Eyra vs Caracal STS

[pops77s]

Which of the 20' 2" boats would you prefer and why. I've owned 2 Eyra's but never been in a Caracal STS, so looking for thoughts on the two boats in a side by side comparison. Thanks!
'

[Elwood]

I am thinking the the Caracal STS may be my next. Ii have had two Eyre's also and still a little miffed that the hull was detuned. Not so for the Caracal.....yet.

[mactlman]

caracal sts would get my vote

[1rudebee]

I’ve had both and am currently running the caracal sts. Dollar for dollar I’d take the caracal sts every time. Just a little wider. Deck is just a little wider up front. Gunnels just a little taller to keep your rods in rough water. Ride and maneuvering are very similar. However, if there was a 10k price gap, I’d not hesitate to get another eyra! Eyra might be 1 mph faster mostly because you can load more stuff in the front of a caracal sts. I like the smoother flowing exterior lines on the Eyra better than the boxier look of the caracal sts lines, but that is just a minor aesthetic opinion. Both are excellent choices.

[llsdjv]

I had an Eyra and now a Caracal STS. I miss the speed and storage of the Eyra. For some reason my stuff fit better into the Eyra. I didn't like the Eyra for offshore fishing. The Caracal is much nicer for that. I'm very impressed with the Caracal in stumps, it never gets stuck on them. I do enjoy the wider deck for fishing and stability.

If I had to buy a new boat I would buy whichever one I could get for the best deal.

[V-Bar]

I've been in almost every BCB offered from 1990s models up to brand new stuff. Somehow I had never been in an Eyra until last weekend. I spent the weekend in one and wow that is my boat. As a river rat on a super shallow, challenging to navigate river with a big open pool that always gets windy the Eyra is about perfect. I have always liked 19 foot boats for my needs but the Eyra felt just as nimble as my Pantera Classic. I loved the deck layout but just wish it was a few inches wider at the TM pedal (like my Pantera classic). I was very shocked how easy the boat was to drive to max speed (250 powered) compared to cougars/pumas I have driven or owned. the holeshot with 3/4 tanks, full livewells, two guys and tons of gear was great and we ran over 75 loaded that way with nearly zero input needed to balance the hull. it also cornered very smoothly and I loved how low the seats sit. very secure cockpit feeling.

I nearly bought a caracal (non STS) but after spending a day in one it was a bit too bulky and deep for what I liked. it was nimble but nothing like other 19 footers I had owned or been in and that is what ultimately steered me away from one.

I think my next boat will be an Eyra especially if they widen that front deck just a couple of inches.

[Bass Cat Boats]

We doubt an Eyra sees any significant changes to the beam width, or design in the near future.

Several find it to be a wonderful platform and it is a chosen boat to fish from for some. You have nailed a lot of it's positives and there are more. The bow fishes very efficient in this present design. An added few inches might make it better, though at what cost on the boat itself.

The boat was a category "Boat of the Year" recipient when it was released and several have commented on the cosmetic appeal. It's just a stunning package!

BCB

I think my next boat will be an Eyra especially if they widen that front deck just a couple of inches.

[V-Bar]

We doubt an Eyra sees any significant changes to the beam width, or design in the near future.

Several find it to be a wonderful platform and it is a chosen boat to fish from for some. You have nailed a lot of it's positives and there are more. The bow fishes very efficient in this present design. An added few inches might make it better, though at what cost on the boat itself.

The boat was a category "Boat of the Year" recipient when it was released and several have commented on the cosmetic appeal. It's just a stunning package!

BCB

and the front deck width still wouldn't be detract me from buying one. Having had a 1996 P-classic, a 13 P4 and an 04 cougar and now an 18' classic. the deck width of the 18' classic is something I have really grown to love. I keep a lot of rods on deck. the eyra is one of the sharpest boats no doubt. "Muscle" bass boat. the scoops remind me of a GTO (my favorite looking muscle car)

[Rebel1]

Man, personally preference and taste can vary so much when it comes to picking boats. I really like my Eyra but is it perfect? No not at all as there a lot of things that I would change. Would I buy another one, well it would be a toss-up between it and an Allison.

[06 SB]

I talked to John Crews about his thought on these two plus the Puma STS. He loved the deck layout of Caracal STS and the performance of the Eyra. He feels the Puma STS gives him both. He just missed the speed of the Eyra when running the Caracal STS and is the reason he went to the Puma STS. So, if you love the speed of your Eyra then you may want to go that route. If you are like me and just run upper 60s maximum and fish way more than you run, the Caracal STS would be your huckleberry.

[1rudebee]

The only thing I’d really change in the Eyra would be to go to one large lid in the middle of the front deck like the new lynx sts. The coffin lids weren’t bad. But the one large box gives you tons of more storage options. Other than that, the Eyra is an excellent boat! The caracal sts gives you a bit more security in the front end since it’s wider with taller gunnels. If you like corvettes, buy the Eyra. If you like corvettes but want something a bit more comfortable, get the caracal sts. If you like Cadillacs, buy a puma/lynx sts. If you like Bentley’s, buy a jag! Lots of great models to choose from based on your style of fishing!

[Bass Cat Boats]

And those same coffin lids are one of the things many prefer on an Eyra model. you can get in either side without fighting over the top of a large lid.

The only thing I’d really change in the Eyra would be to go to one large lid in the middle of the front deck like the new lynx sts. The coffin lids weren’t bad. But the one large box gives you tons of more storage options. Other than that, the Eyra is an excellent boat! The caracal sts gives you a bit more security in the front end since it’s wider with taller gunnels. If you like corvettes, buy the Eyra. If you like corvettes but want something a bit more comfortable, get the caracal sts. If you like Cadillacs, buy a puma/lynx sts. If you like Bentley’s, buy a jag! Lots of great models to choose from based on your style of fishing!

[shapfromla]

The coffin lids are one of the main reasons I would have trouble moving to a different model. I’ve often said how surprised I’ve been that that layout hasn’t been adopted by more models. It is most efficient!!

And those same coffin lids are one of the things many prefer on an Eyra model. you can get in either side without fighting over the top of a large lid.

[1rudebee]

I know lots of folks like the coffin lids on the Eyra. They were fine. I like the layout of the caracal sts better. Again, great to have options for different preferences!

[nojretlas]

I wanted an Eyra in the worst way due to speed and maneuverability but couldn't get past the skinny deck. Thought about the Caracal STS but wound up with a Puma STS. I LOVE this boat, layout works for me. I hit 75 loaded with two of us yesterday. If I could change anything it would be making the center console fill the entire middle space, struts on the cooler lid and rear lids.

[Cajunhunter67]

The best way to describe the Eyra is it handles and fishes small like the PII, but in a 20 foot platform.
Fishing piers, cypress trees, running the bayous....its the perfect 20 footer.
The only thing it lacks compared to my PII, is the instant Holeshot!!! The PII is a beast out the hole.

Don