Pantera II

[lincwoody]

I am on my second 19 foot boat, had a Classic several years ago, sat out for 11 years and recently purchased a P2. This current one is a single console which really improves the room. Mine has lights in all the compartments and livewells which is nice.I would really recommend the rod holder in the locker. Mine also has a radio which I never really thought would be very needed, but it is fun. This one is also a dual axle which pulls very well but can be a little trouble if you need to move it small amounts in the garage.

[jpost]

Step and Grab Pole
Upgraded Laches
Ladder
Trailer Brakes
Lid Open Assist
LED Trailer Lights
Upgrade Gauges
Custom Cover

[PhilAddison]

Fishfry wrote:

I’ve been looking at several used Basscat boats lately and decided I’ll buy a “new” Pantera II in the spring of next year.
There’s a ton of options to choose from and I’d like to hear from anyone who might recommend “any” option.

Yes there are a ton of options and they all add up to be many thousands of dollars.  What works for one may not be in your budget nor it be a need for you.  However, if you load it up, then you won’t have regrets two or three years from now.

[GRR884]

On my ’12 P-II getting the nexsyslink gauges was most important to me. Tons of data at your finger tips. After that is was the grab pole and step and then the southco latches. I added a lot of options but those 3 were at the top of my list. If you go with the AE package then many options are already included.

[schodackbassman]

Dancers pole and steps, upgraded latches.

[Fishfry]

Phil, you are right, all those options can add up to “Thousands”, I’m finding that out!!!
I want to know which options people really use, and there may be something i’d miss if I didn’t ask.

keep ’em coming…..

[gclayfam]

Step and grab pole has come in handy more than a few times…
george

[PhilAddison]

Which of the following do you think you need or want?  This is why you’ll get numerous suggestions and there’s probably an option or two that I’ve left off!

• dual console
• flush valve / spray bar
• extra livewell pump and pump out system
• stereo
• seat speakers
• hydraulic jack plate
• hot foot w/ slide plate
• rod storage rack on port side
• extra fuel tank (10 gallons)
• onboad battery charger
• aluminum battery trays
• lighted livewells
• hamby or other keel guard
• night lights
• upgraded trolling motor
• upgraded aluminum rims and tires
• upgrade compartment latches
• cover
• pro trim
• security system w/ light in storage compartments
• upgraded BCB gauges
• step and grab post
• extra gator hyde clear coat on trailer
• swing away tongue
• led lights
• reverse lights
• dual brakes
• spare hub
• “Bass Cat” logo on carpet
• “Bass Cat” decal on boot
• Humminbird or Lowrance electronics upgrades front and back
• Power Pole/s
• Hydrowave
• stainless steel boarding ladder
• ski tow bar

[jpost]

Phil, I think I know where Fishfry is coming from. After I bought my first new boat (a P-2) there were a few things that I really had wished I added. Not the whole list but a few things. I know everyone is different but some things are a safe bet for anyone (step and pole). Something I didn’t put on my original list is a Hambys. Not everyone turns a boat every year and is absolutly sure of his likes and dislikes.

[cef1965]

Fishfry,
For what it is worth, I did not fish from 2005 through 2009 due to my job. Purchased a new 2011 PII in January 2011. Beautiful rig, but wish more homework had been done on the accessories and not just the boat. Having said this, here is my list:
1. Get the best electronics you can afford–if you do not fish open water, this may be irrelevant beating the banks.
2. The grab pole and trailer step would be nice–depending on your age and shape, this could be a good investment.
3. If you fish a lot of shallow water, a power pole or talon is in order, preferably 2 if you fish shallow a lot.
4. You mentioned a pro XS in your post, go with the Mercury Smartcraft gauges or something comparable from the onset. The old analog dials are outdated.
5. Not sure that lights in the livewell is a biggy, but lights in other compartments will prove invaluable.
6. While I have not run a Fury prop, most owners on the board tend to recommend a 25 Fury prop for the 200 Pro XS. Personally, I love the Tempest 25 Plus, but the
majority of owners seem to run the Fury. I may purchase a 26 Tempest plus just to try and prove everyone wrong, but go with the majority on this one.
7. Do not let anyone put a 75lb thrust MG trolling motor on your rig. To many of us have had nothing but problems with this particular unit. You will probably hear
otherwise from those that are sponsored by MG, but the 75lb unit is most undesirable. Don’t get Richey Bolton or I started on this one. Both of us had these units
replaced. He complained until BCB replaced his; I wore out and bought my own. The 80 lb Fortrex is a super unit. There are several owners that pull there boats
over stumps and prefer a 36 volt TM.
8. Swing away tongue is a must.
9. Tandem axle is very nice.
10. Hamby’s bow protector
11. Hot foot if you like these; keep in mind RP and several guys at the factory do not like the hot foot. Personally, I could do without this, but the boat came with it.
12. Upgrade the compartment latches if you can.
13. On board battery charger is a must.
14. Pump in / pump out system is really nice.
15. Do not get an E-Z ladder. Unless you are an acrobat, this is a waste of money. Another ladder is much more practical, but it is not appealing cosmetically. Tried
using mine last summer and found it easier to pull myself over the side of the boat much easier than using the E-Z ladder. Glad the water was not cold and not fully
clothed.

Good luck with your set up. You will not be disappointed. Love my PII.

[PhilAddison]

PhilAddison wrote:Which of the following do you think you need or want?  This is why you’ll get numerous suggestions and there’s probably an option or two that I’ve left off!

• dual console – only if my wife thought she needed or if I had young kids going. Personally I would never have as it takes up space in the floor.
• flush valve / spray bar – only need if you plan on keeping fish in the livewell.  Over time your recirculation line will plug and the need for a flush valve.
• extra livewell pump and pump out system – only if you fish tournaments
• stereo – only if you go out and you just can’t live without music, etc.
• seat speakers – only if you get the top of the line stereo
• hydraulic jack plate – not unless you want the utmost performance from your set up including fishing.  A very expensive add-on for little gain.
• hot foot w/ slide plate – some like some don’t.  it would drive me nuts not having one, but I grew up with one.  If you never had, then you likely could do without.
• rod storage rack on port side – not necessary.  I have only because I like my rods organized and tanglefree.
• extra fuel tank (10 gallons) – not necessary.  only if you plan on making long runs.  30 gallons of fuel which is standard is enough gas to get you 100 plus miles.
• onboad battery charger – only because they’ve become standard on most boats.  very handy, but very problematic.
• aluminum battery trays – not necessary, but are nice in rough water never have to worry about breaking and battery coming loose spilling acid and breaking pumps.
• lighted livewells – only if you night fish.
• hamby or other keel guard – only if you plan on beaching the boat.  If you tie up to docks and bulk heads 100% of the time then you don’t need.  A standard keel gard is for light use only.  A Hamby is heavy duty and prefer if you beach your boat greater than 50% of the time while loading/unloading, etc.
• night lights – night fishing only.
• upgraded trolling motor – Tour edition 24 volt is what I would upgrade to.  A little better troller than what comes standard.
• upgraded aluminum rims and tires – depends on the look you want.
• upgrade compartment latches – southco latches are very nice, but is an expensive upgrade over standard latches which are fine for most.
• cover – no unless you store your boat outdoors or if you want to trailer your boat with a cover.  I
• pro trim – only if you have a hot foot.
• security system w/ light in storage compartments – only if you feel like you need to get in a storage compartment at night
• upgraded BCB gauges – not necessary, but gives you information on how the engine performs.  I use very little, and only have so that I can determine alarms and other malfunctions
• step and grab post – nice feature to have if you fish alone and load / unload your boat by yourself.
• extra gator hyde clear coat on trailer – protects trailer from rock chips if you do a lot of traveling
• swing away tongue – will shorten the length the rig by approximately 3′ for easier garage storage.
• led lights – brighter lights
• reverse lights – brightens dark ramps at dark.  makes it very easy to back at night.  only get one if you are only concerned with the safety factor.
• dual brakes – not necessary, but some states may require
• spare hub – not necessary and if you are not mechanically inclined then don’t even think about it.
• “Bass Cat” logo on carpet – not necessary
• “Bass Cat” decal on boot – not necessary
• Humminbird or Lowrance electronics upgrades front and back – standard are fine as long as you cast to what you see.  Otherwise, upgrade.  Upgrading can cost serious money real quick.
• Power Pole/s – not necessary
• Hydrowave  – not necessary
• stainless steel boarding ladder – not necessary unless you plan on skiing
• ski tow bar – not necessary unless you plan on skiing behind the boat

Here’s a thought for you.  None of the above are necessary and are the reason that BCB has made these “options”.  Just depends on how you want to dress the rig up or how much equipment you want to try and catch a bass.  Just these options here would cost one up to 7K.
‘
dual console – $800
hydraulic jack plate – $1,000
power poles – $1500 each
electronic upgrades – $500 -$2000 each
upgrade wheels and tires – $500 – $700

A well loaded P2 could cost high 40’s+ and not sure what you’re limit is.  In addition, ordering late in the year……….November / December can save you a few points as well vs. ordering in March/April.

[steveM]

I was boatless boat trash for several years after selling my old Champion and Decided on a 2011 PII.
First
-> Stripper Pole- I didnt want it but Sherm said after I used it a couple times I would find I couldnt live without it. Oh me of little faith, The expert was right. I cant live without it. owners of other manufactures rigs wonder why theres dont have something like it.
-> I have a Merc 200 sx, and I am glad of upgrading my guages..a ton of info there.
-> Hot foot, on this boat at 70 I do like having both hands on the wheel.
-> I have lighted lockers and find those are way good for these old eyes.
-> Stereo Na Im either fishn or flyen
-> Extra fuel tank – even with the great fuel milage I wouildnt go without it.
-> Upgraded battery trays for me a necessity
-> Tandem trailer, breaks all around…one never knows
-> Swing away trailor tongue, my PII fits straight in my garage
-> I have duel back up lights. Worth every dime
-> pump in/out livewell a must
As all have said allot of things are simply preferance. don’t look at what your going to do with your boat tomorrow but also a couple years down the road.

To have it and not need it is way better than need it and not have it Many of us found out the hard way

regards
Steve “gunz” Molina

[lincwoody]

Would be who goes fishing with you, I take my kids most every time, really thinking BassCat needs to develop a 40 footer with a penalty box as an option. Seriously though, I think a lot of people have given some great answers, a lot of the good upgrades may not be necessary, but could improve resale later as well.

[Fishfry]

Guys, I can’t tell you enough how awesome your responses are..
Phil, you added comments to your options which is what I was going to do then have you respond, thanks for that.
My son fished with me for years, he’s a Marine now, and for the most part my wife is my new partner.
We live, and fish is South Louisiana on Lake Verret and the Atchafalaya Basin, so there are many stumps, not much open water, many bayous and canals.
I’ll also fish alone much of the time too, and plan on a yearly trip to Toledo Bend, Sam Raburn, and maybe Lake Fork.

I call myself a “considerate” fisherman and idle by any boat with a troller in the water.
Hole shot is more important than speed for me, so I want to be sure on the prop and hopefully buy once.
I don’t tournament fish anymore….

Are there any additional charges for colors other than white or color combinations?
Will the Basscat factory setup the Mercury and all other options I order? (I’d rather pickup the boat ready to fish!!!)
I plan on driving to the plant to pick up the boat and want to take the tour…

one last comment on the Basscat web page…
when looking at the different boats and options, the way the page is laid out looks very “busy”.
One of my biggest questions is “what options are included in the Advantage Elite series”?
unless I missed something, I couldn’t find that on the Pantera II page.

Thanks again for all the responses, this is a huge purchase for me in this economy…

[jpost]

BCB, might be a candidate for the FAQ section. Especially Phil’s summary.

[Author]

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