Tell me why I should buy a Pantera II over a Sabre (Decided and Found a Boat..See Pic)

I have done searches on this topic and read lots of posts but Im still not 100% decided. Right now Im just waiting on the best deal on one of the two to come along. The perfect set up for my situation would be the Sabre FTD with a 175 because it would fit straight back in my garage and would be a little easier to get in and out. I live in Louisiana and fish the Red River a lot, and a few average sized lakes, so I dont need a huge boat. Once or twice a year I fish Toledo Bend and it, but not enough to warrant having a bigger boat. The Pantera II will fit in my garage, but at an angle, so I would have to have a single axle trailer. Ive had a 19 footer on a dual axle and its was a big pain so Im not going to do that again.I would just like to hear some more pros/cons between the two boats. This will be my 6th "last" boat, and I mean it this time...lol, so I want to make sure I get it right. I have been researching Basscats and hanging out on this forum for a while now, so Im totally sold one the brand and ready to make a purchase!Thanks in advance for your opinions.Last edited by Cassbass on November 10th, 2012, 3:19 am, edited 1 time in total.

This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 6 months ago by Cassbass.

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October 30, 2012 at 8:46 pm #328530

doprofsh
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I went thru the similar decisions when I was looking for my Cat.. I decided on the Sabre as it fit my style of fishing. I had a 19 foot boat, and it was good but I found it hard to get into areas I fished here in East Texas and the Red. Ive fished the Red out of my Sabre and was able to get into and out of areas that the other brand boats couldnt.Also, I fish Toledo a bunch and Ive never felt my Sabre couldnt get me back in after the wind and waves picked up. Both boats are awesome rigs. If you get the chance take a ride in both and be sure and drop the trolling motor and see how they “fish”.Good luck on your choice, and which ever you chose, the Pantera or Sabre, itll be a great boat, cause its a CAT!!!!!!!

October 30, 2012 at 8:54 pm #328557

jpeiserich
Participant

If you dont intend to fish big water the Sabre is a perfect boat. I loved mine, but – theres always a but – it wasnt big enough for long runs in bigger lakes. I always felt safe dont get me wrong. The P2 is about as good as any bass boat including 20+ footers. If you really intend to stay off TB when its nasty then get the Sabre FTD with a 175 and a single console. John

October 30, 2012 at 9:03 pm #328577

Cassbass
Participant

Thanks for the replies so far fellas. Much appreciated and will help a lot in my decision making process.

October 30, 2012 at 9:31 pm #328594

dbasketman
Participant

You can probably get into a P2 with a 200 for about the same $$$$$ as a Sabre FTD with a 175. And the Sabre wont go anywhere a P2 wont, and the P2 will handle a bit larger water that a Sabre wont be comfortable in.imho You should always get what you want,,,,,, but you will always want bigger, and faster somewhere down the road.Im running a Cougar AE, and it just aint big enough !

October 30, 2012 at 9:57 pm #328613

cef1965
Participant

Prior to buying a new PII in 2011, I studied the same situation in great detail. The bottom line is it depends on WHAT YOU NEED. I have always been one to buy to meet needs instead of what I really want. The PII does this for us.Do you fish with a growing child? Do you fish a lot of tournaments? These are just a few questions to consider.Here is our situation:I fish alone 75% of the time. The other 25% is with my only child, who is now 15 yrs old. He has a lot to learn. The front deck of the PII lets him come up front with me. I feels he gets better instruction when he is where he can be watched and helped. Keep in mind I prefer to find fish out deep and go catching instead of fishing, so spoons do much better with 2 guys up front. My good friend has a PII that he keeps his son on the back deck, but he is an excellent shallow water power fisherman. The lakes we fish include Eufaula, Martin, Wedowee, Guntersville for the SEBCOG and Jordan We could probably get by with the 18 Sabre, but it is nice to have the extra room jigging spoons on Martin and Eufaula.May I suggest getting the most boat you can afford. Almost bought a Sabre, but glad we landed the PII. Plenty of room on the front deck for 2, even if 1 is inexperienced.If you are interested in a PII, I have 2 friends that have PIIs for sale. If you notice, there a not a whole lot of Sabres or PIIs for sale. Hope this helps.

October 30, 2012 at 10:07 pm #328632

Cassbass
Participant

cef1965: I am interested in your friends boats. Are they listed on the internet? If so, Ive probably ran across them as Ive been searching for a while.

October 30, 2012 at 10:35 pm #328651

cef1965
Participant

Kelly White–he has a 2007 PII with a 200 E-tec.. Have fished out of this rig and it is immaculate. Kellys number is 256 487 1787.Chris Hagler has a nice rig for sale as well. He can be reached at 662-769-0869. Chris has his rig listed under boats for sale. He has a very nice PII with a 200 Optimax. Look under boats for sale for his.Hope this helps. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to call me at 334 614 6738. Carky Freeman

October 31, 2012 at 12:37 am #328669

PhilAddison
Participant

panter 2 over a sabre ftd because its bigger, its faster, it rides better, it has more storage………………though, i wouldnt put it on a single axle trailer. just doesnt look right in my opinion.

October 31, 2012 at 12:46 am #328690

Cassbass
Participant

I agree that the dual axle looks better but my garage is short and its a pain to get it situated right. Been there/done that…dont want to do it again.Thanks for all the info guys.
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