if you spend 80k on a boat I say get what you want :-) but. Still think Phoenix is a better boat No issues with any of the above mentioned. Both good boats but BC not for me
if you spend 80k on a boat I say get what you want :-) but. Still think Phoenix is a better boat No issues with any of the above mentioned. Both good boats but BC not for me
Risen From The Ashes!!
Just the first couple of things you listed would weigh heavily in choosing the Phoenix.
There are several things I don't like on my '14 Puma but I do like the:
SS SouthCo latches - never had an issue, though the SS will get hot, which is why they now use draw latches to prevent heat transfer into the livewells and coolers. I do like the slam latches you don't have to turn to open like Phoenix uses.
Clear grab handles - they have prevented me falling on concrete twice when climbing out over the side. The handle supported nearly my entire weight while I was hanging from it. Being clear, allows internal lighting for added side visibility at dark while on the water or trailering, and also adds bling with the visible logo lit up inside it.
All fiberglass console - who prefers plastic? The open area under it, while not looking as finished as the Phoenix fiberglass encasement offers more leg room.
Swing tongue trailer - the winch stand and bow stand are separate. The winch stand and grab pole with steps are structurally welded together for added combined strength. That necessitates having to unhook the strap when swinging the tongue, since the winch stand is on the swing tongue.
I liked most of what I saw of Phoenix boats the last time I was boat shopping and would consider both Phoenix and Basscat if I buy another last boat.
basscat handle lit.JPG
Last edited by mossie3; 09-16-2019 at 10:19 PM.
I love my Caracal’s layout, speed, fit and finish is fantastic, and all the little details. I like the Phoenix too but the thing I couldn’t get over is all the cheap plastic and components. The inside reminded me of my crappy Nitro Z-9 I had only the ride is immeasurably better.
Had a BCB and now in a Phoenix. Both great boats but BCB is better. Better quality, better company and much much better trailer but I like the layout of my Phoenix better
2018 Phoenix 920 Pro XP
Had both models and am currently back in a Cat. I do like the classic layout of the compartments in the Phoenix. The Phoenix definitely has a soft landing, that is ultimately why I decided to get one in the first place. I wholeheartedly believe that the BC in the end is built better and will last longer. From the trailer, to every other component, and when it does not, I know BC will stand by the product. Not saying that Phoenix would not. But I think we can all agree that the Marine Master trailer or whatever Phoenix is using, is ultimately garbage. Exactly why Skeeter is now making their own trailers.
You will get many mixed reviews of both the Phoenix and BCB. They both make excellent rigs.
In my area the BCB and Phoenix boats lead in sales. There are more of them than Skeeters or Rangers.
I believe the only misconception I will correct from previous comments is about the BCB live wells. They work. Period. They are very deep. You better have cull tags or you will need a snorkel. The spray bars used keep the water oxygenated. They are designed that way for a reason. When I weigh my fish, regardless of how hot temps are, the person weighing always comments "damn BCB Live wells"! Its because my fish are always flopping and wont keep still.
With that said, you can't go wrong with either brand boat. FISH and DRIVE them both if possible. Its your money. Neither is cheap. Enjoy your new rig regardless of brand purchased.
2016 BassCat Pantera II
Mercury 200 ProXs
I wish I had done this though many gave me this advice. I'm one of the rare ones, I'm not a big fan of the huge front center compartment. The huge front deck is nice if fishing two up front. But I liked the old Ranger layout where the center of the front deck was set back from the console. On all Phoenix's the deck goes straight across at the console so you can't sit down with the front compartment open when retying. I know a lot of boats are like this and a day box on the driver side would help, but I liked being able to sit in the center while retying. If I had sat in different layouts I may have realized this, or determined it wasn't as big a deal as I was making it out to be.
Trailers don't compare. I've had annoying issues with the MarineMaster from day one. Biggest one being I have brakes applying only on one side of the trailer and the crappy ground scheme makes for headaches.
As was said, time for fishing is precious as you get older.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
To me it depends upon how long you plan to keep the boat. If you plan on keeping it a decade or more, go with the Cat. The better build quality pays for itself over time. In the short term, go with the better price point.
2012 Ranger Z519 Comanche - Merc. 225 Pro XS - 24 Razor 4 XL/25 Tempest Plus
I looked at Phoenix after I sold my first Cat. The dealer, who, at the time, sold both BCB and Phoenix, flat out told me that Cat was a better built boat. Besides which, I had two Marine Master trailers on other bass boats, and was less than impressed with their quality. One actually gave me some real issues. The BCB trailer is one of the best built trailers around, and, IMO, people do not pay enough attention to what their boat sits on.
Both great boats though. Nice to have choices. As mentioned, best way to choose is to fish out of both if possible.
2019 BCB Classic
Merc V8 200 4S
I had a 920 Phoenix I’m now in a Caracal and love it great riding boat and it’s plenty fast. The build quality is way better in a BCB. Both companies have great CS. I’m not going to go into the whole ordeal but after Basscat did what they did for me I won’t ever own anything else atleast as long as Rick is around anyways.
2018 Bass Cat Caracal
Yamaha 225 SHO
I looked close at the basscat loved it but the deal breaker for me was how high the step to the front deck is. Im a trim carpenter and have built a lot if stairs and I know anything over around 7 and 1/2 is uncomfortable I bet the cat is 9 anyone that has one can chime in but it's a tall step.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
Go with the one that you can't wait to go look at it every day , even if it's just sitting in the garage .
I've been looking too, the Basscat I road in a large front deck, fit and finish was top notch, the seats very uncomfortable in my opinion
When I was at the 2017 Bass Masters Classic in Houston my wife and I looked at phoenix and basscat and liked both boats but phoenix needs to step up their game on their trailers, exactly why we bought a Ranger z521c and all boats have likes and dislikes and on basscat it was the leg room behind the console that didn't work for me I loved both builds and found a slower more comfortable boat. but they are not off my radar just until basscat brings more legroom and phoenix brings a better trailer.