2009 Cougar FTD

[oscardog]

Looking at Cougar FTD w/250 Merc Pro XS near me. Very low hours. Please give me your honest opinions on this rig. Never been in a Bass Cat.
Thanks

[billius]

I just traded my '09 Cougar FTD/250 ProXs in last year for a Caracal. I loved that Cougar. Great riding boat, fast, good in rough water as all BassCats are. I just wanted the Caracal due to its wider front deck. Had I not found a great deal, I'd still have my Cougar.

[oscardog]

Deck not very wide at the trolling motor?

[mike464]

It's plenty wide, but it's not z520 or V20 wide, if that's what you're looking for. You need to look at the boat and run one to see if it's a fit for you. I run basically the same hull and I think it's about perfect, fast and smooth, big water capable, best livewells in the business.

[Pathornton]

I was concerened at first that the front deck of my cougar would not be wide enough. Turned out to be a complete, non-issue. With the trolling motor forward, front deck width doesnt matter. It fishes like it has more deck space than any rig ive owned. Rods on the deck are behind you, not beside you, so theyre not in the way. I'll never go back to a "normal" bass boat

[billius]

Rods do get in the way if you use a butt seat. I'd have to move them back to have room up there at the bow. I don't have to do that with my Caracal.

[oscardog]

Thanks folks

[Pathornton]

Deck not very wide at the trolling motor?

The trolling motor pedal is on the nose of the boat. Youd have to fish in one to get a feel for it. If you do a lot of flipping, you will absolutely love it.

[sgt93]

Cougar FTD is an excellent fishing platform.

[Ccfish]

Just depends on what your used to, the boat is gonna be a solid boat, fast and very well built. Im on my second cat now and love it. As far as the deck goes its plenty big enough to fish comfortably but if your used to fishing out of a 520 it will seem to be small mostly becayse of where the trolling motor pedal is. The trolling Motor setup is one of my favorite things about a basscat. Most people seem to either love it or hate it though. Really cant go wrong with a Cat though, Lifetime warranty and the factory is more than happy to answer any questions you have about the boat. If its a goid deal give it shot, if you dont like it they sell really fast. My last one sold in week. Good luck

[Firecat]

I just traded my '09 Cougar FTD/250 ProXs in last year for a Caracal. I loved that Cougar. Great riding boat, fast, good in rough water as all BassCats are. I just wanted the Caracal due to its wider front deck. Had I not found a great deal, I'd still have my Cougar.

is the caracal more stable than the cougar while fishing

[basscat tyler]

Just depends on what your used to, the boat is gonna be a solid boat, fast and very well built. Im on my second cat now and love it. As far as the deck goes its plenty big enough to fish comfortably but if your used to fishing out of a 520 it will seem to be small mostly becayse of where the trolling motor pedal is. The trolling Motor setup is one of my favorite things about a basscat. Most people seem to either love it or hate it though. Really cant go wrong with a Cat though, Lifetime warranty and the factory is more than happy to answer any questions you have about the boat. If its a goid deal give it shot, if you dont like it they sell really fast. My last one sold in week. Good luck

Most people that hate the pedal location have never owned a Cat

[Pathornton]

Most people that hate the pedal location have never owned a Cat

True statement. I was one of the haters. Now i dont know if i could stand fishing any other way.

[billius]

is the caracal more stable than the cougar while fishing

I don't really notice much difference. They are both very stable.

[sgt93]

True statement. I was one of the haters. Now i dont know if i could stand fishing any other way.

+1

[Blue76]

I don't really notice much difference. They are both very stable.

How does the rough water ride compare between the cougar and caracal?

Greg

[billius]

How does the rough water ride compare between the cougar and caracal?

Greg

in my opinion the ride is the same. I've been in some rough stuff on Kentucky Lake in both boats, I don't see a big difference. It also needs to be said I don't try to run 70mph in rough water either, like some claim they do. I get on plane and try to keep the bow up as best I can.

[KOBASSATTACK1]

I run a 2008 Cougar, if I was to buy a new boat today it would be either a Cougar or a Puma. I would have to take an Eyra out for a test drive.