I'd love to know how this is figured. I would expect to see more affordable boats, like nitro, would have a younger base than basscat. I see many more younger people in nitro than basscat in my area.According to our last study (2021) our anglers base ranks among the youngest angler base with an average age in the mid 40 year age mark.
2023 Skeeter FXR20
Lake Guntersville
apparently I don't fish enough to own a Bird but layout and proximity to dealer support made the decision for me. The trailer on the cats looks great.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
Apparently I fish too little to own a Bird lol.
2022 Basscat Jaquar
Mercury 300 Pro Xs
You get what you pay for. It all depends on your finances and your priorities to go either Bass Cat or Phoenix. I've owned 1 Skeeter, 4 Rangers, and lately 2 Bass Cats. The dealer that use to have Ranger now has Phoenix. I looked seriously at the Phoenix and then on went to a dealer that had Bass Cat and ordered a Lynx. There is no doubt after owning two Bass Cats that Bass Cat builds a quality product. My Lynx had over 800 trips on it. It was a 10 when I traded it in and got 7,000 less than I paid for it. No plastic to degrade, great gelcoat, rug, and solid construction. I recently purchased a Puma STS and the quality and fit and finish is even better than the Lynx. The trailer has been upgraded with additional structural cross members , the rug is better quality, the new slam latches, excellent gelcoat and finish, etc. If I couldn't afford the Bass Cat, I would consider a Phoenix.
Why does it seem like basscat owners think other owners are poor? It's as if it's more of a status symbol..If I couldn't afford the Bass Cat, I would consider a Phoenix.
2023 Skeeter FXR20
Lake Guntersville
Oh no. Sorry you took it that way. None of us are poor to enjoy this hobby and have a boat. For first part of my life I fished out of 12 foot row boat.. Then I transitioned to a 15 ft Skeeter in my late 30s and would have liked a bigger boat back then but could not afford it. I just love to fish and be in the outdoors and be away from the helter skelter of life. So it is my passion and will be to the day I can't fish any longer.Originally Posted by Bogeypro
Well I didn’t think I was that poor until I’ve owned 5 Basscat’s and all the goodies that pertain to fishing.
I've had both. I would get another Bass Cat long before I would get another Phoenix hands down. I would get a Lynx personally but that's just my preference between that and the Puma.
Absolutely love my new PumaSTS sts. Ride is awesome and fast. The carpet is the best on the market. I definitely would chose it every time. It’s gorgeous and along with Basscat customer service it can’t be beat
Look at 5 year old Phoenix and trailer and a 5 old Bass Cat and trailer, that should make the decision easy...
We've already established that it's because phoenix owners like to go fishing. LOL!!!
Last edited by Bogeypro; 09-15-2023 at 07:29 PM.
2023 Skeeter FXR20
Lake Guntersville
All depends on who is taking care of them! My 2018 boat and trailer still look new, and i get told that all the time. Ive seen newer basscats totally trashed from lack of maintenance too
I have owned all boats mentioned here other than a Phoenix. I have most recently owned Bullets. I recently bought a 2014 Bass Cat from a dealer. Bass Cat sent me a lifetime hull Warranty and a cap in the mail for not one penny. I don't believe any other boat manufacturer here will do that - correct me if I am wrong? Unless another manufacturer will give you a transferable lifetime Warranty on a hull, I will buy Bass Cat.
2014 Bass Cat Eyra
2014 Mercury 250 ProXS
^ But let’s be honest, it was the hat that closed the deal.
2008 Skeeter 21I. Yamaha 250 Series II.
2011 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 4x4.
Awesome!!
2014 Bass Cat Eyra
2014 Mercury 250 ProXS
dude they sent you a cap so you would buy a new 90k plus boat it the cheapest marketing out there a 5 buck cap.
Boat around here run by what the current dealer is selling which is currently Caymas. It was Phoenix and before that was Ranger AND Triton.Probabaly like that in most places.
I got 2 caps AND a buff.....and a little red floating keychain that looks like a miniature buoy, only it says "Bullet" on it.
Bullet 21XRS
Mercury Pro XS 250
so I expect you are saying the basscat is better (correct if wrong)
funny story, in my 2014 bird with the wife joy riding a couple of months ago and I told her I was thinking of an upgrade. She said this boat looks brand new, I said it is approaching 10 years. that led to a conversation and I ordered a 2024. Brought next door neighbor over to show him something on my 2014, he says this looks brand new.
what a boat looks like is more a reflection on the owner then it is the boat imo. I've already previously commented that the cat trailers look so good.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
I think if you're buying the boat to hold onto it for a long time and you don't mind the Basscat layout/price tag you go the Basscat route for the build quality and proven longevity on how they hold up. The idea of you get what you pay for and Basscat is proven for sure, quality build, and ride, especially when you factor in their trailers, that can be a real headache when parts start braking a few years in. Now if you're only planning on holding the boat a few years, I think Phoenix has the edge as overall they seem to be a good ride and quality and better bang for your buck in the shorter term with many happy customers, however not as proven on long term quality. They started in what 2007/8 first models being 2008? How many people are still running an older Phoenix's in as good shape as an older cat, I would argue not as many. Overall they are both good brands, and would say either is a good choice, just really need to factor in the most crucial pieces of layout/cost/ and long-term versus short term quality.
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