Difference between Puma & Puma Ftd?

[GarryHagins]

What is the difference between the Puma & Puma FTD? What does FTD stand for? Just trying to gather some information on the boats for future purchase.Garry

[Bass Cat Boats]

The Puma has under seat fuel tank (33), larger rear deck storages, parallel livewells with divider, ten gallon kicker tanks in rear (43, opt. to 53), similar front decks slightly narower, different cooler area. it is on the original BCB format of deck design and striping which has one color deck with stripes. Ladder is the E ladder on the jack plate. The Puma FTD (Full Team deck) is a bit wider at the bow by about 2.5″. The fuel tanks are twin 26 gallon (52) and are located under the rear deck, rear storages are house shaped with a point accommodating the larger triangle livewell, rear lid is singular with smaller openings and has the engine harness snout incorporated into the splash well design. The under seat storages are there along with a send cooler in the center, wher the fuel tank is on the Puma. Front decks on the Puma FD and Cougar FTD are similar in width, though the Cougar FTD does Not have the segregated storages and net scabbard with independent door (lid). The center storage is finished inside on the Puma FTD while the Puma is painted and individually glassed inside. Deck design is n the newer Eyra format with individual nosecap and rear stripes able to be added as colors on the Puma FTD. The ladder is incorporated as a fully retractable SS ladder on top of the deck that fully extends for better boarding. Hope this helps! BCB

[Bass Cat Boats]

On the 2013 models, the FTD will have a little wider front deck up near the troller, the layout remains the same on the rest of the front deck. The Puma has the standard configuration with under seat gas tank tanks and rear kicker tanks, larger rear storage areas. The FTD, will have smaller rear storage areas, underseat storage and rear fuel tanks. The puma will sit flatter in the water with the underseat fuel tank providing more fwd stability. The FTD will be slightly faster, all things being equal. Heres a few pics of the Puma Premium package.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Thats worth a Kudo JLaw! Thanks! BCB

[GarryHagins]

Thanks JSLAW and BCB!! This is very helpful information. My decision is getting clearer on which boat will work best for me. I live in the Washington State and will be running the Snake and Columbia River. Will the Puma FTD hold up to the big water the Columbia river can produce? I have had boats before that had stress cracks all over the boat. What is your opinion on the durability of this boat in the Pacific Northwest.Garry

[High Cotton]

Im on my third puma and Ive yet to see a stress crack. Ive got buddies with cats…..no cracks either. We run em up and down the Mississippi River or reservoirs like sardis, etc. s far as FTD vs reg puma Ive had both. The FTD is faster the regular puma probably rides a little better. The reg puma sits flatter in water the FTD sits nose high. Both are EXCELLENT fishing platforms and I promise you if it can hold up to me on the Mississippi River it can hold up anywhere.

[GarryHagins]

High Cotton,I am sure the Mississippi is quite treacherous the Columbia River is known for freaky wind storms causing up to eight foot waves. I have been caught in tournaments in 5 to 6 waves that is when I have had problems with stress cracks trying to get back to the Marina. I have heard nothing but good about the Puma FTD. I drove one a couple of years ago and liked the performance of the boat. I didnt get to fish out of it but the fishing platform seemed solid and didnt list to one side when both guys were on that side. Thanks for all of the information.Garry

[High Cotton]

We just run into tons of barge traffic. Not normal barges either. 6-8 wide x10 deep with 3 screw tugs pushing. Run into 4 or 5 of those piled up headed northbound with a 20 mile per hour south wind and a low river will make you want to put it On the bank. The biggest thing for me vs other boats about the stress cracks is this. We idle in and out of lots of place continuously bumping trees in backwater. Every other brand Ive had or seen will have stress cracks on oath sides around here. Ive yet to see one in a basscat. Hit the side of the boat with the side of your fist. Solid. Im not saying it wont stress in your situation………but if it does stress I dont believe there is one made that wouldnt.

[clownshoes]

Id get a Jag if rough water return and stress crack avoidance was the primary concern. Max conservative tournament speed around 68-71. Puma FTD wont hold a candle to a Jag in big water ride.HOWEVER- LEAST LIKELY TO CRACK IS-A 2002-2004? 20 USED basscat and have Garry Wright redo the carpet and buff it up. Back then BCB could use the good stuff without Carol Browner and friends running their own federal version of Girls Gone Wild. Last edited by clownshoes on December 31st, 2012, 3:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.C.O.D. Jr. III

[GarryHagins]

Thanks for all the replies. I think high cotton gave me some good information with the barges, current, and wind mixed would be close to what you would deal with on the Columbia River. I think that the Puma FTD will hold up well. It is a shame that the federal government controls so much and can tell a boat manufacturer how to build a boat. You guys have been a wealth of information. I appreciate your help!!Garry

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