Caracal STS Performace versus Puma STS?

[BruSchu]

Very interested to read what BCB/Mr. Pierce’s thoughts may be on the Caracal STS/250 and feedback from others that have had it out in various conditions and been fishing out of it.

In a 2008 Puma and looking for more front deck space and son likely taking it at some point to fish in college.

Thanks

[Bass Cat Boats]

It’s hard to get ahead of what a Puma STS offers.

BCB

[BruSchu]

Fair enough!

[PPBASS51]

I have personally owned many of the recent BassCat Models, including Cougar, Puma FTD, Caracal , Lynx and now Puma STS. Of all the layouts I preferred my Puma FTD as I liked the net holder, the easy step-up cooler, and the overall performance of the boat!

The Caracal and The Lynx were excellent as I really appreciated the wider front deck and the deep rear storage. Those hulls really performed in rough water, but did not feel as exciting as my puma FTD. The Lynx had the most storage of any boat I ever owned, but being 72 years young the tall step from the cooler to the deck was a disadvantage for me.

When the Puma STS was available I was very excited to see a traditional layout and when I saw my first one, I was ready to acquire one. This boat is definitely perfect for my fishing. Runs great into mid 70’s with all compartments heavily loaded, great rough water ride and the ergonomics of the layout are perfect. The Slam latches work great, the under-seat cooler is used all of the time leaving the step cooler for fishing gear.  The net holder is very handy as I fish tournaments where I am allowed to use a net. The friends and co-anglers that I have taken with me always compliment me on the ride and layout of the boat.

While it is likely that the Caracal STS might be a couple of miles faster then the Puma STS. it will likely be very close and he choice between the two will likely be best made after getting in the boat to check out which boat has the ergonomics that you prefer (Compartments, step up cooler, etc.) Both are super boats, and the price is likely to not be a huge difference so I would suggest that you make the decision best for you, because either way you will likely keep the boat for along time. The great quality of BassCat allows even a fussy owner to keep it for a long time as it looks and functions as new with very little care.

Take a look a others brands of boats that are 4 or 5 years old and then look at a Bass Cat of that age-you can really see the difference.

[jackandted]

Currently running a Caracal STS w/ Merc 250  Boat is very stable and a great fishing platform.  Both boats have a large front deck and similar storage. The Caracal is a bit faster and I think corners better but the larger Puma takes rough water a bit better.  The big difference between the two is Mr Obvious here the size.  how you fish.  I fish a lot of timber and also around docks so the Caracal works best in those situations.  if you fish the big water the Puma would be my choice.  Also the Caracal fits in most garages and the Puma does not.  Bills Marine has both in stock if you want to take a look.

[schodackbassman]

This has been fun to follow along as I was curious of the differences between Caracal STS and Puma STS.  Paul’s point of the steep step up for Lynx and past Caracal’s (now Caracal SP) is legit.  I have 2020 Caracal and have had recent issues with my hip (I’m 67) and it is a bit of a climb but using the console to lean on makes it easy enough.  BCB consoles are rock solid so I don’t have to worry about putting a lot of weight on it as I climb up.  For me it’s worth it for the deck layout.  Why anyone wants a traditional deck layout I have a hard time wrapping my head around but obviously that’s what most prefer.  I’ve had both and I just find having such easy access to main rod locker makes deck clutter management so much easier I’d never go back.   I HATE clutter under foot.  Place for everything and everything in its place!  Add the wide deck and it’s a win win.  And for a wide boat it’s pretty damn nimble too and plenty fast.

Brian

[JoeAZ]

The Caracal SP step is higher, no question. But the seats sit higher as well making it easier to get out of the seat. I too like the SP deck layout, but most people like a traditional layout.

I wonder if Bass Cat could make two different caps for a boat hull and a buyer could order traditional or an, awesomely design by Bass Cat, non-traditional deck?

[Will Hesch]

The Caracal SP is a fast, nimble and super-roomy front deck boat with a great compartment layout for sure, we love ours!

The main problem with the step to the front deck is the double cupholder which poses a great risk of tripping, falling, spraining (ankles, knees) when stepping down. It should be eliminated from the mold as it is a danger. In the meantime, we’re releasing what we call the Baby Step which replaces the two cup-holder with an aluminum mini-step covered with EVA foam (like our coolfoot line). That way, if you or your co-angler forget and step there, the two holes will be gone, replaced by a firm but soft,grippy mini-step in your choice of 27 coolfoot colors.

The Baby Step will join our front-cap GPS Relocater which gives Caracal SP owners the port side step back by moving the GPS puck to the cupholder location https://centralcoastbassfishing.com/collections/bac-rac/products/bass-cat-gps-relocator-puck and the Console Buddy which keeps up to 7 rod tips organized https://centralcoastbassfishing.com/collections/bac-rac/products/console-buddy

 

 

 

[schodackbassman]

Great idea for replacing those two cup holder that I just use as mini trash cans anyway.  Now if it added a couple more inches in height too……    Keep us updated on when the product might be available.  I thought of trying to come up with something to fill those in.  Never talked about it with my friend (also a BCB owner) who owns a large fabrication plant at his disposal.  He’s made us little mod add on’s before.

 

[schodackbassman]

Got my first look at a Caracal STS today and crawled around in it for a bit at our local dealer when I dropped my trolling motor off for repairs.  Other than the deck layout, I found it remarkably similar to my Caracal now known as  a SP.  The front deck size (Width/length) seemed close to mine as did the rear deck.  I didn’t measure anything of course but just eye balled it.  It seemed every bit as deep as SP model when I stepped up to deck and from looking underneath  to observe the front hull V.  Is it?  I’ve only crawled around in the Puma STS once like a year ago but I don’t recall it being as deep as this seemed to be.   I love they got rid of the Co rod locker which will make landing fish on the port side easier for those of us with short  arms.  No cup holders in front of the first step up to deck either!  I failed to count how many cup holders there were but I’m guessing less that the crazy 8 in mine.  Rear deck lids are a much improved design and like the Puma STS has little compartments for shallow anchor pumps.

I didn’t check what the TM was but it didn’t look like my Ultrex now in for repairs.   I’m sure it’s on their website if interested.  Looks like a fun boat to drive.  Hope I get a chance at some point.

[jackandted]

Yep similar to the previous model but the deck is definitely bigger and the original  post was about performance. so the hull is the thing.  I have one and takes wakes and waves great , just sets down and you can take them at a severe angle and still no hard landing A+  As far as speed goes with any wide model you are going to scrub a little speed, more boat in the water more drag.  But the speed from my Cougar last year is minimum; getting 78 and always 76+ and runs like it is on rails.  no hounddogging at all .  Really nice addition to the line.  you wont be disappointed.  You guys need to ride in one of these.  Joe Riley

[Will Hesch]

“hound-dogging” great term!

[Will Hesch]

After tripping on the cupholders on the floor of our Caracal I decided I needed to do something about it. As an inventor and manufacturer I came up with what we call the Baby Step. Baby Step because it’s a small step in area and height. Honestly, it’s so when I have a lapse of memory (I’m 72) and step in that area coming off the front deck, my foot won’t end up in one of the cupholders turning a lapse of memory into an accident.

The villain, a twisted ankle just waiting to happen!

Easy removal of cupholders, just twist and pull out of the 4″ holes

Set the aluminum base in place and using the holes in it as a guide, drill two 1/8″ holes for the #2 square drive stainless screws provided

Peel and stick the coolfoot pad with logo over the aluminum base, press hard the adhesive is pressure sensitive, what we use on our coolfoot and Bac Rac lines. The Baby Step is available in 17 smooth/flat colors and 26 grooved colors see them all at http://www.centralcoastbassfishing.com 

optional is a black sandpaper finish matching the two foot rests on either side of the step 

Price for the coolfoot step kit is $60   Price for the black sandpaper step kit is $60  (drill bit and #2 square drive bit supplied with kits)

To order call or text Will or Kathy at Central Coast Bass Fishing 805-550-7865

These are so new they’re not yet on our website http://www.centralcoastbassfishing.com

 

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Will Hesch.

[Bill2e]

I own a 2024 Caracal STS / 300 Pro XS.

Previous Bass Cats were a 2007 PII and 2017 Puma STS

I originally wanted a puma STS but when the Caracal STS came out I believed it was the for me.  I was right

While I haven’t ridden in a Puma STS they look like amazing boats, and just looking at them. The deck of the puma looks bigger and better

However, fishing out of the Caracal STS has been simply amazing.  There is so much room on the deck to keep your rods organized. These storage is over the top. I am happy with my choice.

The boat drives like my old PII and Fish is bigger and better than my old Puma FTD.

I highly suggest you get in each boat and see what works best for you.

I’d be happy to take you out in mine if you make it to North Florida

 

 

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Bill2e.

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