Hello Bass Cat Owners!
Is the 203 Hybrid Hull a "point & drive" hull? For example, I do not need to be concerned about chine walk at top end speed? If so, am I correct in thinking that someone who is not concerned about driving 80 mph (non-tournament angler), this is a great hull to consider? I am considering Skeeter because I am told it is a point & drive hull. But I believe in what Rick and his team are doing and would prefer to go with Bass Cat.
Thanks everyone!
Last edited by bjg11771; 05-08-2025 at 08:06 PM.
The 203 hull from my experience in it is a point and drive hull. Handles water exceptionally well. However one caveat, if you have a bass cat that does, let’s say 80. You can pull power and it won’t chine and you will still see that low 70’s number and the boat not move one bit. There are also prop options you could play with and get the same result.
but 203 is a great option for sure
I have a 2021 Cougar 203, this is my 5th season in it. You need to drive it a little to get the last couple mph around 70. I've owned a 2002 Jaguar, 2009 Pantera 4, 2013 Puma FTD, 2018 Lynx, the Cougar 203 is my favorite BCB hull. I think there's at least 1 dealer in Texas that has one in stock, I'd get in one for a test drive. BCB is head and shoulders above the other brand in quality, just go look at 2 of the same age and hours.
Champion ride, wrist over elbow turns, turns likes it on rails, smooooth dry ride.
It’s the best riding 20 foot rig in production of any boat manufacturer and a pussycat to drive.
Drive to prevent chine walk and your set.
IMG_5897.jpeg
Thank you everyone. Sounds like my thoughts are on the right path. I guess the only "concern" would be resell value? I could be wrong but it appears to me most guys like their speed! I am getting old!!!
My buddy has a 2021/203 loves it!
Loaded speeds with other BassCats are closer than you think, you'll only be a few miles off. The payoff with the Hybrid is that as soon as it gets rough you'll see why we love this hull, I've owned an 80mph Puma FTD, a Lynx that ran 73, a Pantera 4 with a flashed SHO that ran 75. The Cougar 203 still keeps up or is faster than most of the bassboats on the water, most of those 70mph Rangers and Nitros are really running around 67. The 203 normally runs 68-72 with a 250, put a Power Pole Move on it and just run 2 graphs up front and you'll maximize it's potential. The next closest thing you'll get in a BassCat is the Puma or Lynx STS, but they'll cost 20K more. I have partners that have been in all my boats, most all say they like this one the best. Jump in the Cougar 203 and you'll see whether it's the rig for you or not.Originally Posted by bjg11771
Thank you Mike464!
The Hybrid hull is performance in ALL conditions, the few MPH you lose in straight line speed, you make up for in rough water ride.
Great insight on the hybrid hull. It's caught my attention since I moved from the calm bayous of Louisiana to the insanity that is Lake Conroe. I guess I was in my own little bayou bubble my whole life but I didn't know conditions and people (that are found on Conroe) existed.My 25 year old Javelin is still getting it done for the most part but I keep looking for what's next and the Cougar SP seems really attractive. And the 203 hull is also attractive. It would be used as a family boat so I also wonder if adding a second console would make it feel too small. It appears there is not too much space with dual consoles to get from the cockpit to the front deck.
Great insight on the hybrid hull. It's caught my attention since I moved from the calm bayous of Louisiana to the insanity that is Lake Conroe. I guess I was in my own little bayou bubble my whole life but I didn't know conditions and people (that are found on Conroe) existed.
What?? You don’t like those 3 foot wake boat waves?and summers coming.
I have a '99 203 (Not BCB Hybrid Hull) and it will only start to come loose in the final 2-3 mph. When the motor was healthy it would run 71ish consistently and at about 68.5 it would start to walk just a little bit. 95% of the time, loaded to fish it is point and shoot. I also have a '23 Cougar FTD, it requires more driver input but is substantially faster top end.
The 203 rides softer and corners better. The Cougar is drier and faster overall.
I’ve hit tugboat wakes that are smaller than some of the wakes on Conroe.What?? You don’t like those 3 foot wake boat waves?
Are the hulls tippy while fishing?
Not at all, I really fish nothing but big water out west! The Hybrid hull has been my favorite, I usually get a new rig every 3 years, this time I just repowered and plan on sticking with the Cougar 203.
Nice picture!
Nooooooo
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