🔥 Phoenix Bass Boats vs. Basscat Bass Boats: The Ultimate Showdown! 🔥 (Brand Battle!)

[@mikecherry72]

Live wells in a cat are well well thought out. 60/split on recirc and pulling fresh water in. Shape and design of the triangles for less stress. Also the latches on the cat Does not transfer heat into the water like the older latches do. Has a flush valve in the back of the boat so the spray bar is always cleaned out if trash gets in the hose bar. And the Cat wells hold a crazy amount of water.

[@johnthornley6168]

THIS.... came here to mention the design and specifically the latches. So much thought whereas the birds seem pretty much status quo.

[@Dropshot1]

I’d like to see individual live wells, sbd the wells moved back on the deck a little. So you’re not accessing from the seats

[@donaldmottice2127]

Yes ikon and vexus. I'm going to be purchasing one of those 2 hopefully in the spring next year. Thanks for all your amazing content.

[@bassfishingchadhill]

Great comparison! I've owned a Phoenix and loved it. Cats are sweet boats too. Both are great.

[@Bsfishing44]

Let’s go!! Been waiting for this all day. Thanks for another great vid team marine.

[@fishinfaithnc9909]

Skeeter vs Caymas and Blazer vs Bullet

[@bamadondon0495]

Even tho I have a Stratos.. fkn BLAZER BOATS for the win 🏆🏆💯💯😎

[@SteveFriendt-il9fk]

Definitely looked at Phoenix when I was in the market. Ended up finding a used BassCat Puma FTD and I can say I am very satisfied. There is nothing that I would change on my boat except I wish my front deck was a little wider. BassCat now has the Puma STS which is a little bit wider. I think you would satisfied with either boat.

[@frankgilroy3189]

Andy, the only thing you did not include, was a base price of comparable models. I think it would be valuable information to say the Phoenix is priced 10,000 less or whatever and gives you more bang for the buck or vice versa with bass cat! The other thing I wish you would’ve touched on is the flooring in Bass cat. How does it hold up with the closed cell foam and the carpet?

[@codyhooser3333]

Awesome show this week guy's. Can't wait till next weeks Brand Battle!!

[@bucknuts8824]

Love my phoenix live well. But I like how basscat fills there's to the lid, and creates a pressurized tank to prevent sloshing

[@grantdenbow]

Do they? Or are you thinking of the Vexus livewells? Either way, both great boats

[@glenncharnogursk6647]

Andy jacked on Pepsi, love the brand battles keep them coming. How about a Brand Battle Royal. Take all the winners of the brand battles and put them all together into 1 Battle Royal.

[@TeamMarineService]

Great idea!

[@jamestimberlake1843]

What is your opinion on a older model champion boat versus a ranger I'm talking 95 to 2002

[@calebpayne7205]

Basscat customer service is by far the best. Had an issue Rick sent someone from Arkansas to my house in Wakefield Va because the local dealer couldn't get me in. Would pheonix do that? I doubt it

[@kevincrawford6936]

I too would love to see a bracket system. Your choice from worst to first of all boats. NOW and PAST boats(Legend, Stratos, Champion). And YES on next week's match up between Vexus vs Ikon. Once again you made an excellent entertaining and informative video. Kudos, Bro!!!!

[@tomweaver277]

BCB has break away tongues that break BEHIND the winch. Makes a big difference of a couple extra feet for garage storage. They think through a lot.

[@FishPoint-WithJoeMichels]

This is the only way my Caracal fits into my garage. I have a 19'8" boat that everybody thinks is a 20' boat that fits in my garage because of it's length and break away tongue.

[@unlock_your_dream_home]

Phoenix trailers fold to behind the tip of the bow so no difference regarding storage.

[@bucknuts8824]

So this was the decision I had to make when I bought new last year. I chose Phoenix because they were just solid all the way around in every category. They we also more affordable. If I had infinite funds, I wouldve went BassCat. You want quality you're going to pay for it

[@mikecherry72]

The deck of the cat puts you far up so your partner can join you and have no problem with being in your way. Also it puts you so far up that you won't slap your trolling motor when you side arm cast across that trolling motor or when you flipping and pitching.

[@lightningmusky5286]

Both fantastic boats. The layout would probably be my determining factor between these two. I like the biggest rod locker I can get because I fish Muskie and bass.

[@jeffquine8883]

There's a Phoenix in the 20 to 21 foot range that can out run an Erya or a Cougar? I was 70-71 in in 2019 Sabre on the Ouachita River and Kevin Rogers went around me in his Cougar. Seen him at the ramp, he said he was consistent that day at 84-86 MPH... I'd believe it, he flew by me.

[@BCBpanteraclassic]

The only boats that pass me in tournaments in my pantera classic are basscats with 250s on it

[@toddgregory5850]

Love the honesty you bring forward in your videos thank you. Whatever you compare next I'm sure it will be good.

[@melbarkerjr1417]

Both boats are great! Had both boats. Had an older bass cat and today i have a Phoenix Elite 921.The newer Phoenix have very little plastic, just like the bigger fishing deck and ride and lay out of boat

[@nickc8629]

Both sweet boats. I run a cat but looked hard at the Phoenix. Great video as always. Bass cat livewell is awesome but man are they deep. Definitely do Ikon vs Vexus.

[@fish4kbcf]

RIP headphone users 😂

[@brucerhodes5868]

I'd be curious to know what your thoughts are on the superfest Riggs Allison, Bullet Stroker

[@jbird32677]

Love to see a falcon vs skeeter

[@MichaelP-Fishing]

100% Ikon VS whatever monster you can! Who is KING!

[@hughesweldingservice]

I’d love to see a history run down on Allison and their accomplishments in the performance bass boat world.

[@Dropshot1]

There aren’t any, some grant guy who fished mlf a few years back fished one. They're too expensive, I’ve heard dealing with them isn’t great! Thyre like a novelty boat, it’s like Ducati. Thyre cool but not long term ownership boats.

[@mudcovered07]

Or how about IKon versus the winner between caymas and vexus?!

[@harryestep2488]

Appreciate the channel and the work you all put into it. Is the ranger sign in the background on a tv or a old school sign?

[@richardprye3895]

Looking forward to the Vexus/Ikon battle. Have an Vexus AVX2080, and love it! Looking at glass down the road….

[@501Bassin_SWarb]

Deal! Ikon vs Vex for sure!

[@robertkaiser8905]

BCB front decks are too narrow unless you buy STS.

[@chrishampton8842]

Yes we want Ikon vs Vexus

[@Dropshot1]

Yea ikon vs Vexus! Or caymus vs vexus. Great vids! Really helpful

[@AShoresfishing]

Love the video but Phoenix ride is smooth like butter. Also my dads 2018 Mercury 4-Stroke’s lower unit went out at around 700 hours. Keep in mind he changes the oil before every tournament, he fished about 15 tournaments a year from local to national.

[@tpparker5262]

Great video

[@HookedonHaliburton]

2018 bass cat caracal owner here. Boat is a rocket amd drives on rails in calm light chop conditions. But, as soon as i get into cross wakes or rollers it is unpleasent to drive as my boat struggles to have the nose up under 50mph. Probably due to a deeper hull, 96" beam and a 19'8ft hull it just an odd deal. Its just not pleasent compared to my 294 stratos and my 205vs ranger. The basscat was probably one of the hardest to balance with weight as the bow is very weight sensitive and playing with props, even flashed my SHO 225. Build quality is phenomenal other then rigging up front of the bow with the tiny hole sucks are someone who has long arms as youll cut them up pretty good, but beats rangers foam galore. Livewells are deep and phenomenal. Easy access to clean outs and havent lost a fish and come out healthy enough that they are a pain in the ass at weigh in in how lively they are to get in the bag or scale for that matter 😂. Only issue is the lighting in my compartments failed. And im not a fan for the bow where electronics sit as i prefer center not to the right side.

[@rex2837]

Wow, our boat history is the same. I have the new Eyra. My last boat, 205vs 225 Sho flashed. One thing I notice about the cat, it likes running with the waves splitting out at the middle of the boat. In my Ranger it didn’t take too much throttle for the boat to be above the water. It feels weightier / heavier for this reason. I’m still getting used to it. But it’s a better built boat by far, the cat is. I think my 205 did better in super shallow water too. Cat hits the bottom a little more. (2 feet ish). Also I miss my lazy Boy seat from my Ranger. The cats seats aren’t as comfy. So I’m not yet a convert from my Ranger to cat, I only have about 10 hours on the cat. For the record. Also I have to move the trolling motor foot pedal back by removing that carpeted piece bc where it is, wants me out of the boat.

[@shaneforsythe2013]

The “Fishability” I don’t agree with when you talk about deck space. Have you seen the “STS” series? Their decks are HUGE!!!

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

Love my Blazer 625 Pro Elite. Boat-wise, best decision I ever made.

[@Dropshot1]

That’s a nice boat!

[@milnzee47]

I'm very curious to see how the Vexus vs IKon plays out...but i think you need to run the Vexus like you ran the IKon to give a true review/opinion for ride quality/fishability and so forth...

[@bakervinci163]

Yep. They handle big waves and go almost as good as an Allison xb 21, with a 300r. The trailer under the ally is a great trailer, especially with regards to function.

[@bakervinci163]

But both of these boats are nicer at the helm

[@tomstenbeck8265]

Great info here. Definitely like to see ikon vs Vexus next

[@danielmckeen2465]

Great brand battle on the boats-Andy!!!🤠 You know it!!! When you going to do the trolling motor battle🤔 they cost a lot and we need your "EXPERT INPUT"when it used to cost $500-$600 we didn't care🤪😜 but costing over 2k we need help from an"Expert"👍 no excuses Andy!!!😱 just get it done😬🤗🤓 Loving the videos 🤗

[@tnbassmaster]

Can we get a bullet 21 Xrs over under?

[@chadsweitzer325]

I've ridden in both a few times, my first boat will be a Basscat no doubt, Phx was 2nd though due to tournament support. Phoenix had so much plastic I was not a fan. Cat build quality and lifetime hull warranty puts it well above every other brand. Ride was far better on a Basscat but driver input makes more of a difference than hull.

[@danlaur7973]

I've owned a BassCat Cougar & an Eyra & have never lost a fish that wasn't gut hooked in my live wells. I challenge any Phoenix to go by me on the water with my Eyra :)

[@Dropshot1]

Which did you like better?

[@scottdufresne3643]

This was a great video I’m in the market and have some new prospective on each one 👍

[@HardmanOutdoors]

Can we get an old school brand battle? Champion, Charger, Ray Craft, Sprint, Swift, or Challenger? I run a 202 champ swinging a 250 xs that will out perform most of these new boats...

[@davidbarber5266]

Yes, Icon vs Vexus!

[@Brada86_]

Speed to pheonix?

[@bwjc6561]

Love my Phoenix… my Merc??? Yeah I’m on the fence there. Really think I would have spent less time in the shop if I had a Yamaha on the back of it.

[@michaelclem1476]

I’m going to buy a new or almost new one next year and I’m torn on what to buy. Best friend has a phoenix we fish out of mostly.

[@codycrites412]

Bass Cat has zero-heat transfer latches in their live wells and those ultra bad ass “slam” latches elsewhere. Bass Cat also builds with more of a vacuum process in the fiberglass resin than Phoenix and allows for a longer cure time. Bass Cat also provides a great range of hulls for a broader selection per the water type. The carpet in Bass Cat Boats is heavier and thicker than every other bass boat builder. Hands down Bass Cat here!! I think the cool factor for a Phoenix is a smidge above a Nitro since everybody has one. They’re cheaper to buy and resale value is lower. Lol come on Andy!!! 😊

[@bobbarnhill8557]

Phoenix boats sit in the mold for a week before being pulled. Phoenix doesn’t not use a chopper gun on the hull and top cap. Bass cat does. Bass cat deck lay out is not for everyone. Bass cat makes a great boat but I liked the Phoenix lay out and esthetics much more.

[@MrRGiller]

Awesome review!! I would love to see IKON versus Vexsus!!

[@rangerbennett]

BC Cougar and champ hull Stratos are neck and neck for me for the best ride Ive ever experienced.

[@uriahadriance461]

So awesome great content get you wound up for the day

[@Bbestfishing]

Ikon vs Vexus 🎉🎉🎉

[@finmasteroutdoors]

So much good info

[@bgood419]

On the ohio river last summer we blasted off and I ran down and passed a 2 new rangers, 2 new phoenix, and 3 nitro z20's running a 4 blade in my Caymas CX20. I think a lot of those boats are fast when they don't have much in them but load them down with tackle, 2 guys, and full tank of fuel with a little water in the livewells from boat check and they don't seem to be all that fast. During an OBN I raced my buddy in his BassCat down the lake to the first causeway and we were about dead even.

[@fishncoach8699]

I Co a lot and the Phoenix rides better than the Cat... Best ride I've been in! Hate the back deck on the cat with the tube always in the way. But they do seem to be built really solid

[@emmanuelschwartz8955]

I agree

[@c.shoefish]

People outside are probably wondering why people are always fighting inside😂😂 great video bro

[@garrettparkerfishing431]

I’d like to see a vid on a legend alpha 211r lol What I mean is I would like to hear your thoughts on the boat!

[@Silentroller93]

You should do a showdown video comparing all the 2.5hp outboard for the small craft people. I have been eyeing the Suzuki, Mercury and Yamaha motors. I really like how the Suzuki is only 29lbs.

[@chanceehuiet]

I dunno about now but a few years ago all small outboards were made by the same manufacturer and just sold under different brand names

[@bmaliha]

Fished in both and both are excellent bass cat livewells are the better of the two, no metal into the livewell so no heat transfer and the triangular shape prevents sloshing plus they are so deep the fish can almost stack 5 vertically without touching. As far as speed they are close but Cats are faster even with a 250. Build quality and constant innovation are what put Cats ahead. Cat came up with the folding trailer tongue, trailer steps, recessed trolling motor pedal and many others.

[@Dawson6434]

Over/under Phoenix 819 and over/under basscat p2 or pantera classic.

[@paulladd7992]

Absolutely want to see Ikon vs Vexus.

[@ernestmcintyre5640]

Recommend you take a look at a Blazer 650 Pro Tour

[@mikehoyt8771]

Ion versus vexes is a great idea

[@ImSmittenFishing]

Awh I was hoping you did some on water footage with my cat😂

[@bnasty8653]

Bass Car Eyra will out run any Phoenix model with the same 250hp

[@jbowbassin]

You damn near have to fizz a fish coming out of a basscat livewell they’re so deep lol. Both are badass boats

[@PushinWeightBaits]

Not familiar with Phoenix wells. BCB’s triangular design allows for fish care and the latches enable the water to stay cooler.

[@Striddefishing78]

Yes Ikon vs Vexus!!!!

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

Do a Blazer vs...

[@charlesalexander4309]

I own a 2016 bass cat caracal. My father, new 21' caymas. My uncle new 21' Phoenix. I've owned rangers, Norris crafts, triton. The truth is that they all have something different, that you don't like. They all have their own issues. I like my bass cat, I liked all of the other boats mentioned here as well. However, after having had the bass cat for a while, it is the best boat for my needs. Next boat will be a bass cat.

[@bamadondon0495]

I wonder if the live well system in the bass cat really does do something beneficial for the fish other than just looking cool because it's a different design? A legitimately wonder that I'm not making a smartass comment... So if anybody owns one comment back and let me know, does that help the fish.. are the fish really in a more vertical position and is that do something for the fish? Every live well I've ever seen opened on a bass cat has always had pool noodles in them same as me and a lot of other tournament anglers . But with that design.... Should you even need something to keep the fish from banging around if they're in a more vertical position? .. these are all questions I'm really asking I'm not being a smart-ass ✌️

[@charlesalexander4309]

I have never lost one single fish in my bass cat live wells. Never.

[@rtm93]

Contingency money, goes to Phoenix

[@timroyall6513]

Always wanted a Bass Cat, but also love the Phoenix brand. I can't afford either so if someone would like to donate, feel free. I wouldn't turn either one down!

[@Hillhouse_Fishing]

I own a 30 yr old cat and am amazed by the quality every day.

[@khalli2112]

It's a shame that ChampioN is no longer made as it would shut down any competitor!

[@bucknuts8824]

Only thing I don't like about my phoenix is the plastic dash bezels. Wish they were fiberglass

[@rowdybroomstick6394]

Guy I know, his graphs get to bouncing around and torn the damn plastic dash right off.

[@bucknuts8824]

@@rowdybroomstick6394 screws that hold mine on came undone during a long run, almost lost the whole thing

[@liprippinwithmo]

Newer ones are not plastic

[@bucknuts8824]

@@liprippinwithmo my 2022 is

[@joeg1709]

Way too many red bulls that day, Andy lol

[@johnhelems721]

I’ve never had a problem with my dash it’s a 2015 , you can get fiberglass dash on new ones

[@russellparker9231]

Andy…LOVE your Friday afternoon videos but language dude!

[@jeffreyau1286]

I would like to see Tracker tin Bassboat vs Crestliner tin Bassboat and see which one is more worse lol

[@jacobcollins5827]

That's a phenomenal idea😂

[@kellymoore4517]

Creastliners are built solid these days!

[@kevinberta8741]

Cayma vs Vexus vs Ikon! 3 way comparison!

[@lancemabry6707]

Best riding boat for rough water? That’s still being made so can’t say Champion Andy lol😂. Keep the brand battles going!!

[@charlesnorthrup5394]

Lynx

[@tjgim]

Bass Cat all the way. Feel the Rush!🤗

[@bamadondon0495]

I'd like to see Blazer boats vs. Bullet

[@esidedude2869]

BULLET vs. ALLISON!?! DO IT! 🔥💯🤘

[@generalprobiotic7487]

How are the Rangers since the White River acquisition?

[@taberz1]

I am Cat guy but wish they'd make their shorter rigs more comparable in deck size to Phoenix. I like Phoenix but HATE plastic dashes.

[@banginbrass]

Best budget 20’ bass boat

[@corychandler2587]

Ikon vs Vexus..!

[@joshhoppes9487]

Yes

[@jaysonsetzer2287]

Ikon vs Gmbler??

[@longtimedirt6409]

I’m running a Phoenix and have been for 12 years. I would run a bass cat. There are some things I really don’t like about the cat. The troll motor pedal is on the nose. I never saw why he did that. Make no sense. You spend 90% of the day on the pedal. Kind of stupid really. They only need a 3ft deck for the majority of the day. And the live well design sux. Never got that concept either.I would have to have it built with a conventional pedal location. Why would you won’t to stand on the nose of the boat. That’s the only things I don’t like with bass cat. Far as basscat being faster they aren’t when you compare similar weight boat as Phoenix. If I got a good deal on one I would run one.The trailers Phoenix use Marine master trailers and there junk junk junk. The one I have now is a year old and the boat sits low on the starboard side because that bunk is 1 1/2” low. I have had so many problems with marine master trailers it’s unreal.

[@unkierich]

Saying a boat looks like a hundred thousand sitting on the trailer might sound like a compliment until you stop and think a Bass Cat Jaguar comes in closer to two hundred thousand. Also pointing out they don't lose many fish in that triangular live well must really come as a punch in the gut to Ben Milliken who culled fish all day and then showed up to weigh in with only 4 fish. Either Ben can't count to 5 or a fish snuck out.

[@tdog9150]

I’m buying my retirement boat in 4 months , I looked at the bird , but decided on the jaguar with 300 R

[@TeamMarineService]

Congrats! 😎😎😎

[@fishingva2167]

Do a blazer vs ballistic video

[@vantaylor2475]

Hey, I'm under the understanding that gambler doesn't have employees and is not making boats . Do you know anything about this?

[@lawman8877]

There making boat

[@TeamMarineService]

We don't know the exact details but they are still holding on from what we've heard

[@vantaylor2475]

Yeah there's a guy local where I live who went to the factory who prepaid for his boat and wasn't getting any response so he went to the factory. They had one boat there. It was not his boat. He ended up taking that boat home since he did prepay for the boat and they had no workers there supposedly. Hopefully they get back on track. They are cool boats. Hard for the little guy companies to compete with a deep pockets.