Puma vs. PIV

[basschaser]

Tough choice wareagle.

I would say it depends on the water you fish. If you don’t need the added length, storage (although not a whole lot of difference) and speed (depending on what motor you put on the Puma) then the PIV is the boat. It also comes down to price as the PIV will be cheaper and the majority of that cost is the difference between the 200HP and the 225+HP motor prices.

The lakes here in TX are bigger than a lot of places and combined with how the wind blows anytime it isn’t smoking hot is one of the reasons I went with the Puma. I really like the layout with the bigger cooler and daybox that the Puma provides as a step up to the front deck. I also prefer the smaller gunnels that are on the Puma.

With all that said, yes I own a Puma but I wouldn’t hesitate to own a PIV.

Good luck with your choice, I cannot see you being unhappy with either one.

Judd Lasiter

[Earle Hammond]

Patrick I have not fished out of a Puma yet but own a p4. I went with the p4 for the ability to move around docks, and fish shallow. I can fish in 1 foot of water. I know this can be done with the Puma wide body also. As stability goes there is not a more stable 19 foot class boat in the market. The p4 has a wide front deck for comfort for you and partner.. Enough storage for a month of fishing. The only difference would be with the Puma a better ride you are gaining a foot of boat… I have no complaint’s with the ride or fishability… My p4 is easy to drive and runs low 70’s loaded. Good luck on your choice either boat will make you a fine fishing machine. Earle

[Guest]

i own a puma, and i would take a hard look at the plv

[wareagle]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it.

Patrick

 

[g2072]

I honestly think the only advantage the Puma has over the PIV is a little bit of room on the front deck and the availability of a bigger engine. If you get in water thats too rough for the PIV you arent going to want to be out there in a Puma either. I bought the PIV because thats what I found in the price range I was looking for. Unless you are ordering a new boat you might have to look around for a boat. You wont find many used PIV boats and when you do happen on one it brings a good price. There is a reason for this.

[wareagle]

G2072,

Very useful insight. I had noticed there don’t seem to be many used PIVs out there. The PIV doesn’t seem to have the step up onto the front deck that the Puma has. Does that result in a front deck space that is nearly equal to the Puma?

Any issues with the length of the rod lockers?

Thanks again.

Patrick

[basschaser]

Patrick,

The cooler (as I mentioned is a little smaller but still very useful) is the step up on the PIV it is just back in between the consoles where the Puma has it out in front of the consoles. You loose the daybox the Puma has due to this also, while it is handy and I use it for my bouy’s, extra hooks, scents, extra pliers, nails and extra line I could easily put in in another bin.

The deck space is nearly identical but the PIV is just slightly wider and shorter (albeit not much in either direction) than the Puma.

No length issues with the PIV, my buddy places 7’6″ rods in his with absolutely no problems. That is one advantage to the two boats you have narrowed down too, the rod boxes are longer and provide a ton of room to put rods in the lockers without bending the fire out of your rod tips.

Judd

[pantera296]

I agree totally with all that has been said…Either boat is nothing short of a awesome fishing machine…I think a PIV will do everything a Puma will do even on the “big” water in most cases.Depending on power on the Puma a PIV/200 can be real close on speed too.I just happen to have 2 new PIV/200 Optis and 1 Puma/225proXS in stock if your interested…..

Sherm

[djk3030]

If you do go the PIV route (I have one), make sure you get the 2 10 gallon saddle tanks that are on option on the PIV. That’ll give it 52 gallons, which the Puma comes standard with. Even if you don’t think you’ll use it now, you’re likely to change your mind later and better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Plus I think it’s a pretty big selling point to have them if you ever go to sell the boat.

I’ve never been in a Puma but with the PIV saddle tank option making the two equal on gas capacity, I just can’t see much difference between the two beyond what’s already been mentioned. And speaking as an owner of one, there just ain’t a more perfect floating fishing platform made than the brilliantly designed PIV!

[phi2ls]

After fishing out of Ranger boats for years, I bought the PIV back in Mar, and love it. It is extremely stable on the larger water and will float in a mud puddle on the skinny water. I’ve been amazed at how shallow this thing will float.

I’m not familiar with the Puma, but would reccomend the PIV for a first time performance boat owner as it is extremely easy to drive, maneuvers and fish’s extremely well. Can’t testify as to how the Puma handles first hand, although I imagine it is very similiar in fishability and handling.

[Author]

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