Bass Cat Puma Hybrid Review Pt 2 - Before You Buy A Bass Boat Watch This - Great Bass Boat Search

This is Video 2 in the "Before you buy a bass boat watch this" or The 2020 Bass Boat Search series of videos (see playlist on my channel) where I walk you through me spending the day in a bunch of different boat brands and models through the fall of 2020 looking for my next boat. If you didn't see video 1 go back and watch it first, (set of 2 videos about this specific boat) I spend the day in a 2021 Bass Cat Puma Hybrid not just doing a walk through, but fishing out of it and driving it. This is the boat with the Cat Puma cap but with a hull modeled after the Champion 203. I am currently running a 2018 Ranger Z521c and since I don't have much history in other boats it just seems a great chance with the access I have to buddies with new boats to try out a bunch and see what I want for my next one.
This video is 2 of 2 reviewing the Bass Cat Puma Hybrid, at the end of this video I will score the boat 1-20 in 5 different categories, Fishability, Performance, Amenities, Fit & Finish and then a 5th catch all that includes feedback from friends that own them, trailer, options, feedback from fiberglass shops in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas asking them what they see as the best 3 boats, based upon construction, currently being built (since they see how we beat them up). And then we ask them which they see the most non-impact damage to the hulls with (least well built). Then for tournament anglers we include a 6th 20 point category looking to see who has the best contingency prize package available.
#kensmithfishing #beforeyoubuyabassboatwatchthis #greatbassboatsearch2020
Thanks to the folks at Ross Motorsports in Lufkin for trusting me with this beautiful boat for the day, and also being the guinea pig, that took a lot of confidence in their product as they had no idea how I would grade this boat. They are Ross Motorsports at bit.ly/32gLrhE or 936 634 6711.
I did realize after this that the dash layout should have been dinged for only a 10" graph in dash spacing, I didn't realize this until this was edited.
In addition to this boat i plan to spend the day in a more traditional Bass Cat go fast boat, a Ranger z521c, Ranger z521L, a Nitro, couple Skeeters, Triton, Falcon, several Phoenix models, a Vexus (if we can find one) a Caymus, a Pro Gator and anything else that my viewers suggest that I can find to try.
See also Shopping for a New Bass boat, Bass boat shopping, Shopping for a new bass boat 2020, which bass boat is right for me, what to know before you buy a bass boat, thinking about buying a new bass boat, buying your first bass boat, buying a new bass boat, best bass boat for the money, what to look for in a bass boat, bass boat walk through, what to look for in a new bass boat, bass boat comparisons, bass boat champion, bass cat walk through, buying a new bass boat tips and tricks, consumer digest bass boat, best value bass boat, best bass boat 2020, best bass boat 2021, top 5 bass boats.
Avid Tournament angler, outdoor writer, have won a few Angler of the Year titles including the Cowboy BFL, and a second place AOY finish in the Okie BFL and many tournaments over the years.
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Fishing as always in my 2018 Ranger Z521c with the new Mercury 4 Stroke V8 250 Pro XS.
Still looking for Bigfoot, dude if you are out there drop me a note, love to do a video with you.
If you need to reach me my email address is [e-mail]
Make sure and check out my website as well, www.KenSmithFishing.com

[@jeffporter100]

In all my years on the water, I have never have seen anyone attempt to provide and unbiased comparison of so many boats! I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next video! Thx Jeff

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

In all honesty you gave the boat a fair score... HOWEVER, there were many things you missed. But not being a Bass Cat guy I can understand how you missed these things. 1. The trailer Bass Cat builds their own trailers. It’s built with all US steel. It’s made with 4” channel straight from Birmingham AL. Bass Cat was the first to do the swing away tongue. The inside of the tongue is double walled. Also the cams on the tongue are lazar cut so the is 0 play. Bass Cat was also the first to incorporate the grab post. The trailer also does have a parking brake. The hubs are not oil bath hubs they are Vault hubs and come with a 10 year warranty. The bunks are trimmed to fit the hull and not sit on a chine but between the chines. They are treated 2x6’s ripped down and double carpeted for extra padding. The same thick 24 oz carpet is used on the bunks that is used in the boat. The finish on the trailer is also done in Gator Hyde. Many think it’s just a clear. Although this is a clear it is Gator Hyde. Which resists chipping very well. The trailer comes to you with a 2 year warranty. 2. The Layout Bass Cat has many premium line models. Puma FTD, Cougar FTD, the Hydrid 203, Eyra and the Lynx. The Puma, Cougar and Eyra are all narrower boats. The Lynx is much wider. I don’t remember seeing you score the net scabbard, that wasn’t touched on as much as you spoke about it in the first video. You mentioned there is a lot space that may be a down fall for a shorter guy in the cockpit but, do note that the hot foot is on a slider so it can be moved closer to you. Also the Eyra has a smaller cockpit and is much better fitted for a shorter guy. All three models, Puma, Cougar and the Eyra have different deck layouts. So finding a layout one would like is just as easy as looking at a different model. 3. Hull Design All Bass Cat boats are a one piece vacuum molded construction. All their rigging is installed after the boat is complete. So your cost of rigging and adding accessories will be much easier and or cheaper. The battery trays weren’t given for full credit they deserve. They are full sized aluminum trays that will hold 31 group battery’s. They come standard in all Cats. Also the front step cooler was talked about as if it was the only one. The boat has two. One on the front step and one between the seats. Another thing that was never mentioned was the latches on the coolers and live well kids as to the style latch it is and why it is done that way. HEAT!! All latches transfer heat. Bass Cat moved them to the side to stop the transfer of heat into the cooler and live wells. That’s a small and taken for granted REVOLUTIONARY design. While I’m talking about the live wells their design was briefly touch on. The shape of a Cats live well in the premium models are do in such a way to make the water roll over itself. To stop the side to side slushing. So you bass are beat to death on that rough ride back to weigh in. 4. Other Things Not Mentioned Bass Cats come with a 6 bolt Jack Plate. No one other boat brand uses a 6 bolt jack plate. That gives you two more bolts. But not only is that two more bolts that stops the fulcruming on the transom. It doesn’t allow the engine to push/dig into the boat. They are all mounted with 1/2 stainless fine thread bolts with a 1/2 tie bar on the inside in all 3 locations with the top one having the Bass Cat logo. Doesn’t mean a lot to people. Think about that the next time your out there on rough water. Bass Cat uses 24oz carpet in all their models. All other brands use a 15oz. Retractable rods straps are a option. Most of the screw are a #2 square drive. And most everything can be taken apart and worked on using that one bit. The small windshield was never mentioned at all and how well it deflects the wind off of the driver. They’re are many things done on a Bass Cat that are never seen and can only be seen in the built process. The build videos of Bass Cat can be found on their KZbin channel. Bass Cat also documents all of their builds. When you buy a new or new to Cat, you can pull up a album on Facebook on the Bass Cats By Serial Number Page and type in your serial number and see photos of your boat being built. This goes all the way back starting at 2010. There are many things the make a Bass Cat a different breed of Cat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Trevor great add, that’s the kind of stuff comments are meant for!!!

[@toddspindler6190]

I was on the fence about my new ride this season coming out of a Phoenix.... I’m going Cat all the way 👊.... Any idea on the performance on the top side with the Jaguar far as running the 250hp vs the 300’s and 400’s being we’re naturally limited in B.A.S.S ? At bast off all three of the narrow models walk off from my 920 like it’s tied to something.. I’m talking about “he gone”

[@kevinreardon5251]

This is an outstanding series. Really un matched attention to detail and love the quantitative analytical approach. Can't wait for the rest of the series to come out

[@michaeldspain4401]

Love this series and your honest judging! I can’t wait to see how the Charger 210 scores. Thanks for making these videos.

[@charleswatts8885]

Great series Ken can’t wait to see the other boats you test. Confession.....I’m a BassCat owner and one thing I think you left out of your score is customer service. I think you’ll be hard pressed to find better. You can just about order anything for your boat directly from BassCat even older boats. Just my opinion that maybe something you want to consider. Again great series 👍🏻

[@lenclark6099]

KEN, one great thing about your boat reviews, it has opened up a lot of discussions by people in the know about boats and trailers!!! So many new designs and mechanisms on these boats and trailers and most all are for the better!!! Great start to what I think will be a very important source of information to your viewers!!! W O W!!!

[@ronwallace7563]

I like that back deck lid coming off to make it easier to work in there. Gets it right out of the way. Nice. And I LOVE the whizzing deck on the back!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Kinda my favorite feature!

[@davidseidel9782]

Thanks for sharing this. Thinking of getting a basscat. This helped out.

[@bryanpayne2354]

Love what your doing. I'm looking to buy next year think it's going to be a ranger but we'll see

[@n8dogg48]

Ken, thanks for the effort in this series. I’m in my 40s and ready for a big boy boat. Starting the shopping process and will be glued to every one of these. Appreciate your unbiased input and experience!! 🤙🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I will let ya know what and when I decide! Nate in mn

[@toddbrown9398]

Looking forward to that Charger with the 210 hull. Good vid Ken. I've got a wide beam champ and it's my favorite. Very curious about the charger review

[@michaelkontes5081]

Hope to see one on the Bullet XRS, this series is a total WIN. Good job Ken.

[@l8tapex]

Exactly how I chose my boat ( not a Bass Cat) in 2001 after fishing the Central Division and 4 Pro Ams through out the country. Owner of Allison, Bullet, Skeeter, Super Pro, Triton. I rode in all before the purchase . The only boats i yet to fish out of are the Vexus and Caymus. Nice work Ken.. However all manufacture can dump that box channel painted trailer that rust from the inside out. Powder coat I- beam aluminum to resolve that garbage and use bath oil bearings. Standard Bass cat.. still small boat and deck, no cover from rain ,sleet and wind behind the console but drives terrific ( standard BassCat) not many companies construct their boats like BassCat. .It is exceptional in quality construction , they just leave the true tournament guys out of the thought process.

[@apparaoapparao]

Excellent, thorough review Looking forward to the Pro Gator evaluation.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Me too, they are building one for us to review!

[@bigc8018]

Good review. Thanks, Ken.

[@lifesadventure3661]

Great video. Caymas Boats actually have their USB chargers in their drivers side "glove box". Very handy and dry.

[@lancemabry6707]

Love this series. Can't wait for you to run a Falcon and a Caymas

[@chanceehuiet]

I own a champion 206 with a 250 Yamaha. I’m turning a 23 T1 and to get a great hole shot I have to drain wells, tuck motor like always and raise my jack plate all the way up. As soon as I hit the gas I’m trimming my JP down and when that’s good I start with my motor trim.

[@jrags35]

Ross had a bad rap overall but I found them easy to work with just don't expect them to just give you a boat thank you for the information!

[@dmalone8274]

Very informative. Appreciate the work.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thechestnutking736]

Honest review. I love a bass cat just not the hybrid. Never was a Champion fan. I’ll agree with others you need to score customer service which Bass cat is one of the best.

[@robshaw9519]

If interested in a .190 aluminum bass boat, the Gator Trax Strike Series is a fine rig. Using your fish able measurement criteria for the deck width, the bow is 72" and the back deck is 94".

[@rickmorgan6514]

This is really good.

[@robshaw9519]

I fished out of an Allison BasSport Pro after owning Basscat, Champion, Triton, Stratos, etc. It was by far the best rough water boat I ever owned.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Rob maybe I can find one to run, your the first guy that I've ever heard use "Allison" and "best rough water" in the same sentence, but I'm completely open minded on this topic!

[@dtack777]

@@KenSmithFishing Hi Ken, with all due respect, it sounds like a lot of information that you are going off of (you've admitted this so it's by no means an insult) is rather out-dated hearsay. I'm a Champion owner and I love my boat, but Allison has hulls designed to run all but wide open in conditions that most would be driving a bassboat at 15-20 mph with their nose high as they can get it. Most of all, thanks for this series! I think it would be cool to get your hands on an Allison as there really isn't a ton of information out there about them!

[@craigbielsky115]

@@dtack777 Agree 100 percent in most cases the allison cannot be driven by under skilled drivers and this is the issue...you put me in any allison 2002 2003 bassport xtb i dont care hp to hp i will go faster anywhere than any boat you ever ran....these boats are the strongest most well engineered hulls avail today....60yrs + they have more race wins and speed records than all other mfg combined ....biggest issue is it takes big talent and skill to run them and it takes many hours of practice some guys never get it some are born to drive an allison ..

[@jeffquine8883]

You really need to go see Brian Dodge in TN and take a ride in the Balistic 204.

[@williamgardner9596]

Watching your boat reviews I’m liking my 2010 Nitro Z9 more and more. I’m not really seeing anything that really amazes me to buy a new one other then the urge for a newer boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I had decided that I was unhappy with the quality of my Ranger which is what started the process for me

[@maf1077]

Would love to see a review on the Falcon 205TE

[@vhf2582]

I like this video series.

[@bjboothe8957]

Good and fair review. I'm surprised that no one didn't mention anything about the built in alarm system, especially for tournament anglers when they are out of town.

[@KenSmithFishing]

BJ I didn't know it had one?

[@bjboothe8957]

Ken Smith The alarm is activated whenever someone opens any of the compartments. There is a specific sequence that you would have to do in order to arm and disarm it. Whenever you test the regular Bass Cat hull, check out it out.

[@travisjohnson3763]

I really appreciate how thorough you go through each boats! Great job! Probably the best information one can get!👍 But man 😬😬😬the camera footage is really awful for someone trying to see everything you’re talking about; I have to do a lot of guessing about what you’re talking about actually looks like.

[@justinkeckhaver8199]

That's awesome. I'm proud to say that I helped build that boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

You work at BC?

[@justinkeckhaver8199]

@@KenSmithFishing yes sir. In the finish department.

[@KenSmithFishing]

@@justinkeckhaver8199 outstanding, you guys put together a really pretty boat!

[@justinkeckhaver8199]

@@KenSmithFishing thanks man. We try. 😁

[@toddspindler6190]

@@justinkeckhaver8199 Hey Justin, do you ever hear much talk about how a Jaguar performs with a 250hp? We’re limited to a certain hp rating, but wondering if loaded is the 22’er a 55mph boat or a 65mph boat?........ Thanks bud

[@toddspindler6190]

USB and HDMI ports are pretty standard on the newer units these days (definitely a standard on LIVE units) Plug in and run a longer cable to your center console..

[@toddspindler6190]

Love being able to live stream a collage football game to the corner of my Live 16” and still watch my active target,side scan or anything offered splitting up to 5 times

[@KenSmithFishing]

I'd fall out of the boat helling at my Hogs for running a draw on 3rd and 8.

[@keithking824]

I hope you do a lynx. Interested to see what your opinion is on it.

[@toddspindler6190]

The lynx is the perfect size,and I really like the lay out of the boxes ect. Far as the other boats (hybrid models) never really cared much for the Champions personally as I’ve spent a lot of time in one 20+ years ago...I think I’m going with a Bass Cat this season, there regular hull...👊... I fish full time 300+ days a year guiding in all of Ga. and S.C. along with north Fla. and eastern Bama, not to mention this up coming season will be my rookie season on the road fishing the Centrals and Eastern Bass Master Opens,Southern Toyota Opens and the Bass Pro Shops ABA Solo 150s (new series).... With all this being said me picking the right boat is critical this year coming up ,and I’ll be picking one to be rigged next week, latest week after... I’d love to know how the Jaguar would perform with a 250 on the back being we’re limited on hp rating naturally to the 250hp.. Is it a tournament loaded 55mph boat or a 65mph boat 🤷‍♂️... Nobody really knows for some reason.. What I do know is NOBODY runs them.. Wondering if that’s why (to slow) Normally rigged with a 300 to a 450hp... I’m coming out of a Phoenix 920 Pro XP 250Merc.. Great handling boat for sure but fishes to small for me and not near as fast as guys claim it to be...That’s with a brand new power head (from Mercury) and a new balanced and blue printed fury25... Yeah it’s fast with just me and a half tank of fuel, no water in the wells....Add a guy and fuel,water and gear and it’ll go from mid 70’s to barely mid 60’s... SMH 🤦‍♂️... I haven’t meet a guy yet that’ll tell the truth about how fast his boat will actually run for some reason.... lol... I’m really considering the Cougar FTD... Pretty much the same length as my 920 but seems bigger and roomier with the lay out... Fast! They come bye me like I’m tie to a tree stump or something in the mornings at blast off.. Seriously!! I’m talking about loaded and still running high 70s... I know that for a fact.. Got the t-shirt on that deal... Obviously I don’t have the time to special order one because I need to be in it pretty soon.. Opens are fishing there last one this week then the schedule will come out.. It’s start right back up mid January I would expect... On the boat the outside color doesn’t matter much to me because of it being wrapped along with a new tow vehicle... I just need something with gray carpet really... Going with a mat, all black wrap,black wheels on the boat and truck... 35’s with 4inches of lift in the front and 3” in the back with a snug top and 18s on the trailer...I’m going to try and get the shocks if all possible... This will be a boat honestly with no budget, that’s what makes it so hard to figure out what to get.. I can get anything on the market and trick it out exactly the way I want it...I say no budget but I need to keep it under 110k really.... I’m going to run all Garmin.. Trolling motor, five 12” units with three up front.. 2 stacked with my Pan optics off to the side a little.. I’ll run 2 pan optics transducers front and back...5 lithium’s with 2 of those wired together just in a 12 volt series because of the power pull from the units with pumps running all day to boot... That pan optics works on some batteries,hard..... I was considering the Lynx’s boat but now I’m hearing if its loaded heavy up front it kills the performance all together... I’ll be running a heavy loaded boat for sure far as tackel, tools, spare trolling motor ect. Sorry for the long post, I just got to rambling.🤦‍♂️😂.... What’s your thoughts? If you were in the same position what would you do different? Thanks and sorry again..........Instagram @Spinningwithspindler

[@robertbritt5032]

I WOULD LOVE to see you test the NEW GAMBLER ELITE BOAT. GREAT RIDING BOAT. They are made in SOUTH CAROLINE. COME IN TWO MODELS 20 FT 7 INCHES AND 21 FT 11 INCHES. Please do a review of one of this boat.. thanks.

[@markeustice618]

Need to also add the warranty time with the boat. That boat looked great but I didn’t like Sevral thing. Great report!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Mark they do have a great warranty, one of the best

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

Lifetime transferable hull warranty

[@stevemolina8801]

One thing to keep in mind on several issues that R boat is an Aircraft Carrier it has one wide beam.

[@alexanderwlad6689]

The only thing I’d have against the design is more a safety issue where you have gas tanks and batteries together(sparks and fuel together) yes elsewhere there is wires to but usually it’s all fused where as battery terminals aren’t, the fuses are after.

[@ericg.5316]

Ken, I would also be curious if manufacturers are providing better drainage at the console floor carpet area. Hard to dry and i think mfg could provide a long drain catch extending the full width of the console deck. Not sure if any provide this, or a non carpet option for console area.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Eric that’s why I went to the tack deck in cockpit floor of my boat vs carpet, I love it

[@davidgibson8292]

Ken Nitro has the USB charger in storage box in middle. I know I seen them in the 2020s model

[@toddspindler6190]

They also have a ice chess that bye bast off all your ice will be melted... looks like a drop in trash can 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️... Mr. Ken may tell you he’s looking at a Nitro, but Mr.Ken’s not even think about a Nitro bro.. Nice hull design but everything else, wiring,plumbing, carpet,aftermarket components, terrible

[@jamssosv]

Be careful of the parking brakes, I was at a Pro-am in Missouri last November and it got freezing cold overnight and the parking brake froze up on a guy's Ranger, he didn't realize it, towed it a block and broke the brakes, he lost several hours of fishing waiting on the trailer to be repaired

[@KenSmithFishing]

funny you mention that, Lucas the guy that rigged this boat for me pulled his to Rayburn with the brake set, cooked the whole set-up, but still a really nice feature.

[@thomasanderson9296]

USB charger in a box...sounds like good idea, but I have one on my 24' Baja and in the Texas summer it overheats.

[@jasonguidry6449]

At 6200rpm you would not be able to run a smaller prop for increased holeshot, you would be all over the limiter, double latch on box is not a issue , just leave front latch flipped around not engaged for normally day fishing

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jason I wish I had seen that, Hank said he got 6200, when I came down the lake with livewell empty later in the day and stood on it with a cross wind (he had a tail wind) I got 69.9 mph at just under 6k Rpm

[@KTM65SX24]

Ken, do you plan on reviewing one of the wide deck Bass Cats like the Lynx or Jaguar? I have owned an Eyra for almost 4 years and my next boat will be another a Bass Cat. I have ridden in a Jaguar though it’s been a couple of years and they’ve updated it since, incredible boat. I have not been in a Lynx though that might be my next boat. Layout is different but I like it. My Eyra is loaded; retractable rod straps, padded front deck, stereo, hydraulic jack plate, dual console, dual rear trailer LED lights, triple clear coat on the trailer, I think every option available.

[@KenSmithFishing]

For sure another Cat, not sure which yet

[@KTM65SX24]

Ken Smith Lots of options and lots of nice boats by several manufacturers. There’s a thread I’m sure you’ve over on BBC under the Bass Cat title that goes over the Puma Hybrid review and a lot of the Bass Cat features. I know I’m a little partial to Bass Cat but know there are lots of great boats and everyone’s priorities are a little different. I’m definitely enjoying all the reviews, thanks.

[@adamnowlan9386]

Hopefully you can get your hands on a Phoenix 920 elite

[@toddspindler6190]

Fishes to small in my opinion... Naturally not near as fast as people calm either...But that’s to be expected.. Hard to find someone to actually tell the truth about the speed of there boat..🤷‍♂️.. When I ask someone and tell em tournament loaded, that means FULL of gas FULL of water FULL of tackel, ice chest and naturally drawing a guy that weights 275 pounds with 10 rods and 2 tackle box’s that’ll never quit talking🤦‍♂️... lol..920s bottom floor space and front decks just to small... Heck the rods hang over the end of the deck a foot or more..Then it goes from running mid 70s on practice days to low 60s on tournament day... I know, I have one.. Guide and tournament fish over 300 days a year..New bass cat will be ready in 2 weeks... At bast off they come bye me like I’m tied to something

[@skippeel4219]

I am curious about the live well shape and capacity. Not to doubt Hank but I would like to see the lives wells with five fish to see how they orient themselves. I can kind of imagine smaller fish "stacking" vertically as he mentions but I'm not so sure how larger fish would do. So Ken, please catch some fish so we can judge the live wells better. :-) And thanks for this series. Good start. I'm impressed with the Bass Cat Hybrid. I'm much more interested in the ride in rough conditions than the top end speed. Any speed approaching 70 mph with a normal load and moderate water conditions is more than fast enough for me.

[@KenSmithFishing]

that's a tall order for me right now!

[@Basscater81]

Live well capacity is well over 27gal per Rick Pierce. I’ve seen mentioned numerous times that BassCat has the highest gallon live well capacity. The triangular shape keeps the back and forth bathtub motion to a minimum

[@KenSmithFishing]

@@Basscater81 I'm working off the Bass Cat's specs as shown on their website, it shows 13.5 gallons x 2

[@ericgilchrist9808]

It also has a security alarm on the boxes.

[@Basscater81]

And didn’t show the electric fans in all the boxes 🤦‍♂️

[@davidowen328]

I am in the market for a boat looking at 30 G.. The Ranger 178C, Triton CTX and Bass Tracker 175 TF. The main thing I like about the Tracker is I can fish 4 people.. the Con is 2 batteries not 3 and 7 ft. rod holders. I want Humminbird and Ultrex trolling motor.. Like to hear thoughts on these boats.. The boats are close to the same price with a 60 HP.. and upgraded to 2 Fish and Trolling motor.. Fish for multi species.. DFW is home for me.

[@davidowen328]

Forgot my current boat is a Skeeter SS1 Fisherman 1984 with 40 Mariner..

[@Lbz_on_crack]

I saw a white with black accent basscat on Rayburn with a black and white decal merc. Boy was that thing sexy

[@KenSmithFishing]

they make a really, really pretty boat.

[@tubingtomtom]

Does Bass Cat score better in your opinion for the amount of overall options in boat models? They seem to have so many models to choose from with many deck lay outs and hull designs. You could make a whole series on comparing just bass cat models!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yep, Phoenix is the same, I’m interested to drive a more traditional Cat model in the near future

[@dtack777]

Andy Morgan seems to do OK out of a Bullet tournament fishin!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Love that a guy that talks that slow drives a boat that fast!

[@dtack777]

Hahahaha awesome comment! Thanks for the series sir, really enjoying it!

[@tranzformedyouthtn]

Wasn’t the net box new or at least unusual lol

[@jbsfishingstuffnmore7387]

To me Allison has the market on fast boats . The Caymas CX21 has my 100% vote on tournament boat . It is amazing though how far boats have came as a whole .

[@KenSmithFishing]

I fished with a buddy that ran a 21 Gambler and it was really fast, problem was in stumps the “gull wing” hull design literally pulls the boat on to stumps, it’s maddening fishing in the timber

[@jasonguidry6449]

I had a gambler and loved it! Surprisingly great ride, but yes horrible in stumps!!

[@jbsfishingstuffnmore7387]

@@KenSmithFishing was it due to lift ?

[@KenSmithFishing]

@@jbsfishingstuffnmore7387 no, the hull literally looks like a gull wind, so when you are fishing on the trolling motor instead of the boat rolling off a stump it pulls them under the boat, it's maddening, but also how that hull traps the wind and gets the lift and speed it does.

[@jbsfishingstuffnmore7387]

@@KenSmithFishing Gambler is one boat I have never had an introduction to.

[@markrawlings1496]

Question: how important is the engine outboard break in period? There are many "how to" videos for breaking in a new outboard. And there are many new boat demo rides where they get on the water and go wide open with four minutes warm up on a new motor. I looked at an aluminum boat with a 150 Pro XS motor used by a dealer for demo rides. They can tell you how fast it will go with X people and gear, how fast you can go in two foot waves, etc. All of this was done as soon as the new motor was rigged by the dealer. Does any of it matter?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Mark I'm no mechanic, but I can't imagine they would have you do it if it didn't make a difference. I asked a buddy that is an outboard mechanic why they have "break in" periods on outboards and not on cars and he said nobody runs their cars at 80%+ of motors rev capacity but we all do our outboards, which makes sense to me.

[@markrawlings1496]

@@KenSmithFishing Thank you sir. Also, serious kudos for this boat series, want to watch all of the reviews now. Learned a handful of things from the Hybrid video.

[@dustinpitts2741]

I just had trouble riding in one bass cats are fast but does not handle well at all

[@charlesmillsaps2277]

Need to look at a Jaguar

[@robertalexander1066]

When are you going to do the Falcon?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Its not in the next 3, so at least 3 more weeks

[@wyattloving8665]

I think Caymas has the charging box

[@ronniegreen7826]

My Skeeter FXR20 has a USB plug in the glove box.

[@cw9825]

Awesome review. I know you said you will not be buying the hybrid, but if you buy a bass cat do not keep it longer than 2 years. When stuff started falling apart on me they told me “sorry, your boat is outside of the 2 year warranty”. They also don’t cover gelcoat issues once it leaves the factory.

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

I would say that this is not a true statement. And I would be in touch with one another dealer or two Bass Cat.

[@cw9825]

@@trevorelliottfishing6262 this has been my experience after dealing directly with bass cat since the dealers around here keep dropping them. They have dropped them because the factory was not willing to honor the warranty for new customers that were having issues in the first couple years.

[@bmf88]

Hey Ken have you considered the Jaguar I know you like your space and thats a big boat at 22ft.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I really want something that will perform with 250 🐎

[@bmf88]

@@KenSmithFishing I got ya makes sense thats probably a low to mid 60s with a 250 with that big of a boat

[@briannelson1791]

Retractable rod straps are a point of entry for water and BCB has some of the driest boxes in the industry. That is a contributing factor. I don’t own a BCB.

[@Dilbert51]

From what I understand BC offers the choice of rubber rod holders or Velcro Straps to hold rods. Much prefer the velcro Straps!

[@KTM65SX24]

Paul Pflieger retractable rod straps are an option also, it’s what I have on my Eyra.

[@jakebryant9809]

This cat has the euro console. It's sleeker and smaller. I wanna say the Eyra and Caracal originally only had the euro console. In my opinion tho Bass Cat is best all around bass boat on the market. I'm partial to the puma FTD

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jake and I know most guys aren't flush mounting anyway, but it just seems something that should be an option

[@justinferguson8792]

I wanna see the falcon review I’ve been considering a 195

[@KenSmithFishing]

Justin will get to it

[@KenSmithFishing]

Justin will get to it

[@KenSmithFishing]

Justin will get to it

[@KenSmithFishing]

Justin will get to it

[@mitchmccurley7267]

With 6200 rpm how would a 4 blade 24 pitch Fury do on holes hot. To me a 23p 3 blade would hit limiter easier.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Mitch I didn't see the 6200, but at that point we had a pretty big tail wind. Later in the day I was driving with about a 10 mph wind quartering us off the port bow, empty livewell, and hammer down and i touched 69.9 at 5960 RPM's. I really think fully loaded, livewells full and two full growd boys this is a high 60's boat and under 6000 rpm's. But like i said in the video, i'd want to try both before I drove off with the boat and prop. Great thing about the Mercury "try a prop" program!

[@tranzformedyouthtn]

Do u have a link for that battery switch.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I don’t, google Battery Tender trolling motor plug and it pops up

[@johnelsonjr.6008]

Nice looking Bass Boat. How much for this particular setup?

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

$70ish thousand

[@toddspindler6190]

The Raptors are a beefed up version of the original Power Pole naturally with a couple extra features… Buuuuut, keep this in mind when purchasing a power anchor…🤔 Minn-Kota’s customer service is absolutely terrible vs Power-Pole.. (best service out there)

[@KenSmithFishing]

PP does have some good customer service, and you can actually talk to a human being in less than 3 minutes

[@jv59]

I know that prices can very with different accessories added and electronics. Is there a reason why you are not mentioning the list price?

[@KenSmithFishing]

John I did somewhere in the comments in the first video, i actually didn’t even ask but looked at Ross’s website and it was $74.5k (I think), and you are correct, options and how good a negotiator you are probably moves the needle so much I’m not sure I can intelligently talk about pricing. What you are going to hear me mention is “premium” boat pricing vs “value” boat, so I would expect a 20 foot Ranger with a list price in the high $70’s to have more features and better fit and finish that for example a Nitro that’s similarly equipped but priced on BPS website in the mid $50’s

[@KenSmithFishing]

John I did somewhere in the comments in the first video, i actually didn’t even ask but looked at Ross’s website and it was $74.5k (I think), and you are correct, options and how good a negotiator you are probably moves the needle so much I’m not sure I can intelligently talk about pricing. What you are going to hear me mention is “premium” boat pricing vs “value” boat, so I would expect a 20 foot Ranger with a list price in the high $70’s to have more features and better fit and finish that for example a Nitro that’s similarly equipped but priced on BPS website in the mid $50’s

[@KenSmithFishing]

John I did somewhere in the comments in the first video, i actually didn’t even ask but looked at Ross’s website and it was $74.5k (I think), and you are correct, options and how good a negotiator you are probably moves the needle so much I’m not sure I can intelligently talk about pricing. What you are going to hear me mention is “premium” boat pricing vs “value” boat, so I would expect a 20 foot Ranger with a list price in the high $70’s to have more features and better fit and finish than for example a Nitro that’s similarly equipped but priced on BPS website in the mid $50’s

[@dannyowen6663]

You said "no more Ranger cup" ? They still take my money for it

[@KenSmithFishing]

If I said no more I misspoke, but it’s a shadow of what it was

[@kennywitek771]

I think you missed some very key points on a bass cat. There are options that were not on that boat that you put a negative comment about. If you sing the layout that’s why they make it in the cougar top cap as well. That’s just one. I think if you sat down and actually went over the options you would like it more.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Kenny all I can do is judge the boat I had available to me, maybe there are options that weren't on the boat but that will be the case for all I review, all I can do is tell you what I like and dislike in the boat I had to try. If you watched both videos you see I talk about the Cougar layout and that it would be the one I would prefer, however I still, personally, don't like the box layout in the Cougar either. And the things that I scored the boat poorly on which personally I would not like, specifically the hole shot, top end, the amount of list while fishing, only 10' flush mount in the dash, small live well capacity as well as a couple of other things are issues that would not change with options. I understand guys want to defend the brand they run and as I said guys looking for a Champion like ride would score the boat better than me, and guys that want the speed of a traditional Cat hull will score it lower. It's a well built, really pretty boat from a quality company, maybe I'll like another model better and may score it better, I had no preconceived notions whether I will or not, going in with an open mind. And your next statement is going to be that Bass Cat live wells are bigger than 27 gallons, look at the spec sheet on Bass Cat's website, that's where I got that.

[@kennywitek771]

Ken Smith I think you need to go and actually see how big that live we’ll is. It is bigger than 27 gallons. It is one of the biggest livewells in the industry. And what I am trying to say is that you are going to put a negative mark on a boat that is rigged a certain way. When if you ordered one you would have it the way you wanted. As in it’s an option. The way you make it seem is that it’s not an option and this is how it is. The hole shot is due to it being mid summer and not propping the boat for the conditions which you mentioned. And the top end? At 71/72 it’s prolly faster than your ranger? You’re trying to compare a 21’ boat list to a 20’ boat. Yes the ranger is wider I get that but if you compare you should compare another wide body boat like the lynx. I’m not going to knock what you are doing, I get it youre looking for a boat for yourself. But there were some things that you said that I feel were incorrect.

[@jrthomas8752]

Kenny Witek he answered your question but you are a Bass Cat guy and can’t let it go. The boat has a SMALL livewell.... period, smaller than almost any in a 20 foot boat, BC knows that they PUBLISHED it in their specs, this isn’t hard to find or understand, it’s not a “magic livewell” that somehow is bigger than 27 gallons because of how it’s shaped, the guy reviewed the boat and if you look in the comments the owner of the dealership said good job....

[@steventucker4724]

Help me understand why all professional fishermen gets a brand new bass boat every year? What is wrong with keeping the same bass boat?

[@KenSmithFishing]

It’s part of their income. Some are given a boat, or a motor, maybe both. If they really are a pro they’ll at least get a deep discount, then they sell it and get a new one

[@robbiemcdonald5752]

You need to drive a Lynx.

[@toddspindler6190]

Any kinda weight at all in the nose kills the performance

[@cjr4497]

A prop will fit under the seats.

[@michaelferguson4038]

No shocks. But it has torsion axles.

[@michaelferguson4038]

+1 point

[@KenSmithFishing]

Michael explain to a layman (I don’t know trailers) what that means?

[@jasonguidry6449]

Torsion axle does not have leaf springs but rather a poly type bushing that’s supports a a axle arm , although they do have their advantages they also have disadvantages

[@bobw8290]

@@KenSmithFishing Ken, your Ranger has torsion axles. They pull great and IMO are better than trailers with leafs and shocks.

[@bobw8290]

Great video series BTW!

[@bigc8018]

re you gonna do any tin boat reviews?

[@KenSmithFishing]

I hadn't planned to but that might be fun as a follow up once we get the glass boats done!

[@bigc8018]

@@KenSmithFishing I think it would be interesting. Tin boats have come a long way since the early days. Now they can carry 200hp motors, have as wide a beam as glass, etc. Of course, you still give up a smoother ride and get blown around more in the wind, but you can get one super tricked out for a lot less than a glass boat.

[@lancebrinkley5637]

I'm with the tin boat review. Can't afford the glass boats.

[@stu1058]

My 2020 Ranger has a USB charger in the coin box.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Keith is it an L or C boat?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Keith is it an L or C boat?

[@stu1058]

Ken Smith actually it’s an aluminum series. RT 198P. Should’ve mentioned that. May be a gimmicky thing they did on those. Pretty handy, though.

[@tombrown7583]

Enjoying your due diligence. However, in all fairness, why are you not looking at a non hybrid. There as a apples to apples comparison. You harp about lack of speed, stability, deck layout. When your guy from Ross is saying a standard Cougar could fix you discrepancies. I think BB would climb on your rating chart. Seems like you have your mind already made up about which boat you might buy

[@KenSmithFishing]

Hey Tom I’m going to, and if I “harped” on something it wasn’t my intent. I’m going to test a bunch of boats

[@joebreakmaster5442]

Caymas CX21 has USB in a box.

[@jacobzachary5631]

So I am REALLY interested in these vids... I would LOVE to see a Cougar Hybrid, I feel like that would score markedly higher for you. That said two other brands that I hope you review (other than the "big names") are Caymus (Earl Bentz new company) and Vexus (which I keep hearing hit or miss things on their fiberglass models) caymasboats.com/

[@parkerstewart4649]

Skeeter FXR has bigger deck much better hole shot great rough water capability top speed with tournament load is 73 with live wells and it has more features imo skeeter is the best on the market for all around boats i have had the FXR 21 limited for 6 months had nothing but great things to say

[@stevenbates5921]

to say the skeeter is faster is just plain crazy. I know you like your brand but seldom will a Skeeter outrun a Cat.

[@stevenbates5921]

To add to my comment.... this guy said 71 on GPS. I know at least two guys that run Pumas that will run over 80 MPH. The lack of holeshot and top end speed in this particular boat make be question his setup.

[@200HOetec]

Brakes not *breaks*

[@KenSmithFishing]

see description, i caught it after edited, give an old guy a break (correct spelling this time) this was a butt load of editing!

[@Buldgr]

I appreciate this video compilation more than you know. I would like to suggest a brand that is different than the rest, its aluminum. I have no first hand knowledge of this brand, but find the videos compelling. This is the Gator Trax Strike Series boat. I'd love to get your honest opinion on how it stacks up against the rest of the boats in the lineup. Thank you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn6VlHyanbqLmK8

[@KenSmithFishing]

I’ll investigate

[@Buldgr]

@@KenSmithFishing Thank you, Sir.

[@mdbassin6267]

need better looking console - just could never like the looks of it

[@KenSmithFishing]

MD I actually liked the console so that's a personal preference thing, I was really surprised how much wind deflection that little tiny windshield provided, they really curve it up at the tip and it seemed to push more air than the one of my Z boat

[@Dbars19]

bass boat style boats are pretty worthless to the average joe. guys are better off with a Deep V either a ranger 619 or nitro zv19 will get more use especially with a family.....