I'm looking a buying a new 19 ft boat. Unfortunately the caracal is a bit out of my price range. I'm down to the P2, and a Phoenix 819 Pro. I really want the P2, but have a few concerns. Mainly, the narrow front deck. Does anybody have any Input on how narrow it is? Thanks
It is narrow, but I haven't had any issues with it yet. With the newer console design it is much easier to move rods back on the deck a bit so you don't have rod handles in the way of your feet. I like not having a barge front as I do a lot of pitching and it gives me a lot of freedom to not hit anything with my baits. I have fished three in the boat several times already and although it isn't ideal for 3, it is doable.
So how about the narrow beam, is it still fairly stable? And how sketchy is it to be running the trolling motor so close to the nose in rough water?
You get used to it in about 30 minutes.Originally Posted by Jus10Adams
A BassCat is a more premium boat than a Phoenix.
If I have a bigger partner in the back, I can occasionally feel some side to side rocking but it is rare that I ever notice it. I’ve stood on the troller in 2 footers in a big wind and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. I did have an issue with my Ultrex momentary switch sticking and that almost caused an issue once or twice on the river only because I had the power up to fight the current and it stuck on and when I pulled my foot off it kicked sideways a bit, but that wasn’t any fault of the boat and would have been the same on any other rig.
I got used to the forward foot pedal position in about 30 minutes like printman said. I love it, I never hit the head of the Ultrex with my rod on a roll cast or smack the jig when I’m pitching. If you ask around, I bet there is someone nearby your home with a P2 that would take you out. If you were closer to me I’d say let’s go.
I know it is, that's why I want to be in a BCB. Plus the whole thing of BCB , there's just something special about it. I wish they made a wide hulled 19 footer that wasn't thw price of a Caracal. I just worry about the width of the P2 compared to Phoenix 819
Have you considered a Triton 19 TRX or a Caymas CX19? The are both in the same size range as the other two you mentioned but you can get a 225hp motor instead of being limited to a 200.
I'm open to all models, but these 2 are definitely my preferences based on what I know about their quality, materials used, and reputation. I am intrigued by Caymas, however there isn't a dealer near me, and I just don't have the time to take an entire day driving to a from. Any idea ballpark range what a 19 foot caymas usually goes for?
200 on a P2 will perform. Don't over think the front deck unless you fish big water a lot.
What about the classic
Base price is around 50K just like the Triton 19 TRX or Basscat P2. Upgraded trolling motor, graphs, hydraulic jack plate and shallow water anchors is what drives the price up.
I feel like I'm giving up too many standard features with the classic to consider it over the 819, and the p2, although it does have a bigger front deck than the p2. I was quoted around 61k for both an 819, and p2 with 8 foot blades, ultrex, 2 helix 10s, and mega 360. I really want to go with the p2, but I feel like the 819 and it's 96 inch beam, and the fact that it's 7 inches longer makes it a more solid choice.
That's the problem, I live in Ohio and I plan to fish Erie a few times a year, especially with the buckeye division BFLs making routine trips there.
I had a P2 but got rid of it due to the narrow deck up front. I found I was stepping on my rods too much. Standing way up front does feel weird at first, but like others said I got over that quickly.
As far as quality, there was nothing wrong with the fit and finish. I prefer the BC over a Phoenix due to all the plastic trim. That being said, If having a spacious front deck is a concern of yours, the Phoenix is definitely bigger.
I have seen a few people say that is a pain in the neck to load on trailer. It has a tendency to slide under the rollers. Have any of you guys had a problem with this?
Never. I fish the upper half of Nickajack a lot, and there are several ramps that are extremely steep. Like swamp the back deck steep if you go too fast. I find the boat to be really easy to load/unload, and I mostly fish by myself.
2014 BassCat PII
Mercury 200 ProXS
http://offthechartsboating.com
Not at all. The P2 loads easily. I had a 2015 P2 and now have a 2019 Classic. I found the P2 too narrow up front. Besides being wider, I like the mid portion of the deck of the Classic being filled in right to the cockpit, instead of the cut out in the middle for the cooler.
2019 BCB Classic
Merc V8 200 4S
Between the 4 here (BassCat, Caymas, Triton, Phoenix), Phoenix would be at the bottom of my list. No sealing around the compartments allows for easier water intrusion into them.
BassCat being first
Caymas and Triton being equal
Phoenix being last.
I have never come close to this. I do get some side to side issues though. Still have not figured out what is causing that.
2021 BassCatt Pantera II
200 Pro XS(3B056653)
Motorguide Tour Pro
I sell Caymas boats and I run a 2018 PII... A Caymas CX19 with a 225hp starts around $58k with no trolling motor or electronics.
Brad Krone
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