Sabre FTD vs. Pantera Classic

[HeliRider]

Any advice?

Sabre FTD with 175 Merc
Pantera Classic with 200 Merc

[sabreski]

Both are great boats! biggest visual difference is the stainless grab rails on the Classic, none on the FTD. Top end to the Cassic, slightly wider front deck FTD. You can't go wrong with either, John

[mcherry]

In this case CLASSIC...I have a Sabre but would love 50 more Hp with a lil bit of the low 70(s) mph sprinkled on top.

[adchunts]

I'm with Mike on this one. I have a Sabre and love it, but it would not take much arm twisting to get me into a Classic.

[Elwood]

Interested in this also but I am leaning toward the Sabre FTD over the Classic. I would love the speed but I spend a lot more time fishing than I do on plane and the FTD looks like it would be a better fishing machine than the classic.

[JohnM]

If storage isn't an issue the Classic with deck insert is a great value. The 175 powered Sabre FTD is a blast, good fishing for an 18 footer but the extra inches here and there in the classic (most in seating area) make it nice for about the same money.

I've owned a Sabre FTD and fished from a PII and Classic. The small cooler up front and front step up with deck insert are the only drawbacks I can think of on that setup.

I think if you sit in the drivers seat of both you'll find your answer IF you have the 23' of storage the P requires.

[TnSabre]

I have owned a regular Sabre/150xr6 that would flat out run with a normal fishing load (71 gps) and now own a Pantera II/200 optimax that I have spent much time setting up also (74 gps). I am happier with the Pantera II and here is why:
1. Better ride (partly due to length)
2. Longer front deck (all of my rods are 7' or longer and this helps)
3. 200 Opti is a very strong motor even with a very heavy load
4. 200 Opti is very efficient on the pantera hull (not that the Sabre/175 is not, but you will notice very little mpg difference between the 2 combos, especially if you have them both loaded heavily)

I know mine is not a Pantera Classic and I did not come out of a Sabre FTD, but for the reasons I like the Pantera better would still most likely be the same since I am comparing the same hulls and similar lay out.

Either way they are both great boats! Good Luck in your decision!

[5-20]

If price isn't a factor - the classic all the way. That boat has always felt a lot bigger to me compared to the sabre. It'll definitely fish more comfortably and take rough water better.

[caughtsomefish]

how well does the saber handle big water on windy days

[classic242]

I have fished out of both, both are fantastic boats, I own a Classic and like the room and I think it rides better in rough water.

[JohnM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by caughtsomefish &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">how well does the saber handle big water on windy days</td></tr></table>

If it's to rough for you to be out there it's to rough to be out there.

You may get a lil wet and go a lil slower but the Sabre will get a good driver anywhere they want to go in rough water. I fished from Florida to AL, all over TN, KY and over to AR out of my Sabre off the top of my head and never felt unsafe.

[HeliRider]

Thanks for all the replies, still undecided but sounds like the Classic is the way to go. Guess it will come down to how deep I want to dig into my wallet. Saturday is the big day I make my final decision and order one of these boats, so excited I could bust.

Thanks,
Heli