Obviously the information here is archived and somewhat aged. Much has changed since this was posted. BCB
This is a very long post as we have had many questions on the Sabres & Pantera Classics recently. We are going to try and answer most of these here.
Please try to read this and you will find most of the answers here. So here is you a book for the week.
The Sabre and Pantera Classic hulls:
The hulls are very similar, though the performance is varied on these two models in many areas of the hulls. These appear almost identical to the eye, though they are not. The differences are private and are not going to be disclosed. Sorry guys! This one is design related.
The performance is more capable on the Pantera Classic for many reasons, motors also being a factor.
The differences in the lengths are in the front of the consoles, rod lockers extend 8″ up into the decks on the Sabre and are basically the same lids on the Pantera Classic model. The rear storage and livewells are also identical in basic size.
There is an added (Or Loss) of less than 1″ in the cockpit on a Sabre to a Pantera Classic. Thus Cockpit room is pretty close to the same and the difference is less than one inch.
The rear decks have a difference of a few inches also. There is another 2″ or so behind the seats to the transom difference.
The actual deck from the front storage to the nose is basically the same. So while the hulls are different in many areas, the floor plans are very similar. They are not copied, though are replicated form one model to the other.
You can not add the standard saddle tank on a Sabre. This we have no thoughts on addressing soon. Unless several of you show an interest that would offset the cost of a saddle tank for the Sabre. The cost has kept us verses the need to this date.
Engines:
The XR-6 is a proven performer as it is one of the last of engines with a tremendous amount of development for the BASS Tour in the 150 era. The R & D time on this engine is probably not matched today by anything short of Verado.
The XR-6 and 2.5 200 EFI’s are not really available and no more are to be built. Thus what is out there or in stock is all that will be left for sale.
The 150 Opti has some incentives on it, though the price is not that large a factor to us. We feel the 150 Opti is a lesser performer than the 150 XR-6 and the 175 Opti is not as strong as the 175 EFI was. These are very nice engines, though not a throaty as their predecessors.
The Yamaha V150 and BRP Johnson 150 G models are also good engines and worth solid consideration. These will be available into the ’06 year. Though probably not past ’06. This all depends on their EPA Credits.
The 200 Optimax, HDPI and E-Tec engines all perform equally well on the Pantera Classic and Bass & Walleye should have an article on this topic soon.
The 150 Series we have not played with a lot, though the 150 & 175 Opti is not a strong a performer, the fuel mileage depends on your speeds. At above 5000 RPM’s the Opti and XR-6 are almost identical in fuel consumption. The cost difference is a major factor here also.
Below 5,000 RPM’s you will see substantial savings. If speed is not your goal, consider the 115 engines or the 135 series also. These are both good options.
Make a selection on any of the newer DFI engines and you should be satisfied.
If the package you are loooking at does not have a Jack Plate, then we would not recommend adding one to the package. The gain is minimal and not worth the dollars for the upgrade, Plus they are only included on packages to assist in more clearance on hydraulic steering models.
Trolling motors:
Trollers are another personal factor and the FW-71 is now a 45″ shaft and we try to only handle digital models. We use some non digitals on Sabres based on our availability, for fillers.
TR-82 and Max Pro 80’s are good for river current as mentioned below. Though are overkill for the everyday recreational angler. The MG FW 71 and MK 70 series will do fine and since price is a concern. Try not to run the tag up by adding items on the standard equipment.
Equipment: Economy & Efficiency Packages
Sabre & Pantera Classic models are available in either Economy or Efficiency groups. The Special Economy packages come with rod organizers, hydraulic steering and jackplates. Some also have M-56 GPS units in the consoles with a 52 in the bow. These also come with Tandem Trailers and no Pivot Tongues.
The Standard Economy packages do not have Hydraulic or Jackplates and these must be added. Though we also prefer cable steering, as most of you know.
The Efficiency Packages are the packages you will be pricing on the HPDI, E-Tec and Optimax engines.
The wiring is all two (2) #6 Gauge wires on all bass models in 2006.
The A-Ten dash is standard on some models and optional on others. The Auto bilge is also Optional on some A-Ten units.
The standard on most Economy Packages is Switches and Adjustable Aerator timer. Special Packages come with the A-Ten Dash. Usually these are also Cable steer models.
Likes in Options:
One thing we are thinking is a good item is the 20″ BOSS Wheels on boats for younger generations. These bring lot’s of Bling to the package and at little added price when compared. They add lot’s of pride and flash to your rig for youth coing into the market. Unless you plan on moving up into a larger rig in 5 years, yes we would add these.
If you are over 30 years of age, the BOSS wheels might not wet your appetite in style. Though they are not that much in cost for the look and image they offer.
The standard wheels will work for most and we would consider adding Firestone tires to those. We would not just add Matrix wheels, unless that is your preference.
If you are seriously trying to club fish, We would probably consider upgrading the GPS unit to a new 480 or 332C Lowrance with card features. These allow you to use either mappng form Lowrance or the Navionics cards. If we were fishing one area or reservoir, Navionics are fine. Lowrances latest map kit seems to be more accurate and you can load the entire USA also at will.
The M 52 is also a piece we would move to the 125 or other preferred LCR. Unless we were recreational only, then it will be fine.
Tilt steering is also an Option you might consider.
The Battery Chargers are one (1) 12 volt charger (ProMite 5) for the cranking battery and another Dual Professional Mariner charger for the trolling motors.
We would think this to be ample for most all of you, unless you intend on traveling, then we would upgrade to teither the Cull-M-Rite three bank or the Lester if you are seriously fishing in BFL or Outdoors series events as a boater.
This should help all of you who are now looking at the Pantera Classic and Sabre models. These are truly the last of the EFI and Carb engines from Mercury and the last in a 200 from any company in EFI. Once these are gone, the prices will be impacted by the engines more than any other factor.
If you have further Questions, we will be glad to try and answer them.
BCB
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