Puma FTD, Eyra or Other?

[JEWETTCD]

I plan to become a member of the BCB family by next season and since I have very little exposure or first hand experience with the boats, I was hoping I could get some feedback, input or advice on what model to purchase. Based on conversations and research, I am leaning heavily towards the Puma FTD. I realize the Eyra is new with few having a lot of info or exposure of it. What has sold me on BCB is the the dedicated & sincere customer service; constant, straight forward and firm communications from ownership/staff; and the loyal & committed owners, as well as the few BCB I have been around have been very impressive. I fish all over, but primarily in southern Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Reservoir, Stockton, Pomme De Terre, Table Rock, etc…). I live in NW MO, so I also fish a lot of smaller lakes in NW MO, IA, NE and KS. I fish several tournament circuits, as well as just for fun, because I can. I fish shallow techniques mostly, but working hard to become a better deep structure angler, as well as trying to figure out if a spinning reel goes on the top or bottom of the rod . I am not a speed junkie, as I place more emphasis on fish ability, fuel economy and ride. Appreciate anything anyone has the time to share and thank you in advance….

[dblplasabre]

Take a look at the P4 also.

[Flyswatter]

JewettCD,I can comment only on the PIV and the Eyra with great detail. My comments are based on personal preference so more then likely will get differing views since opinions are like noses and we all have one. However, all points and perspectives from myself and others should bring more focus to your boat selecting process. First, all boats mentioned are phenomenal with the best customer support in the market. I think you have done your homework and informed yourself. Kudos to you. 1. The ride difference between the PIV and the Eyra are very similar to the same. The Eyra levels the boat ride since its bigger boat. At WOT speeds the PIV handles chine walking slightly better then the Eyra. Let me emphasis “SLIGHTLY”….. Also, with the Eyra you sit lower. Coming from BassCats higher in the seat ride from my previous two Basscat boats after twenty hours in the Eyra its taken some adjustment getting used to the formula one style cockpit seating behind the wheel. Initially I did not like it but now I am use to it. I had to adjust looking more through he windshield on the Eyra. There is a benefit because you get less wind in the face with this setup. However, the taller ride of the PIV is very comfortable in my opinion. In the 19 boat market there isnt a boat equal to the ride and fishing performance of a PIV. If you are considering it vs. the Erya then hopefully my comments can add perspective in your evaluation.2. Deck Layout: PIV has Puma style layout and is awesome. The Eyras deck layout although different is equally good. Since you are starting fresh youll have no reference so youll be happy with both. There are two small creature comfort storage boxes on the Eyra that you will not get on the PIV. Again its a toss up.3. PIV you get one step cooler. With the Eyra you get a much bigger step cooler and a bonus bucket seat day cooler that is extremely convenient.4. Console design: They Eyra is by far cutting edge. Not sure on the 2011 PIV console. I am sure BassCat can comment. I think it may be the same if so their equal. If not I give the edge to the Eyra.5. Speed performance: This one definitely goes to the Eyra. With same 200HP motor its faster then the PIV. RPs dynamic hull design is the difference. Eyra is for sure 1.5mph faster then the PIV. Hard to imagine that with the Eyra being a bigger boat. Also, for average boaters who want to just get in and run with full tackle and NO BOAT SETUP, single person 25 gallons of gas you should hit 71-73 with little effort. All things being equal IF you can drive through Chine Walking.I know I am leaving some additional comments out but I feel I have covered most of the important points to me with these boats. Now you have to weigh the comments and find out the price difference between the PIV and Eyra if youll consider a 200HP motor. I know the the Eyra a 200HP setup is going to get you performance speeds equal to or better then most competing 225 HP boat setups conservatively. To date I have 74-75 mph in summer temps with my Eyra 200HP motor with documented GPS pics with 25 gallons of gas and full tournament load. However, I have dedicated much of my time to the WOT performance of BassCats boats. So your optimum performance numbers are related to time spent on that endeavor. Last edited by Flyswatter on August 18th, 2010, 3:18 pm, edited 7 times in total.

[Bass Cat Boats]

If you do consider a P4 and want to take a spin in one let me know, I live in Jefferson City.Flyswatter: The P4 did get the new dash like the Eyra and other premium models.

[Bass Cat Boats]

From his posts here and after reviewing the posts JEWETTCD has made, we think he is a candidate for a 20 model and not a smaller rig. That leaves the Puma FTD as the top of the pile in that category. BCB

[Flyswatter]

tae73 wrote:If you do consider a P4 and want to take a spin in one let me know, I live in Jefferson City.Flyswatter: The P4 did get the new dash like the Eyra and other premium models.Tae73, That is good to know and a reminder for potential buyers consideration. I wasnt sure. Thanks for the followup. At least we had the “Other” covered. Seems like BCB has it covered from here. Jetwettcd, you in good hands going forward. Congrats and hope you join the BassCat family soon.

[1958]

One great thing about BassCat is you have 5 models in the 20 to choose from + the PIV 19.5Bad thing about BassCat is you have to choose one of 5 models in 20 + the PIV 19.5I have the Puma FTD – it is perfect for me. Cant comment on the Erya except that it is a great looking rig and from what Ive read is an awesome boat. They werent out for me to test drive at the time I was buying. You can test drive them and decide which one has the best layout for you and be happy with any.I will point out one thing that you may not think about when test driving and what Flyswat brought up is the seating. I havent sat in an Eyra so dont know how low the seat is but the one thing I like about the puma is the higher seat. My fishing partner has another brand boat where the seats are the lower formula one cockpit style. Im no kid anymore but still get around pretty good with no aches and pains. At the end of a couple days of tournament fishing getting up and down and up and down out of the seat, it sure is easier out of the puma with higher seats.

[Corky]

I sat in an Eyra at Texas Boat World last week and thought the boat was beautiful, well designed, functional, and had a perfect fit and finish from what I could tell. I own a 2009 Puma FTD that I dearly love and prefer the Puma FTD to the Eyra for the following reasons. 1) I am a 53 year old overweight man that prefers the higher seating of the Puma FTD because it makes exit and entry easier. 2) I liked the traditional windshield of the Puma FTD, again, probably because I am old and a traditionalist. 3) I much preferred the console of the Puma FTD, again, probably because I am old and a traditionalist. 4) I preferred the rod lockers of the Puma FTD because they appeared longer, wider, and larger in general. 5) I preferred the rod racks of the Eyra, because I liked that they were stepped. 6) I liked the storage areas of the Puma FTD much better. If I was 21, I bet I would prefer the Eyra, but I am 53 and much prefer the Puma.Corky

[JEWETTCD]

Greatly appreciate everyone who took time to share their thoughts. As always the different perspectives reaffirmed a lot of what I thought I already knew and definitely shed some light on some items I never gave thought to. For instance, I gave almost no consideration to the PIV due to the length alone, but after further review it was definitley a solid option I should have given more consideration to. However, I am now locked in on pursuing a Puma FTD. Flyswatter, you went above and beyond & definitely appreciate your feedback. BCB, your opinion obviously carries a tremendous amount of weight and appreciate you weighing in. Tae73, thanks very much for the ride offer, if I was going with the PIV would definitely take you up on it. The seating comments were nothing I had ever considered, but now that I think about it, definitely something to factor in. I am not tall so the higher seating actually helps me both with the ease of getting in-&-out of the seat, as well as driving visibility without a lot of wind. Corky, Thanks for the feedback and Im at the point where age comments are starting to relate and trying to ignore them, so thanks for sharing them, but for now Im gonna try and stay in denial!. At the end of the day, the Puma FTD is my choice due to it appeals to me, strong recommendations from other owners, appears to be a good fit for me & my applications, BCBs input and its a tried and true product. Ill let you know when I become an official family member and send out some pictures in the months ahead.

[Flyswatter]

You have done your homework and congrats. Now what about the hardest decision going forward. What will be your color schemes?

[Author]

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