Pantera Classic questions

[HeliRider]

I'm just about ready to finalize the deal on a new 2012 Pantera Classic. Just have a few items I'm trying to decide what to do about. Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

1. My package comes with a four bladed prop. I always thought four bladed props were for heavy boats will this prop be okay or should I opt for a three bladed prop?

2. Also, I'm thinking about adding the extended deck to my package, will the extended deck be a good investment? From the pictures it looks like a big step up to the front deck with the extended deck installed?

Thanks in advance,
Heli

[bobsquatch]

I would have them do the 25" Fury if an option but best option assuming you have the 200hp on there, IMO, would be the 25" Razor3 by Mark Croxton, IF your dealer will do that for you? I have had four props on my rig, also a Classic with 3/0 200 Opti, older 2002 model. Originally a Tempest +, Trophy +, Fury and now the Razor 3 - all were 25" and all were stock props. The Razor3 meets or beats all the others in every catagory as far as I am concerned, especially in hole shot and mid range handling with top speed being about 1-2 mph faster. That is without any playing with jack plate height as I just left it the same as I had the Fury set (which I did play with the right height on all the other props) as just have not had out enough to really see what height is best. Generally from what I have been told the Razor3 should be a little higher than the Fury. Hope this helps as one person's opinion.

[JHAY73]

I run a 25 pitch TRO 4 on my 2004 Classic with the 3 litre 200 and see 71-73 mph tournament loaded. I also have the flipping insert and it makes the front deck huge but as you stated the step up is pretty big. These are one great fishing boat and is also extremely quick for a 19 ft boat. Hopes this helps feel free to ask any questions. God Bless and Merry Christmas

[JayLaw]

Yes I would opt for the extended deck,and the 25 fury, I would also make sure to put in a size 31 AGM battery for cranking and to run your electronics.

Then you need to give me shout when you get it and we can run that thing on the upper chesapeake!

[dmt1574]

+1 on the Fury Prop, the holeshot is unbelievable. Be careful when loading your boat, you can flat throw it in the back of your truck with that prop! I didn't get the flippin' deck on mine and have regretted it ever since I bought it. I ordered one for XMas. It's removeable if you decide you don't like it, but it sure makes it alot easier to fish 2 up front. You can also store tackle boxes, boat bag, etc. underneath it, so you gain a little more storage. You will love that boat.

[Powerworm]

The flippin deck is a must. Once you see it installed, you will never want to remove it. The step up is greater, but you will get used to it.

[smbass]

a flippin deck is NOT a must. get the boat without it use it for awhile and then if you feel you would like it get it. i fish 2 on the deck of a sabre without a FD often without any problems.
enjoy you BCB its all that and then some

[Acuna]

I absolutely love the flipping deck on my Classic. For me, in my opinion, it is a must. The increased deck space is great and I feel much more comfortable up there. The space below is great for storing co-angler gear. With the flipping deck you can easily fish 2 people up there. I take my daughter a lot (she's 2) and she can spread out all kinds of toys and there is still room for us (me) to fish. Like I said, I highly recommend it.

I have a 4 blade prop and it is fine. I hear the Fury is the stuff and I would not hesitate to get it.

[RichW]

I'm running a 26 Fury with a 3.0 EFI so a 25 on an Opti would be the prop. I'm 70 so that big step was getting a little tough, so I sold my deck insert. You'll love your Classic, it's the best boat I've ever owned.

[HeliRider]

If all goes well I'm planning to place my order this coming week.

Here’s what I’m planning to order with my Classic, did I miss anything?

Mercury 200 Pro XS
Vision Tour Group:
(Hummingbird 788c GPS console,
Hummingbird Matrix 728 bow,
Trim Gauge,
Butt Seat,
Trailer Step,
Hydraulic Steering,
Pivot Tongue,
R&R Jackplate)
Flipping deck
Water pressure gauge
Avalon Cover
3 Bank Charger
Fortrex Minn Kota 80 TM
Mercury Smart Craft Gauge

Thanks,
Heli

[sabreski]

25 Fury

[waknbass]

I would definitely add the flipping deck as I believe it is needed if you plan on having 2 guys fishing from the front. It will make life easier. It is very easily removable and can be taken out whenever you fish by yourself. I also would suggest adding the grab pole if you are adding a trailer step. I couldn't imagine not having one now. I would also suggest the Deans cover over the Aurora cover (I see you typed avalon but I think you meant aurora?). the Aurora is a sort of a pain to put on your self whereas the Deans is a little easier and a better fit in my opinion.

As far as props are concerned I assume the 4 blade is a Trophy? If its a 25 trophy it will push that boat very nicely and handle a littler better than a 3 blade at high speeds. I run the fury on my pantera II and its the best prop I've tried but requires a little more driver input at high speeds. It will outperform everything else in every aspect though.

[RichW]

Your Smartcraft tach has a combined digital readout of both trim and water press, so you could save some bucks by deleting those analog gauges. Then you would have enough room to mount a HB 898 to one of Sherm's mounts on the face of the dash.

[Tom Rollins]

Nephew has a 200 Opti w/ tweaked 26" Trophy + on his '06 Classic. 74.5 w/light load, 71+ loaded for fishing (two people).
Flipping deck yes, Group 31 cranking battery a must.

[TnSabre]

I don't understand why just a 25 on the Fury. I run a 26 Fury on my setup and it is not enough prop. I could turn a 27 on mine and it is heavier then a Classic. I used to run a 27 Tempest and it would bump the rev limiter and everyone told me to get the 26 on the Fury because it would be harder to turn. It might be, but I could still spin the 27 Fury if I had one.

[Bucknbass01]

Flipping deck gotta have, always easier to take it out and store it if you don't like it, then go back and try to order later....also helps with resale. I too am running a Fury, a 26... In real cold to cool still bumping limited, gotta pull this kitty back some.

[shapfromla]

Get the extended deck. The cost is minimal and if you don't like it you can always take it out and only use it when you know the fishing day will be 2 guys on the deck flipping all day, or sell it to someone else.

Personally, and I have alot of time behind the wheel of a classic, I would try the 4 bladed trophy prop. They have been my favorite through the years and I have tried them all. And I mean all!!! The Fury's are great props but I just prefer the trophy's handling characteristics over the Fury's. The 3 fastest props I've ever ran on my Classic have been a 27 Trophy, 27 powertech tro4, Hydromotive Quad 4xob. All 4 blades and all handled great.

I would recommend the 26" Trophy or a 26" Fury for your boat. The 25" props will not be enough in my opinion unless you carry a very, very heavy load.

[dmt1574]

If it were me I'd get the 798ciHDSI at the console. Side Imaging and Down Imaging.

http://store.humminbird.com/pr...Combo