Puma STS vs. any Phoenix (Rough water)

[Mattbassmaster]

First off I know I’m in the Bass Cat forum so I will get a little bit of bias input on this but I still wanna hear what you all have to say.
When I’m talking rough water I’m talking along the lines of, Lake Okeechobee, Santee Cooper, Kentucky lake, Rayburn, Places like that with a 20+ mile an hour wind.

What boat are you picking to run the rough stuff? I know I just put Phoenix and didn’t specify any model. I’m not super familiar with all the boats except for probably the 721 Pro XP and the PHX series. I know the PHX is more of a Ranger style, Wider deck, deeper hole, not a speed demon but more of a rough water ride. But if there’s a Phoenix that rides better and rough water than a PHX then y’all go ahead and chime in.
looking at getting a new boat and the somewhat foreseeable future. I’m in an Eyra right now. Just coming away from a Bassmaster open on Kentucky Lake and it was pretty dang gnarly out there, Well I’m not gonna say the Eyra didn’t handle it well it was a pretty uncomfortable time. For my next boat I’m just looking for something that’s gonna handle that rougher water so I can get to my areas faster and More comfortable.

[mactlman]

Puma sts or jag. You will have no regrets with either

[PaulPbass]

Having owned most of the Bass Cat hulls over the years I feel like i can shed some light on this issue.
While the Eyra runs great in rough water, it is very sensitive to driver input, much like a high performance car.

The Jaguar is obviously the best riding Bass Cat in rough water, but its size and price do put it out of reach for most anglers.

The Puma STS is a super hull in big water and the interior arrangement make it a great boat to move around in quickly and fish efficiently.
The Puma puts a smile on my face every day drive it. Unlike the Eyra, you won't always be the first one to the spot on a calm day, but on a really bad day you will have a comfortable ride while leaving many other boats behind because their occupants are taking a beating.

Phoenix is definitely a different price point boat than Bass Cat, and you best take a close look at both products and take some rides before you make your decision.
Having owned a Bass Cat you already have appreciated quality!

[caddyjoe77]

as a former PHX to BCB convert, i can tell you that the PHX is nice. However, it does not compare to the Puma STS.

Strictly My Opinions and fishing Guntersville which can get really nasty:
Did the phx ride nice: Absolutely. rides more in the wave.
Does the Puma STS ride nice: Awesome rides more "on top" -- hence why you can cruise along IMO
Have I once thought: man I sure miss my phoenix since owning the STS?: NOPE.

Fishing things to note: the front deck is so much better on the STS. The things that I constantly thought about on the PHX were: man i wish I could get closer to work that dock (and then having to adjust the angle several times to do so) Docks could be a pain. The other is: man i sure wish I could get up a little farther on the bow. I can easily fish docks now and easily get closer and the STS is still stable.

Maybe the other phoenix models are different but take a look at the bow / nose and see that the room to stand either side is not there whereas the STS you can get two folks on the bow if you wanted to.

phoenix makes a fine boat -- its just not quite the same from several areas as the STS.

I have never been in a Jag -- so I cannot comment on that part of your question.

[Bassin31]

What about a caracal sts? Curious myself. I hear it does well.

[Bass Cat Boats]

The Caracal STS is a nice fishing platform and it does a fine job, however, it won’t ride with the Puma STS. The hull is deeper, and came from the 2015-2023 Caracal. The boat was lengthened, STS Features added, and the bow was slightly beam widened out more. While It’s not the same as the former Caracal hull, the shorter running surface and deeper bow rise, it won’t stretch out like the Puma STS version.

What about a caracal sts? Curious myself. I hear it does well.

[Bill2e]

What about a caracal sts? Curious myself. I hear it does well.

The Caracal STS is an incredible rig. I couldn't be happier. If the Puma STS rides better, then it must be off the charts, because the rid on the Caracal STS is amazing. No issues in rough water.

I had a Puma FTD before this one and I like the storage layout of the Caracal STS better.

I can't imagine a better overall package out there.

[Tsig]

i came out of a 721 pro xp to a puma sts so I feel like I understand both boats pretty well. Ill say the cat rides very well and is similar to the 721 however i will give the ride to phoenix. But that's it build quality, speed, fit and finish all go to Basscat! You get so much more for your money. gaskets on all boxes, fiberglass dashes, a trailer that doesnt sound like a barking seal, among several other things. I went to basscat because i was tired of the quality issues with Phoenix. The dash shrouds on a phoenix are junk and will need to be replaced at some point if you frequent rough water. Not bashing phoenix these are just very common things that you can expect with them. I am loving my basscat and have zero regrets on my purchase.