Caracal to replace my old Ranger 205VS??

[Vic Cerabone]

I am looking at new rigs and want some opinions... I really like the Caracal layout and I am sold on the strength and quality of a Basscat. I'm an engineer, and I'm picky. I also like the price point of this boat compared to the larger 20+ footers.

That said.... My concern with the Caracal is the ride in rough water. I fish Lake St Clair. My 20'5" Ranger 205VS w/225 Yamaha has treated me well, thought no boat can really tackle this lake without some pain.

Any thoughts on how the Caracal will compare to my old Ranger in term of ride in the rough stuff? Some stats:

Ranger 205VS
20'5" Hull
No jackplate
92 1/2" beam

Caracal 2016
19"8" Hull
6" Jackplate
96" Beam

Thanks,

Vic

[Zoomworms]

Caracal rides pretty good in rough water, much better than my 188 vs ranger. What's amazing is how dry it rides.

[Hollada]

Vic,

I’ll get you out in mine when it gets in. Hopefully within the next 2 weeks.

[TAKFishing]

Weather permitting I am going be at LSC in about 2 weeks, would be happy to show you mine

[Louie]

The caracal handles rough water well. I would recommend an atlas jack plate if you run in it alot. I can feel a big difference just lowering the plate a little in the really rough stuff. The floor plan on the boat and the smaller gunnels compared to the ranger, will feel like your in alot larger boat.

[dcl20x3]

I've been on Dan's first Caracal on St Clair and Erie several times and was very impressed with the ride and how big it fishes.

[Vic Cerabone]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I might pull the trigger tomorrow. Gotta pray and sleep on it!

[krindgen]

I wouldn't worry about that Caracal handling rough water. Itsa "sleek" looking rig. Keep in mind, BCB doesn't make anything that isn't good in rough water. Sleep tight.

[lfadaol]

Had a Lynx, went back to Ranger

[proptwister]

Had a Lynx, went back to Ranger

Curious as to why? What about it did you not like?

[Phoenix 921]

Curious as to why? What about it did you not like?

I would be interested in your reason to.

[MichPhoenix77]

I would be interested in your reason to.

+3

[mactlman]

Had a Lynx, went back to Ranger

+4

[lfadaol]

Done

[Sports1]

Maybe it was your set up. This Lynx was running well past 70 with no chinewalk.

[Sports1]

As far as the Caracal goes it will have a better drier ride than the Ranger imo. The new Charger 198 will also give you a good rough water ride as well.

[jp71291]

[QUOTE=lfadaol;9353450] I asked my dealer to get with Bass Cat and work out something to get me in a bigger boat like I had before (Puma) so I would not have to take a beating on selling the Lynx. QUOTE]
Umm, not sure you know what you are talking about. Because this makes zero sense. Bigger? And also, I wouldn't own a Ranger so..........

[Rick Collis]

I came out of a Z521 Ranger to a 20' Basscat and will never go back

[lfadaol]

Jaguar, not Puma, sorry, you have a right to your opinion.

[Phoenix 921]

most people who like Rangers are not usually buying BC and people who like BC do not usually buy Ranger which is why they usually go back to their brands, what ever that may be.
I think both companies make good boats for different reasons, I think people should be allowed their opinions of their boats. I don't see a reason for the insults on what ever one likes. Mr Ifadaol gave a opinion then a lot of us asked him to explain and he did so take the high road and lets all go fishing.