if any, steering input until 64-65 - and even that is minimal.

[Bill2e]

I have a 2016 Puma / 250 SHO
60 is no issue
70 is pretty easy
75 takes some work
Above that gets past my driving ability.

I have had a Skeeter, it is easier to drive, but no fun.

this......

@60 I found take my hands off the wheel and text and drive.

easy up to 72ish after that you have to drive it.

[n2ratfishin]

my 08 Cougar/225 Opti was rock solid till the rev limiter kicked in about 74 mph. You would have to try and make that boat walk. The 07 Sabre FTD/175 Opti would start about 65 mph.


I've drove a few 21 Bullets, the 21 XRS/300 Merc was also rock solid well into the 70's. That one took input over 80.

Neither brand likes a lot of trim to run.

[Louie]

After owning several boats in the past 6 years. Set up is critical on those rigs. Sabre ftd- flat up to 58, 62+ drive it. w/150. Caracal 225, flat up to 68, 70+ driving it. Puma ftd this boat was unusual but after a jack plate adjustment man it ran good, flat to 74, 74-78 driving it alot up top. I now have an eyra and cant believe how flat it rides, flat to 73, I have only put 9 hours on this 2021 but I have seen almost 77 mph, fully loaded fuel, livewells, and co angler. It still rides flat at those speeds but if it tries to walk its alot different to drive than the puma.

[Knuckle]

20 Cougar/250 pro xs, 73+ is where the driving begins on mine. Jack plate height and trim take a little seat time to figure out but that’s the case on all boat’s. I love driving my boat as much as fishing from it!

[06 SB]

After owning several boats in the past 6 years. Set up is critical on those rigs. Sabre ftd- flat up to 58, 62+ drive it. w/150. Caracal 225, flat up to 68, 70+ driving it. Puma ftd this boat was unusual but after a jack plate adjustment man it ran good, flat to 74, 74-78 driving it alot up top. I now have an eyra and cant believe how flat it rides, flat to 73, I have only put 9 hours on this 2021 but I have seen almost 77 mph, fully loaded fuel, livewells, and co angler. It still rides flat at those speeds but if it tries to walk its alot different to drive than the puma.

I have not run an Eyra or Caracal but have run the others. Properly set up, these were my findings as well.

[rjw11111]

my couger runs great at 70mph 73 up start to have to drive