The Puma and Cougar are superb all around platforms. From rough water ride to fishability to comfort to speed, they get it done. Its hard to fault either one of those platforms at all. Its really a toss up between those two. They fish great, run great, get great fuel mileage when setup correctly. Both of these platforms are a little roomier in the cockpit area than the eyra and both are a little wider at the trolling motor pedal. I personally like the slightly narrower front of the Eyra for maneuverability, but many prefer the wider platforms. The Puma and Cougar would come down to which front deck layout you prefer or which one you find the best deal on, they are essentially the same boat. You may actually prefer the standard puma with the gas tank under the seat. This model will draft slightly less due to a more even weight distribution. Its a very nice package with a more traditional layout with the 2 huge storage boxes on the back deck and no storage under the seat. The front deck will be slightly narrower on this model due to the gunnel design but its a very nice and often overlooked model that think would be very nice for you and certainly in your price range. These models also have the best Hole shot of the bunch. They tend to come out of the hole flatter and without as much bow rise. The price range you are looking at will likely have you in one of these 3 models in a 2009/2010/maybe if you get lucky a 2011 platform. The Eyra is also a superb platform and would fit your needs as well. I have spent significant time in all of the models discussed and I believe the Eyra has the best rough water ride out of the 3. Its a toss up but the Eyra has a ease of maneuvering through the rough stuff thats hard to explain without getting behind the wheel. They Eyra is the single most responsive boat Ive ever controlled on the Trolling motor. It just plain goes where you point it from side to side to backing up to forward. Dock fishing, stump field fishing, maneuvering tight bayous is where this platform excels. I also find it slides off of the stumps very easily compared to some that Ive been in. Lets not forget, if good looks are important to you I think the Eyra is tops of the list. The sports car handling on this model is also another high point. I havent seen where the Eyra Is any faster than the Pumas and Cougars but it does handle the turns in a sportier fashion and will carve a bayou up in impressive fashion. The Eyra will be a little slower out of the hole with a slightly more bow up attitude than the others but still comes out without issue. The Eyra cockpit area is tighter than the others as well. Not an issue for me but if I was much bigger (Im 61″ 210 lbs) I would look towards the Puma/Cougar. It will be tough to get into your price range on the Eyra as the 2011 model years are the oldest ones Ive seen for sale. If you look hard enough you could possibly get close. The triangular livewells are unbelievable at keeping your catch alive. They are huge!!! They are so deep and the design keeps the sloshing around to a minimum and prevents beating the fish up. This is very important in the rough water environments like Kentucky lake. I have yet to lose a fish in 95 degree louisiana water temps and Ive had Bass, Redfish, Flounder, Speckled trout in there at the same time. Just put the aerator and recirculator on Auto at the 3 minute intervals and go to work! The standard rectangular livewells worked just fine but the Triangular design is a noticeable improvement. Either model you choose will be wonderful, Im just trying to give you an honest opinion on the model differences. Good luck in your search. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
.
