Basscat Cougar

[magicmike]

I’m looking at a Basscat Cougar and would like imput.

1. Rough Water Ride

2. How does the boat handle at high speeds

3. Fish ability

4. Hole Shot

5. Overall Performance

[OnionCreek]

The Cougar/Puma FTD hull has been Basscats flagship boat for a number of years for a reason. Excellent rough water ride, in my opinion hands down the best of any boat in their class. Boat handles great at high speeds if you know what your doing. Extremely responsive to trolling motor and very sturdy platform. People can say whatever they want about other brands and I agree their is a lot of good boats out there. But when it comes to quality of build basscats are second to none! Honestly they are miles ahead in the interior. Still can’t believe there is boat brands out there that continue to put plastic dashes in their boats but that’s another conversation. Just buy the cougar you will love it

[SLumpp]

I am on my 2nd Cougar.  The 1st one I owned was a 2013 FTD, my current one is a 2017 Cougar AE.  Both boats ride quite well in rough water, as one person told me a long time ago, they ride heavy.  The current boat I own will do 80+, if you know how to drive it, previous boat I had doing 77+ and it was very stable.  The boat fishes quite well, even with 3 in it, and like most bass boats it is sensitive to where you put the weight in the boat.  If you load it bow heavy, with nothing in the rear, you will not get the speed or handling you might desire.  Go take a ride in one, and to throw some more gas on your fire, ride in a 203 hybrid.  From what I have read, they are the real deal, if you are looking for a ride like what the 20′ Champions had.

[jackandted]

I have had many Cats, Puma [older hull], Eyra, and Cougar.  Currently running the Cougar/Champion hybrid.  As stated above i think the Cougar series is the best overall handling boat , as well as fish ability and high speed control. The ride is solid as a rock with absolutely no shudder on heavy hits especially at Lake of the Ozarks. The dryest boat I have ever driven.  Includes Ranger and the old Champions.  I think the hole shot is about average considering all the stuff we put on these now, 4 batteries, poles, heavy trolling motor, several graphs.  For you old Champion guys this boat is a Champion.  It corners like the old Champs, no speed loss in turns and yes it will put the gunwell right down to the water line and raise the other side up high just like the old ones.  It is not as fast as the Cougar but still has great acelleration and gets 75+ loaded.  Takes rough water excellent, a bit better that the straight Cougar.  You can even turn while getting on plane.  Try that in another brand!!   Cougar or Cougar Hybrid dealers choice, you can’t go wrong with either one of these.  If you want a test drive I am on Lake of the Ozarks and make it to Truman some.  Joe Riley

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