I waited on a Puma STS for more than a year and previous to this hull I've mostly owned or have fished out of every model between an Eyra and a Jaguar. All are different and all have a special characteristic that another does not. Therefore, when it comes to choosing one or the other it becomes personal preference between layout, front deck width, or top end speed. They all ride well and all are the driest riding hulls on the market. Though, nothing can touch an STS hull (Puma/Jaguar) when it comes to ride and a Puma STS is likely my favorite thus far!
Here are the specifics....
- 250 Mercury 4S Pro XS and have ran both a 24p Fury 3 stock or 25p Fury 3 custom by Ronnie Gilbert. Top end speed thus far is 77.5 with the 25p and 76.3 with a 24 with one person. Hole shot is a little better with the 24. These speeds are good considering the weight on the bow. A Minn Kota 112 Ultrex with a 52" shaft, two Humminbird Helix 12's w/ 360 and mega live transducers. I am also running 3 wet cell batteries for trolling motor, 1 AGM battery for motor and electronics and dual Power Poles.
- w/ 2 individuals and water in livewells, top end speed drops to 74.5.
While I am running a 25p Fury 3 that has been worked by Ronnie Gilbert, I would recommend a 23p or 24p Fury 3 for most. This hull has great acceleration and gets to top end speed way quicker than the Lynx.
A Puma STS is almost perfect! Two units on the bow without a special mount is awesome and slam latches are great too! If I could change anything, it would be adding a tray next to the ice cooler such as that in an Eyra. I also chose this boat with reflex floor in the cockpit and it may dry 1000 times faster than carpet, but I am not 100% sold on it thus far. There are no advantages in keeping clean.
If you have questions about this boat or others, feel free to reach out!