2014 Cougar AE?

[justinp61]

I've been looking at upgrading from my 18' aluminum boat to an older 20-21' bass boat. I've looked at 02-09 Rangers, Tritons and Skeeters. I've found the Cougar AE with a 250 ProXS with a little over 500 hours for a little more $$ than the others I've looked at but know nothing about the BC's.

For the folks that have or have had them what's your opinions? Pro's and cons? I'm guessing this should be a high 70mph boat?

Thanks, Justin

[Aruss1984]

I have an 08 Cougar AE with a 225 Optimax with a little over 600 hrs on it and love it. Ive seen low 70;s with mine so you will see more speed with that set up. I fish the Great Lakes and the Cougar handles them well. Its a bit narrower compared to the wide boat trend we're seeing. Its a dry ride compared to other brands I've been in, in that similar size class. I would just have your motor looked over by a reputable Merc mechanic to make sure its operating well. Have a compression and leak down test done. Make sure the compressor is in good shape as those have a tendency to fail if the previous owner(s) didnt maintain them well.
Basscat also makes a great trailer. They are all built specifically for the model you purchase.

[justinp61]

I have an 08 Cougar AE with a 225 Optimax with a little over 600 hrs on it and love it. Ive seen low 70;s with mine so you will see more speed with that set up. I fish the Great Lakes and the Cougar handles them well. Its a bit narrower compared to the wide boat trend we're seeing. Its a dry ride compared to other brands I've been in, in that similar size class. I would just have your motor looked over by a reputable Merc mechanic to make sure its operating well. Have a compression and leak down test done. Make sure the compressor is in good shape as those have a tendency to fail if the previous owner(s) didnt maintain them well.
Basscat also makes a great trailer. They are all built specifically for the model you purchase.

Thank you sir. All the service has been done at our local dealer, he told me that they serviced the engine a couple months ago and the compression was good. The owner has all the service records.

[justinp61]

Is the front deck really narrow on the Cougar? Reading the specs it appears to be, crappie fishing with two guys up front may not be comfortable. I need to contact the seller and go look at it.

[Aruss1984]

The deck on the older models is a bit narrow (again, comparatively to the current wider designs) but I dont have an issue fishing 2 up front for bass. I suppose it could be if you have a big crappie set up but Im not familiar with those. My idea of crappie fishing is a slip bobber and 1 rod but have seen some more elaborate set ups on some rigs.

Is the front deck really narrow on the Cougar? Reading the specs it appears to be, crappie fishing with two guys up front may not be comfortable. I need to contact the seller and go look at it.

[figueira]

Is the front deck really narrow on the Cougar? Reading the specs it appears to be, crappie fishing with two guys up front may not be comfortable. I need to contact the seller and go look at it.

I got a 2008 cougar FTD
Fish lots of team events
No issues 2 of us up front fishing shallow or deep
It is tight but manageable.
Maybe different fishing for crappie.

[OsageJoe]

That should be a really nice boat!

[apdriver]

I have a 2013 Cougar AE with a 250 ProXS. It’s a nice boat that handles big water well with a dry ride. It would be better if the boat you are looking at has the Torquemaster 2 on it as compared to the TM1. I’ve had trouble with the TM1 gearcases as that is what my boat came with. Somewhere in that 2013-2014 timeline Merc came out with the TM2. That setup should be an easy upper 70’s boat that is fun to drive. I don’t spider rig out of mine but should be doable. Good luck.

[justinp61]

I have a 2013 Cougar AE with a 250 ProXS. It’s a nice boat that handles big water well with a dry ride. It would be better if the boat you are looking at has the Torquemaster 2 on it as compared to the TM1. I’ve had trouble with the TM1 gearcases as that is what my boat came with. Somewhere in that 2013-2014 timeline Merc came out with the TM2. That setup should be an easy upper 70’s boat that is fun to drive. I don’t spider rig out of mine but should be doable. Good luck.

Could you measure the front deck width at the seat base for me please?

I've narrowed my choices down to two boats, the 14 Cougar and a 06 Triton TR21 with a 2024 250 ProXP with less than 30 hours and two and a half years of warranty left on the engine.

Thanks guys, Justin

[dean c]

I’ve fished a bunch out of an older Cougar, 2009 with an 250 optimax. Boat screams…runs high 70’s. We fish team with both of us on the front deck. We are experienced anglers so it’s not a problem. When driven appropriately for the conditions, it’s a good riding, dry boat.

[apdriver]

Could you measure the front deck width at the seat base for me please?

I've narrowed my choices down to two boats, the 14 Cougar and a 06 Triton TR21 with a 2024 250 ProXP with less than 30 hours and two and a half years of warranty left on the engine.

Thanks guys, Justin

I would be glad to but I’m in Canada until May 30 Smallmouth fishing away from my boat. If you still need that after June1, I will do it.

[justinp61]

I would be glad to but I’m in Canada until May 30 Smallmouth fishing away from my boat. If you still need that after June1, I will do it.

Thanks.

[justinp61]

Thanks for the replies, I bought the Triton today. Don’t seem to be much love for the Cougar AE.