2023 BASS CAT PUMA STS/YAMAHA VMAX 250 SHO - TOP SPEED RUN AND DETAILED WALKTHROUGH (very detailed)

Finally had a chance to run my 2023 Bass Cat Puma STS / Yamaha VMX SHO 250 to see what she will do for top end. I haven't seen any combos like this so I was curious to see how it would run.
Complete Set Up:
2023 Bass Cat Puma STS - 20'7" Length 96" Beam 60 Gal Fuel Capacity
2023 Yamaha VMX 250 SHO - 25 Pitch SHO Ventless T2 Prop
Bob's 8" Hydraulic Jack Plate
Minnkota Ultrex iPilot Link 80lb 52"
Humminbird Helix 12 & 9 at Bow, Helix 9 at Console
Geiger Tec Stack and Dash mounts
Dakota Lithium DL+135 AH Batteries (3)
31 Series AGM for motor
Full of tackle
Just over 3/4 fuel in both tanks
#BassCatBoats #PumaSTS #FeelTheRush

[@jelmo1057]

Great video, honest and informative.. well done sir.

[@sandyjones1239]

I own the 2022 Puma STS with the 300 Merc love the boat and has a super ride in rough water. It is same color as the boat you are running there. Tight lines and best wishes

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing!

[@leecanady6749]

Great and valuable info. Keep em coming!

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Thanks! Will do!

[@thewhip8986]

Great honest review. It’s on my short list for my next boat.

[@robertschurg6228]

I absloughtly love mine.

[@codyhooser3333]

My all time wish to have that boat an motor.

[@tundrabasser]

Man that thing runs pretty dang good...

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

It got even better once it passed 10 hours. Was running 78.5 loaded with two guys and full gas on the limiter at 6250 with a 25T2. Putting a 26 on for next year!

[@tundrabasser]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors yep! Once mine hit 10 hrs it felt like it was ready to run.

[@TheCanadianAngler]

Awesome review and yup I defiantly need a lesson lol

[@vernonneal7050]

Looks to get a little wobbly there...definitely the right outboard. If I decide to run a Cat, I'll go with a Yamaha SHO

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Boats tend to start walking when you get into the upper 70’s but this one is still pretty easy to drive at those speeds.

[@vernonneal7050]

​@JPDeRoseOutdoors no doubt, thinking about getting into Bass Cat..really like the Caracal STS

[@steveclark2325]

Hey JP, that boat is on my short list of boats, I’m currently in a 2075 Pro-V bass and am looking to make the switch to fiberglass! I live on lake Nipissing so I am looking for big water capability but with speed. Do you ever make it up this way? Would love a test ride! Is this boat going to be up for sale at the end of the year?!!? Not many of them around in Ontario!

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Hi Steve, not really up that way unfortunately but if you are ever down this way and I’m around, I would be more than happy to take you for a rip. This boat has it all and is hands down my favorite Cat that I have owned. There’s about 8 or 9 of them up here now.

[@shimanoshane4020]

I have a eyra and love it! I’ve heard of lots of issues with the slam latches do you have any thoughts?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

They have been great on my current Puma so I haven’t seen much problems with them. The only thing I have seen is that if you don’t push it in fully it can get stuck open but a simple push in corrects it

[@zechcole9455]

Hey JP, love the channel always great information. Got a quick little brain dump for you, so I’ve been in the market for a Calcutta D, but with them being discontinued and everyone holding on to the ones they have its been tough to procure one. Recently fished my buddies on the Delta and absolutely fell in love with how well built they are and just the feel of the round reel, I currently own the tranx 200 & 300. With that being said, I know it’s the 10 year anniversary of the Calcutta D, could there possibly be a chance of limited anniversary reel? I know the tranx has completely taken over the game in the 150 200 300 size ranges, but as fan boy and tackle junky I still feel there’s a place for a round reel at the price point, even if limited sales I think it’d fly off the shelves and still put a couple back into circulation to get em in the hands of consumers who love the platform or have always wanted to fish it. As always thank you for the great content, and can’t wait to see what Shimano has in stores for the future .

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Hi Zach, the Calcutta Conquest series would be your only chance at the round reel offerings and as you know they come with a price tag. Incredible reels with amazing tech but yes, pricey. Nothing on the horizon that I have heard of for the Calcutta D’s as I think their sales numbers are low (round reels)

[@Derek-h1b]

Great video. I have a 2023 Puma STS, have yet to run it at low altitude. I'm in CO and able to get mid to high 60s out of the boat which is really good for up here w/ a 250 mere. Had a question for you, when I am in big water (water going over the bow) I have ended up with water in both rod lockers (carpet is really wet in the indention in the locker close the consoles). Have you had an issue with that? Also on the slam locker after a year or so, the rod locker latches towards the back of the lockers were missing the catch (I expect it was the carpet compressing). I took the latches off and added a washer on each bolt which pushed the latch closer to the inside of the lid and solved that problem. This is my first Bass Cat and really am enjoying it. Tight lines...

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

I haven’t had any water issues in this model as the slam latches make it virtually impossible to get water past the raised flange and gasket as the holes are outside of that, on the flat. I have heard of a few latches having problems but thankfully mine have worked flawlessly so far.

[@Derek-h1b]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors Thanks for the reply, the water isn't coming in from the top, I believe it is coming in from the hull. I think the water is sloshing around in the hull when it is rough and getting the carpet wet. The auto bilge will turn on once in while during these rough days but it doesn't get it all.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@Derek-h1b wow! I have seen it happen when there is a lot of water in the hull but the bilge should be keeping that down to a minimum.... crazy

[@rogerglasco5941]

How dose the boat cruise at low RPMs.? I mean bouncing to get on plain? My wife doesn't like going fast. We don't tournament fish and like a softed smooth ride. High end speed is not a concern.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

You can stay on pad at 19-20 mph but cruising at 35-50 is effortless

[@brib_brib_brib_bri]

Sorry if you said it, I miseed it, but what prop are you running on the SHO?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

25T2 Ventless Yamaha

[@rickvann3489]

2022 Ranger 520R hits 71mph

[@bigbeef8935]

No it doesn’t, rangers are like a dozer in the water

[@rickvann3489]

@bigbeef8935 excuse me, my 520R runs that all day long. This isn't the slug C or L hull far from it, and this is coming from a person who always thought Ranger was way overrated. I ran Charger Boats because of the ride. But this 520R is the bomb on big water speed and the ever besting fish ability, that was all I ever liked about them was fish ability.

[@pauldoolittle6443]

Hi Jp! Does your rig chime walk at all? Once you play with jack plate even?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Very very minimal walking up to 75.

[@pauldoolittle6443]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors that’s awesome. Was gonna go basscat but couldn’t get one. Went with a 2022 nitro z20 cuz that’s all we could get. However, very disappointed at how bad it walks at 70. Can’t get more than 71 either. Very disappointed with that also!! Thx for replying! Beautiful boat!

[@JohnnyJenkins]

Wanna see it it rough water

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Tough to film but she eats it up, better than any Cat I have owned

[@brandonwhite239]

What net is that?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Frabill basket with a telescopic painters handle. 😂

[@jawsmod]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors I think u need to do a separate vid on that net. Just ordered my sts and think I'd like to build a net like urs. 🙂

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@jawsmod Very similar to the EGO slider nets

[@ThomasHeun-t1j]

My stratos extreme does 80

[@controlavirus9839]

Ok

[@brockmoniz129]

77mph top speed

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

That was the third run after break in. After all said and done the boat ran 78 plus consistently on the limiter with the 25 pitch T2.

[@brockmoniz129]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors good to know I’m between the caracal sts and the puma I think the puma might be out of my price range Canadian funds

[@AhmedElkabbourie]

100 bakhir

[@brysonbutler8942]

Trust Jesus Christ the SON of GOD!!!

[@matthewboster5506]

Keep it in your pants

[@krowbar23]

Not hit 103 don't want it. 😮😮

[@ButcherIsBlackrock]

Only problem with it is it doesn’t say Shimano on the side 🤣🤣🤣.. nice rig , congratulations, love the vids man

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Thanks bud

[@controlavirus9839]

Huh. They do not make boats friend