boat shopping finalists

[thatoneguy]

So I'm going to take the plunge and get a proper bass boat. I'm not locked into anything yet, but I'm narrowing the field down pretty quickly. Here's the question for today: for roughly the same money, I can get a 2014 Nitro Z7 or a 2005 BassCat Puma.

Obviously the Puma is a lot more boat, but it's also almost a decade old. From the pics it looks to be in very good shape, but it's about 15 hours away so I can hardly just pop over to peek at it to see it up close.

I love the idea of buying new and knowing that the boat has been properly cared for from day one, and I worry about spending a big chunk of money (for me) on used merchandise. But a Puma is pretty much my dream boat, and the extra length would sure be nice on Leech.

Thoughts? Questions I should ask of the BC owner?

[Superduty]

I would think you will be closer to $30k than you think for a new Z7 with decent electronics after tax and destination charges. Can probably find a used 2006-2008 (basscat, triton, stratos, skeeter, nitro) twenty footer with a 225hp for less money. You will really appreciate the bigger boat on Leech. The 20 foot length makes a huge difference in rough water. I would be sure to bring any used motor to a good dealer and have it inspected. If a seller won't allow it to be inspected, walk away. Some sellers will even provide the computer print out from their outboard mechanic.

[bassfshin24]

I would definitely rather have the Puma. I have an 18ft Triton and fish Mille Lacs a lot and its tough going even when the wind is only blowing 10-15mph. My next boat will definitely be a 20ft+. An 05 cat is still not all that old. That would be one awesome boat.

[Meat-Run]

Since the Puma has a newer motor I too would go with the longer boat but you know that already that being said I totally understand having a new boat with full warranty for several years for piece of mind. Since we have several months till open water or shop for something south of the border I would consider a longer boat and few years older but with some warranty left.

MR

[thatoneguy]

I would think you will be closer to $30k than you think for a new Z7 with decent electronics after tax and destination charges. Can probably find a used 2006-2008 (basscat, triton, stratos, skeeter, nitro) twenty footer with a 225hp for less money. You will really appreciate the bigger boat on Leech. The 20 foot length makes a huge difference in rough water. I would be sure to bring any used motor to a good dealer and have it inspected. If a seller won't allow it to be inspected, walk away. Some sellers will even provide the computer print out from their outboard mechanic.

I have a 'Bird 898cSI that the dealer said he'd rig on the Nitro at no cost, and a simpler unit for the bow as well, so that won't drive up the price. Total price inc TTL and options will be under 30.

I agree that the extra length would be nice when Leech is home for me, for sure. And the extra HP would be nice for tournaments. I just don't know if I can get past the peace-of-mind thing with buying new.

Oops I'm such a derp. The BC is a Pantera IV, not a Puma. My bad.

[Superduty]

If you have $30k for a budget you can do newer and bigger than the 2005 Pantera IV.

[bemidjibasser]

Check out bass boat central... tons of nice used rigs on there.

[TR21HP]

Agree with both posts previously. 30K is too much to spend on a 2005.

[Raider4ever]

Here's another nugget since your profile lists Walker, MN: If you live in MN and buy a used boat from a private party (seller's location is irrelevant) you only pay tax on the value of the trailer. So, if you do your research and can find something you like, you can get WAY more boat/electronics/powerpoles/etc. for your money going used. Look at 2008 maybe or even 2010. As long as that caveat stays in place, I am NEVER buying a new boat. There is enough well-cared-for used stuff out there for nearly everybody.

[thatoneguy]

That's great, Raider - thanks. Bemidjibasser, I've been watching BBC and classicbass like a hawk for a while now

The 05 that he's asking 29k for has a 2011 motor, two HD7s, a 101lb trolling motor, and lots of other extras. What would be a reasonable number to throw at him? 24?

[gunner55]

Edmunds & KBB have used boat values in them.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I'm with others on this. Be patient, with a 30 K budget, You should be able to find a good deal. But Patience is the key. Try and find as many web pages with boat sales as you can.

I have an 07' Puma with a 250 that I paid right around your budget for 3 years ago.

[Deitz Dittrich]

if you really are looking for a cat.. I just did a QUICK search.. and by quick I only looked at one page I peep at from time to time..

2009 Puma 33.9K

2007 Cougar (same length 20'4") 24.775

there are deals out there!

[bucketmouth64]

I lived in Texas for a couple of years and on their fishing forum there's no shortage of very good used boats for sale in your price range.

[thatoneguy]

thanks, all. i appreciate all the advice! the search continues...

[Larson15]

If I was going to buy another Cat this would be in the running....basically brand new.

http://tuscaloosa.hsolist.org/boa/4284960152.html

Well.....the above link won't work b/c of the dumb rules here......send me a PM if interested. Here are the details.

2008 BassCat Cougar

250 Yamaha HPDI

25 hrs

30k

[Macsimus]

Don't forget the BCB owners board. Kota Kiriyama's 2008 Cougar FTD is on there for 25k if you can handle the color. It would be unique

Engine warr until Jan 15. I went to Houston for a rig last fall. You really have to do your homework but it's still nerve-wracking traveling that far without ever seeing it in person given the absurd price of gas. For me, it was love at first sight!

[thatoneguy]

macsimus, I have that page bookmarked and visit it about every 15 minutes Kiriyama's old boat is awesome but I worry about the pounding it has taken. Lots of great boats there for sure!

[DougSunrisePoint]

Bass Cat hands down. If you have some questions, give Rick Pierce the owner and president of Bass Cat a call. He would be happy to answer any questions that you have. If he is busy, the secrretary will take your number and he will call you back. You can also ask for Ivan, national sales manager. Either will be happy to talk to you. Try that with Johnny Morris.

FYI-- Bass Cat is also building Yar-Craft now.

You wont find a better boat built and finer customer service than Bass Cat/Yar-Craft

If you go to Bass Cat boats web site you will see the owners board. It is a great forum and you will get a number of comments there and can ask questions as well.

[TR21HP]

Don't fail to look at Legend or Phoenix boats either. Very high quality fit and finish and great riding boats as well.

[bemidjibasser]

RANGER.

[bassfshin24]

I really don't think you could go wrong with any of the ones mention above.

I'm hoping I can get a new one in the next 5 years and I know I am going to have a hard time picking which one I will go with. Here are the 4 I am going to look at.

Legend

Basscat

Triton

Ranger

[thatoneguy]

We have a winner!

2006 Bass Cat Puma, Merc 225 EFI, Humminbird 998 at the console, 898 on the bow, 101 lb. Fortrex w/recessed pedal, one Power Pole, in absolutely immaculate condition. Love at first sight. The owner will deliver the boat to me in April...hopefully I won't have to wait long for open water after that 'cause I want to drive this baby!

[JP Z]

She is Purrrrrrrty! Congrats on the new addition to your "family"!

[Deitz Dittrich]

welcome to the BassCat Family!.. If you ever have any questions.. Let me know.