Premium vs Advantage Elite

[JEH in La]

ek3313:

Considering a few different models based on need and style of fishing, but wanted to get a better feel for the main differences (outside of the standard size/design of models) between the Premium and Advantage Elite packages. Is there a difference in build quality or quality of components for both the boats and trailers?

Yes there is some quality of components that differ on the “Premium Models”.  I would suggest you get with a dealer to discuss this question.
You can also see a difference in price between the Advantage Elites and Premium Models.   My PII is not a Premium model but that didn’t matter to me because all Bass Cat Boats are made by the same people at the same factory and they are all made to the same quality standards so there is no difference in “build quality” at all.  You will be delighted with whichever model you choose for sure.

[ek3313]

Appreciate your response. The PII is definitely on my list of models to look deeper into. It appears the model is spacious enough and extremely responsive from what I’ve heard.

[Bass Cat Boats]

The Pantera II model does not come in the Premium line. It only comes as Advantage Elite and SP series now.

[Matt Hayes]

The above answers are lacking one thing, advantage models do not come with the same mix of vinyl ester resin (see here: https://basscat.com/forum/groups/basscatowner/resins/

It helps with gel coat cracks and long term ownership might want to consider it. Other than that, some of the trailers on the advantage boats are not full 4″ they went with a 3″ framing on them, which can be upgraded.

Rest of the stuff between the two are bells and whistles type things- compartment lights, stainless latches etc…

[catdude28]

Matt Hayes:

The above answers are lacking one thing, advantage models do not come with the same mix of vinyl ester resin (see here: https://basscat.com/forum/groups/basscatowner/resins/

It helps with gel coat cracks and long term ownership might want to consider it. Other than that, some of the trailers on the advantage boats are not full 4″ they went with a 3″ framing on them, which can be upgraded.

Rest of the stuff between the two are bells and whistles type things- compartment lights, stainless latches etc…

Matt nailed it above.  Construction wise, the main diff is the extra layers of VE in the premium boats.  However, they can be added as an option in the non-premium boats. Otherwise, bells and whistles.

[PMantle]

Is there a difference between Advantage Elite and SP?

[Matt Hayes]

PMantle:

Is there a difference between Advantage Elite and SP?

On what model?

Pantera 2,  vision/ ae same construction as all other p2’s in terms of resins, but may of had different “special package” add ons, like the trailer, graphs, stainless latches

On some of the previous year model boats for example the cougar, cougar ftd, and cougar sp, there were variants of each top cap in 2016-2018, some had different fuel tanks etc.. Now the sp package cougars are the same ftd and I believe all the premium line boats all got a higher VE resin content.

[PMantle]

Thanks.

[ek3313]

The details on the resins is very helpful. It’s great to have the option to upgrade the resins on the Advantage Elite if that’s the direction I want to move in.

[Matt Hayes]

Ek, yeah if you know this is going to be your boat for a long while its worth considering, as well as adding extra clear to the trailer. Another option on alot of these boats that gets over looked is the analog gauges, I keep seeing dealers ordering them when the sc1000 digital gauges are not that much more and look alot better! I guess some boats get a smart craft, I never really liked the screen on them, nor their functions. I dont need that much data all at once, nor the hard to see screen.

[ek3313]

Matt, the extra coat or 2 on the trailer is definitely something I will include. I had an old tin boat that required me to sand down and paint small areas on occasion. If I decide to move forward w/ the Pantera 2, I will upgrade the resins. I’d feel more comfortable w/ the long term durability of the higher grade resins. I didn’t think about the gauges and will consider. I’m torn between the Eyra and P2. Like that both models are very responsive hulls at the TM. P2 is all I’ll ever need in a boat, but the layout of the Eyra is hard to resist. I need to see one in person prior to making a decision. I was told that BCB has arranged an event on Lake Mead in October. Hard to find an Eyra in SoCal. Don’t want to drive 6 hours one way to NoCal or AZ to see one in person. Appreciate the insight!

[Redngoo]

I own a 13 p2. When i was in the market i looked at all the models. I was looking at used but…. lightly used. I purchased in 14. I knew i was buying another Cat. I chose the P2. I mainly crappie fish but but i chase spottted bass as well. For me i just didnt want a 250. I keep toys a lonnng… time. I weighed all my options, needs and wants. And was very patience when looking. Ive made several upgrades to mine and customized for me. And if need be i will re power if ever needed. I really like my rig.

Mine does not have the VE. Though honestly Ive seen very few Basscats with cracking issues., though if i was ordering New i would definitely drop the coin for it. I would highly suggest crawling around in the models that interest you. Sit in the seats, stand on the decks. The P2 and the Eyra are IMO very close in when the troller is down. Obivously the Eyra is faster and rides a bit better, though the P2 is no slouch in either area. These 2 rigs are what i call the sport car feel of Bcb line up. If i was going up size The Eyra would be my choice. The layout is nice. All in All you definitly Cant go wrong with Either. Happy Hunting!

 

[ek3313]

I appreciate your opinion. I’ve climbed around in a P2 and came away impressed. And I’ve never seen any negative feedback about the overall performance and fishability. I’m sure the 20ft models handle the rough water better due to size and have more top end speed, but the P2 doesn’t seem like it would disappoint in any category. Like you said, have to experience each model 1st hand. I saw a Lynx in person and was in awe, but it or other wide body boats aren’t for me. I like nimble and responsive, especially on the TM. Just have to find a way to see an Eyra in person. Hopefully the Lake Mead event will give me the opportunity.

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