Hey Fly, good to hear from you again. I tried to do a search in the forum section for the discussion on this last month but this new format is not user friendly so I couldnt find it again. I did a test ride at the Classic in the new Classic on Hartwell last month. I own the older design both with 200s. The test ride rig had the Pro XS with a 23 or 24P prop. Think it was a tempest I but I cant swear to it. This new one is a blast to ride in too! I went in with somewhat low expectations because of the extra weight and width, I figured it wasnt going to have the snap the old design and the P II had/has. I was wrong. This thing jump out of the hole and was to 70 in no time. This thing flies riding very high out of the water. Mid range was very good as was hole shot. With all the test rides going on plus other boat traffic, there was a pretty good chop mixed in with cross waves. Classic didnt blink and was very stable. We did stop and I crawled around in lockers again and boat seemed stable. Didnt have someone shift side to side while I stood on trolling motor so cant say how much it will lean. I know my 07 does and it can surprise you when you are used to fishing alone most of the time like I do. As far a performance, the boat is a lot of fun. I talked to a few of BCB young guys running the test rides including the young man who took me out, they all loved it. Two told me that when there was down time between test rides, they were taking turns going out driving the Classic because it was so much fun. Keep in mine they had access to the Lynx, Eyra, Caracal also but they kept taking the Classic out. It is true the boat was empty, no water in live wells, did have Fortex TM however, so its not likely to be quite as quick with a full load as when I rode in it but I dont think it will loose much. Has a nice wide fishing deck front and back. Comfortable seats and usual BCB finish. I had some misgivings about center rod locker rod storage and room for tackle but after thinking about it, I can see where it will work very well. There are rod tubes for 11 rods and room under tubes for a few more. There is room under the rods for tackle storage. My thoughts are Id keep rods I plan on using that day in the locker for over the road storage/organization. When at the lake, those rods go on the deck which then gives you access to tackle under rods. You have the two starboard side lockers too though they arent real deep plus the full rod locker on port side. BCB wanted to keep cost down so there are some compromises. Only can get white cap, the livewell doesnt have spray bars we are used too though well is plenty big. Trailer has 3″ C frame vs. normal 4″. There were only a couple cup holders too if I remember right. I think if you add options, you can get it close to say a PII or P IV of old. I have a feeling some of the features we are used to may show up in new Classic as options in future models but thats pure speculation on my part. If I was looking at new boats, Id have to seriously look at that model vs. the PII. Dont think you would go wrong with either. The P IIs performance and features are tried and true thus well documented. At the BM Classic I was told build out dates for models still available were 20 weeks. Some models like the Lynx are sold out for the year. To me that meant calendar year but may have been model year which makes more sense now that I think about it. Happy to help with anything else I can. Happy hunting and enjoy retirement. Ive been retired almost 8 years. It does not suck!
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