What Bass Cat should I buy?

[Jetboy]

I know this is an often asked and very loaded question. But I'd really like your input and opinion.

Fist off let me tell you about me and my fishing.
Im a big guy 250...5'7"
I Ran and owned a marina on lake ouachita from 85-94.
Ive owned 3 bass boats, last being a 96 18.5 champion/175 merc. (Loved it but was cramped in cockpit).but none in the last 6 years.
I have a 26ft Howard cat open bow now that has 607/830hp runs 85-95. (So I like speed and understand quality construction).
Im moving to lake Lanier, going to live on the lake. The boat will live on a lift 90% of the time.
I fish for fun, bass mostly. By myself and with fiends 3 sometimes. I love to night fish. I most likely will buy new or a very clean, 2 yr old.
I plan to keep it forever as I do all my stuff.
I want a great ride, safe, quality boat that is fast. That's why I'm here.

I like all the post and have looked endlessly at the lay outs. I find myself attracted to the caracal (don't understand the 225 thing)..but seem to like to read the post on the Eyra and how much owners like them.

How does one choose....lol...it's as bad as picking out a Harley!

thanks
jet

[JINXBASS]

I think the caracal would be a great choice but speed might not be there for you. My second choice would be a puma of couger. I am 6' 285 and have plenty of room in my puma and will run 75 all day full load. I will never buy anything other than bass cat as long as the service stays the same. There is no close second. Just my .02

[95202DCX]

Caracal x 2!

[Zoomworms]

Caracal X3 I'm in Benton of you want to crawl around mine.

[Pathornton]

Cougar ftd. Size and speed

[06 SB]

Mine! I am close by and it is listed in the BBC boats for sale section!

[Bass Cat Boats]

Selection is the key to the bigger 225 and up rated Bass Cats. Pick what fits you is why there are many, which has a lot of reasons.

Our dealers compete with multiple brands in one location and they have been under one manufacturing umbrella for 4 to 5 years, then 2 years ago that umbrella grew to include now four brands again. Those are often all sold in one dealership offering all those brands models. Our dealers compete and have one brand with several options.

For traffic in the main area below the river forks or Lanier we would suggest the best riding rig, as a sunny day will always be busy. Not LOZ busy, though busy enough to need the best ride. This lends itself to buying a Jaguar if the goal is using it when the boats are all playing. If not then your size makes a decision and choosing between decks, floor plans, cockpit and ride are all factors in your equation.

[opaleski]

Jaguar--It will be your last boat!!

[Sports1]

Lynx with a 250 would be good imo. But as mentioned above a Jag would be really good.

[Phoenix 921]

Lynx with a 250 would be good imo. But as mentioned above a Jag would be really good.

This would be mine ^^^^^ but with 300

[Phoenix 921]

but to answer your OP it would be the Caracal because I like wide front decks.

[Blevins]

Im 5'10" and 245lb range and the Cougar FTD fits me perfectly. Eyra is what i first thought about buying but too cramped for me my legs are too close to the console and im one of the ones that dont like the coffin lockers... All of them are great boats just find what fits you best from layout to speed to comfort.

[Jetboy]

Thanks so much guys and feel free to keep it up.
I really need to get some BcB seat time I think. But any insight is so much help.. I'm sure I will pull the trigger with more outside opinions, help Than from experience in the boats. I just love the layout on the caracal. And think the width will be a plus.not sure I need to jump into the jag or lynx on my first BC. But understand that I would be in the cat knip if I did. I will be a cat owner soon.

Just curious as a cat.....How fast is the caracal designed for? 75? 80? Do y'all tell that stuff ? What is it's best atrabutes, and design goals? besides just width in the bow?
I'm going to find a cougar to ride in. I have seen them change over the years.
thanks again
jet

[Jetboy]

Damn now y'all are making me think about a jag.or lynx ....ooh hell.
but I do plan to stay above the forks most of the time and fish off weekend busy times mostly.

[billius]

With the Caracal most will run in the low 70's. My dealer, Sherm of Sherm's Marine has run mine to a tick above 74mph, he can drive a boat like no other. I've only had it up to 70, but I don't mess with wide open running very often.

[Zoomworms]

75

[Cajunhunter67]

If money isn't an issue, and you want the speed, Jag or Lynx. You can put big motors on them and have the deck space and ride.
If price is an issue, I would go with the Cougar. Mid 70's-80 mph boat. Still have a excellent riding machine and the leg room would be great also.

[Bill2e]

Mine! I am close by and it is listed in the BBC boats for sale section!

I have an 2007 PII - duel poles and I touch 70 GPS full load two guys and a full sized kind of guy, not one of the those saled eaters that make sure the doctors charts happy.

i love my PII - plenty big enough, but I will say the Carcal is appealing.

[SCOTT196]

I would get a Caracal. I have owned narrow champions and now own a 196 , wide beam champ. A big difference in stability and fishing. Wider always better unless you want more speed.

[95202DCX]

I would get a Caracal. I have owned narrow champions and now own a 196 , wide beam champ. A big difference in stability and fishing. Wider always better unless you want more speed.