Caracal/New Evinrude G2

[Flyswatter]

Bass Cat Boats wrote:

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The introductory pricing on the Caracal is most likely as low as retail will ever get on a new model. They felt BCB owners were not the most prevalent source of purchasers on this model and growing the brand was the target, reaching out to other brand owners.

I know the cost spectrum for 20′ Cougars with 225 can be had in the 40’s and 250 muscle premium boats in mid to high 50’s to low 60’s.

So what is the rough estimated price for a 19′ Caracal with 225, moderately equipped with 7″ graph console,  7′ graph at the bow,  no power poles or talons (can’t stand them ugly critter legs and of no use to me) and manual jackplate.  To date initial price scared the hell out of the masses (IMO) and seems to be a moving target because of accessories.   This is one of the nicest 19′ boats I’ve ever seen hands down.   Let’s peel back some of the high end accessories layers and get down to biz to see where this boat floats.   Am I the only to ask what the cost is before this boat gets warped out with accessories?  This can’t be a taboo topic.

[Bass Cat Boats]

In 2015, Let’s just start just below $50k and move the ball depending on your want list.

[Flyswatter]

Bass Cat Boats wrote:

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In 2015, Let’s just start just below $50k and move the ball depending on your want list.

Most excellent to know.

[PhilAddison]

Clownshoes wrote:

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Doesn’t the verado come with power steering?

Yes.  Since 2005 if I recall and every BCB with a Verado that I’ve ever driven had power steering. Power steering is different, but if you can drive a boat, you can drive a boat regardless the type steering.

[Bass Cat Boats]

The Verado is all power steering on the I6 series. The smaller I4 block is not on 200, 175 and 150 models. It is a different feel and a very enjoyable item. The G2 has some development ongoing in their system, as they did in the standard hydraulic also to get where they are now.

[Dr Jag]

The power steering on the Verado 350 is very easy to drive. It will spoil you.

[Flyswatter]

Dr Jag wrote:

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The power steering on the Verado 350 is very easy to drive. It will spoil you.

Dr. Jag,  thanks for posting.  Do share what the experience is like.  You have my interest.

[dbasketman]

Sooo, what happened to the thread about the CaracalG2?

[Flyswatter]

dbasketman wrote:

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Sooo, what happened to the thread about the CaracalG2?

Good question.  Wow over 4,000 hits……  I’d say there some interest in both.

[Dr Jag]

I like the look of the G2. It’s not any bigger (size wise) than the Verado.  he power steering is very comfortable. Easy to turn and no torque. I’ve had no trouble with it turning too easy. The electronic shift is very sensitive. I hold the throttle/shifter by the neck instead of top of the handle.

[dbasketman]

If nothing else the new G2 has brought Brannon a.k.a. HOMan outta the ditch ! One last gasp, glimmer, hope ???

[Bass Cat Boats]

The introductory pricing on the Caracal is most likely as low as retail will ever get on a new model. They felt BCB owners were not the most prevalent source of purchasers on this model and growing the brand was the target, reaching out to other brand owners.

[Flyswatter]

Disclaimer:  I’ve not driven a boat with a G2.  I’m passing on 2nd hand information from todays visit to a Marine Dealer.

My curiosity got the best of me so I had to go see the EtecG2 in person today (Airport marine).    Wow, what a beastly motor.  Looks even better in person then the pics I’ve seen and I like what I’m seeing in the pics. Side Note:   The owner of a G2 (on a ranger barge boat) told me his hole shot is routinely sub two seconds.  1.7 quoting him.      Respectfully,  that is salesman/owner talk but I’ll take him at his word as I do with most anyone else.  I know the guy and he is a reputable stick on the Coosa River chain lakes.   He said the power/torque all the way to WOT is not anything he’s seen before.  You gonna pay for it too with these early models.   I asked about his experience with auto trim and motorized power steering.  He raved on the auto trim.  His boat does not have motorized power steering.  He said motorized power steering may be to responsive and not be a good fit for bass boats going at higher speeds.  Again,  conjecture since he does not have it yet.  He was passing on info by those that have driven with one.   The point here is to  describe what real power steering is like on a Bass Boat.  Not sure if there are settings similar to auto trim if it’s to responsive.  I guess it’s wait and see with real world experience from early adopters.

[Flyswatter]

Flyswatter wrote:

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I asked about his experience with auto trim and motorized power steering.  He raved on the auto trim.  His boat does not have motorized power steering.  He said motorized power steering may be to responsive and not be a good fit for bass boats going at higher speeds.

For the few BassCat owners that have interest and want to learn more on the new Etec G2.  I did a bit more research on the motorized power steering.  Here is what I found.

“It was to responsive when EtecG2 first came out with it, some one who was not that familiar with running a bass boat could have had trouble driving, but with the new version there will be zero problems with three settings that best fits your boat”.

[Flyswatter]

Clownshoes wrote:

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Doesn’t the verado come with power steering?

In theory and talking with those with recent experience it’s end game use gets my attention.  Anything to make driving a boat a better experience is a dynamic regardless who, when or where.   I know the estimated cost for EtecG2 is being reported just north of $500 dollars.  If Verado has it and much is not known about it could be due cost.  Rick P will be a good reference to answer your post.  I assume he has a good bit of Verado experience.

[Author]

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