Amount of lift in a P4 with a 200?

[5-20]

I've owned two classics and have been thinking about making a P4 my next boat. I've never driven, let alone taken a ride in a P4 and it's possible that if I come across a good deal on a P4, it could be an out of state boat, meaning I'd have to take a long drive to see if it's the type of boat I want.

I was wondering how much lift a P4 would have with a 200xs on it? My experience from owning two classics, one '98 and one '00 was that the '00 model had tons of lift and was an awesome boat to drive. The '98 didn't have so much lift and just wasn't as fun a boat to drive, nor did it handle as well as the '00 did.

I'm sure the P4 will be an incredible ride, but I guess I'm looking for some comments on its handling characteristics when it's on pad.

Thanks for any/all thoughts.

[JayLaw]

Had my p4 for 4.5 years. The "lift" you are referring to is not going to be anyhwere near what you are used to in the classic. Thats not a bad thing just a totally different hull and handling characteristic of the P4 vs. the Classic, Its heavier as well. The P4 does not like to run with alot of lift and is actually faster when trimed out a few clicks down from full trim, thus giving the boat a more level feeling ride then a boat with alot of bow lift. Now when the belly tank got low and the rear tanks were full you would see much more lift on the bow, though still had to manage the trim to get your optimum speed.

Just remember you are comparing a porsche to a caddilac here. The classic is going to give you that spots car ride, the P4 is going to give you great handling, comfort and good top end performance-cadillac! A 25 Fury on the P4 is a must have and remember the motor likes to be ran lower with that fury. As for the performance of the p4 I would put it up there with most of the other lineups 20 foot models, handling is great, storage and layout is awesome (though the cooler can use an update on the next model-PV) Other then that I cant find one reason as to why one would not want to own a P4 other then those who desire a 73+ MPH boat.

There is one heck of a deal on a 2010 P4 over on BCB website on their for sale forum, its out in cali- but is being offered at a very good/ reasonable price for a 1.5 yeard old P4.

[mike464]

I agree with Jason, the PIV is a more level ride than the rear tanked models. One advantage is that when you're fishing it puts you closer to the water. Chris Zaldain made the Elite series out of his PIV this year and that's the one for sale in Ca. on the BCB site, he said it's only been used for 3 months. There's an '03 over on Ebay right now with very low hours as well. PIVs don't come up for sale very often. I like mine! Mike

[5-20]

Thanks for the comments - really helps me understand what I'd be getting into, should I find a P4 I can't turn down.

BTW, yes, I noticed the Cali P4 on the 'cat website and oh man, yes, that's a heck of a price on that boat. But man, the colors... I don't think those colors would ever grow on me... definitely nice boat colors but not really for me...

And yeah, the ebay P3 looks pretty good. I contacted the owner with some questions via ebay. Still haven't gotten a response from him.

Thanks - keep the comments coming.

[JohnM]

As for the rear tank Caddy ride. I came out of the Sabre FTD with a 175 ProXS into this rear tank Cougar AE with a standard 225. It's not very fast, SUPER comfortable and would be classified by everyone that has been in it as a plush ride.



This was not all the way strung out, the guy was standing on a dock, hard to get a pic that way but it'll give you an idea of the lift at 65ish MPH.

Compared to the Sabre, Panterra this boat is like steering your car where those hulls are like a go kart or sports car on the water. I imagine the PIV is similar and the Cougar or Puma can be tweaked up a notch or two with different power.

I got lucky and found this 2008 with 15 hours on it this summer.