Currently in a 1996 Pantera Classic and looking at upgrading to a early 2000's model P-classic (one day maybe the 2017 classic)
Was wondering what sort of distinct differences there are to layout, build quality, build materials, length, beam width, etc.
Thanks!
I'm one of the biggest fans of the P Classic. HUGE. Great rig. It's fast, nimble, drives like a sports car. My favorite cat hull ever built.
Spent a little time in the new P Classic at the TOC this year. I was REALLY impressed by it. Tough to compare build quality in a modern rig to one 20 years ago. The newer ones are the best built rig on the water. The older ones were the best built rig on the water in 1996. Similar performance, wider platform and better layout. I like it so much that if I was looking for another 19 foot rig that would be the one. It'll butt hurt a bunch of todays 20 foot rigs running 250's er sure.
I also love my Pantera Classic just looking into getting something newer.....
Am I correct in thinking that a model year 2000 Pantera classic or newer will be wood free construction?
Your current '96 will still have wood in the construction while the early 2000's and newer should be all fiberglass construction. I'm not sure what year the Classic was changed to all fiberglass.
Great reply! Im very happy with my PII (which is pretty much in the middle of the old and new P Classic I guess)... the only reason I might trade it is for a 20fter to get a little better rough water ride. The extra deck would just be a bonus cause I have no issues with deck space now and I think the new Classic has more deck than my boat. The old Classics were a bit tighter on deck space, mostly cause the gunnels were wider and floor was lower.Originally Posted by MMosher
2005 BassCat Pantera / 200 EFI 2.5L
Bullet 21XD / 250 XB (Gone to a great home in LA)
"There is no such thing as a bad day fishing!"
I have a 2003 classic dc. I have fished out of a 2007. I know yours and those 2 all have different top cap and very slightly diffferent layout, weight distribution, etc, but I believe the hull is the same mold. Believe after very late 90's they were wood-free. I have been told that 2004 was the first year of the "new" ("old new", not the new-new!!) classic layout, and also the first year of the epa-mandated resins that were more prone to blistering and other issues, although I have no direct knowledge of that. If you have specific questions about an 03 I might be able to answer shoot me a message. Basscat used to have a chronology showing various changes to each model year for all their boats but I cant find it on their website, however there is some info on the resins and other stuff that could be info for you.
The classic went to all fiberglass construction in late 2000. Basically the 2001 model year builds that started in the fall of 2000 were the first of the cats to be built all fiberglass with lifetime hill warranty. That was also the glory years of the all vinyl ester resins. The best resin that BCB has used to date by their own account. I had a 2001 classic that was built in October 2000 and it was superb. It is still in my area today and still shining like a diamond and breaking hearts passing up 20 footers. I loved that boat and miss it terribly.
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