Yeah, Classic has a wider deck. Different layout too I think.Originally Posted by llsdjv
Yeah, Classic has a wider deck. Different layout too I think.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
I would not dismiss the classic as others said. I cant speak to the p2 specifically cause I haven't owned one. Ive had sabre ftd, caracal, puma and eyra. (dont laugh but actually went and bought a 818 pro the other day (I got a deal)) Theres alot more fishing room in the bird over even the eyra. However they are no where near the same construction glass wise, carpet wise, vendor options etc... Bcb keeps pushing these boats to be rigged the best and it shows they are a ball of the best xyz components on the market. The bird trailers are... just a trailer. Bcb makes theirs in house and they are insanely built. The price point your reaching into, I would look for a used caracal and upgrade some of the electronics down the road if you decide to keep the boat long term.
"the head, the tail, the whole damn thing"
So what are you saying, you have trouble getting it lined up on the bunks?
i was looking at the same boats as you but ended up with a 2021 919 same price range as yo mentioned. So far I love it.
Do you keep fish? If not tha classic is worth a look. Otherwise P2 FOR THE WIN!
2013 Pantera 2
200 Pro XS (2b009069)
Ghost Trolling Motor
I fish tournaments. A good livewell is important for me. What is it about the classic livewell that makes it a problem for tournament anglers?
Good choices. The PII and the 819 are both excellent 19 footers.
With the current market in spot lock trolling motors, being on the front in big water has become a non issue.
The PII will handle the big water equally as well as the 819.
The only reason I would go to the 819 is if you fish with a co-angler often as it’s slightly more stable. You will feel your partner move in the back with both boats, the PII will be a bit more pronounced.
If you fish alone most of the time, then go with the PII.
Don
2016 BassCat Pantera II
Mercury 200 ProXs
I appreciate everyone's input. I'm so torn right now. I really want a BassCat. It's been my dream since I was a teenager. But overall the 819 seems like a more solid choice because of the bigger deck. I just need to make a decision and stick with it ��
What made you leave Bass Cat for an 818?
2007 Bass Cat Puma
2007 Mercury Pro XS 250
My 2 cents. I owned a 2015 P2. Sold it because it was paid off and I own a contracting business and needed the money to make payroll while I wanted on a check to come in. Bought a used Triton TR 21 because it was super nice and I was just looking for something to fish out of until next year. I have 2 different fishing partners, one owns a TR 21 like mine and another owns a Phoenix 721.
1. I miss my p2
2. I have filled my Triton with the same amount of tackle as my p2 and it seams there isn’t anymore storage in it than my P2.
3. The P2 rode as good as my Triton and the Phoenix do.
4. In rough water the Triton doesn’t as much but the Phoenix rattles, creaks and doesn’t feel as solid as my P2.
5. The trailer on my P2 is head and shoulders better built than the other 2 brands
6. I hated the trolling motor pedal location of the P2 when fishing offshore until I put an ultrex on it. Then I didn’t mind it and now that I don’t have it when fishing shallow I miss it.
7. From 0 to 65 I don’t believe there is a faster boat on the market than the P2.
There are probably 20 more things I can compare at least but I will say that I will buy another new one next year and it will be another P2. Not patting my back or bragging at all but I can buy whatever I want and the eyra was what I was set on but I miss my P2. It does everything a bigger boat will do and less money. I have had my P2 out on Erie a total of 8 times and was never not confident in it.
2000 Triton Tr21
2002 Mercury 250 Pro XB
I narrowed down to P2, Classic, 819. I went the Classic route because I am 6'3". The extra space has been worth it. If Classic is not an option I might lean 819.
If you fish tournaments I'd go with the P2. The livewell system is the known and proven livewells Bcb is known to have. Imo the classic livewells are sub par to the P2. Many will agree to this and sure some will diagree. Look for yourself and decide. The difference is very noticeable. The classic is a great boat dont get me wrong. Just not the livewells.
2013 Pantera 2
200 Pro XS (2b009069)
Ghost Trolling Motor
Mtn Dew gave away 10 of the 818s in a sweep stakes. Most of the people who won them don't even fish. The guy I got mine from didn't even have a truck. It was a steal of a deal. I from some reason havent kept any of my bass cats more than 18 months for whatever reason (sold them to upgrade, one I hit a log inright after I extended the warranty). I'm sure at some point Ill move back to bcb but this was solely a financial move. In the mean time Ill be enjoying the fuel sipping 4 cyl over my Eyras V8 lol. Again while I can appreciate alot of the stuff on the birds I like the cats better.
"the head, the tail, the whole damn thing"
What is the difference between the two livewells?
Last edited by BassmanZF6; 10-23-2021 at 05:48 PM.
Classic livewell system only has recycle on a timer, not fresh water. Also, it drains into the bilge if the plug is pulled.
2021 BassCatt Pantera II
200 Pro XS(3B056653)
Motorguide Tour Pro
That is unacceptable, why did they make it like that? Even the cheap Tracker aluminum boats have fill and recerc on a timer and it doesn't drain into the bilge.
You can pump water out and put new water in. I mean the livewell is not as good as the other models but I think it's plenty good. I have a Margay with similar design and I wouldn't mind keeping fish in it all day. If I fished a tournament in it that would not be an issue to me. The whole drain the to bilge is stupid but as far as fish care they would be fine. It hot months you want to have livewell treatment and ice anyways so the recycle fresh water is not that important to me
It's still a better livewell system than my 95 champion has. Is the P2 SP cheaper than they Classic, similarly loaded?
BassCat will tell you the market for a Pantera Classic is those beginning to fish (young folks) and those at the end of their fishing (old folks like me). That is why it doesn't have the amenities of the premium line or the Pantera II.
Normally most dealerships would have the P2 and the Classic, though in todays boat market this wont be likely. I own a P2 and previously a 88 caracal(17ft). I dont really notice the narrow of the p2 up front. I dont tourney fish but regularly have 30 to 60 crappie in the wells with great success. At this point Imo i would try to find each of the models you like, go look and crawl all over them, raise and look in each compartment, notice the wiring,the finish of each, the component used and Etc. I been a cat owner since 1989, prior to 2014 everytime i seen a cat at the launch or passed by one fishing i ask the like and dislikes of each(model). For me my decision was easy i wanted a P4. Though i was looking for a low hour boat and not a new model. Then the p4 was gone, used ones just wasnt around at that time and still dont see many. I purchased my p2 in 14 and honestly can say i have been happy with it. In todays world buying boats is like buying a small house. Enjoy your search be patient. My advice still remains to crawl around on each and ride in them(if possible), ask lots of real world questions.
2013 Pantera 2
200 Pro XS (2b009069)
Ghost Trolling Motor
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