[ObiWan]

I know this is an old post, but would love to have the opportunity to look at a Margay or Bobcat up close and personal.

[ObiWan]

Looking at trailer tires.  The ones on it are the originals according to the 2 previous owners.  They aren’t date stamped and that became a requirement in 2000.  If I had a tandem axle trailer, I’d just go get some matching 14 inch tires.  But this single axle needs better tires.  The current ones are 215/75 R14.  The 15” tires are slighlty wider (225/75 R15).  I should have room to fit them, but won’t have much.

I’ll have to look at that website.  I haven’t been able to find any that satisfy me.  The boat weighs 1350, motor is 450 or so. 36 gallons of fuel, tackle/rods, and trailer weight are over 2000 lbs.  Best 14” tires I could find were rated for right at 2000.  Thats too close to the minimum for me.

[ObiWan]

Went to local tire shop and tried some 15” tires.  Couldn’t fit them without removing the fiberglass fenders or trying to move them.  Didn’t want that hassle, so I put some good 8 ply 14” tires on.  Should be good to go now.

[ObiWan]

Kyle J:

What model Pantera is going to make a difference. If it’s the boat in your picture it looks like maybe a classic with the deck insert in it.  But either way I’m not real sure the Suzuki in that HP range is going to be your best option. That’s going to be a small displacement 4 cylinder, where as Merc and Yamaha offer their big blocks in the 200HP range.

The classics of that era ran ok with the 2.5L mercury, but the 3.0 was a better option, and I think the PIII really didn’t like the smaller block.  Can’t speak to the PII of that era but I think it would likely do the best of the three models with less torque as it’s quite an efficient package.

Your set up will make a difference as well, such as jackplate, poles, battery type etc. too.   I’m sure someone who has forgotten more about these boats than I know can chime in but if it were me and I could find one I’d be putting a 200 SHO on her.

 

Its a Classic DC (dual console).  I have no poles and will not be getting any.  No use for them here.  Currently have lead/acid batteries, but may want to switch to some lithiums soon as I think all my batteries need to be replaced.  Evidently lots of boats at that time came with a 150 because that was the limit on tour.  I’m not a tournament fisherman, so don’t care about that.  I want a stable ride with reliability.

I’ve talked with several dealers and all ay the Suzuki is more reliable than Merc or Yamaha.

 

[ObiWan]

Rich12:

2 of the 2000 lbs tires will carry 4000 lbs.   Its 2000 pounds per tire.  Unless your running one tire, you more than good to go.

Correct.  But the ones I had were C load tires.  Personally, I wanted something better.  I went with 14” D1 tires and it is much better.  Wheels are original 1999 wheels, so all they need is a good polish now.

[ObiWan]

I have a 1999 Pantera Classic.  Just repowered it with a Suzuki.  I wanted a new Bobcat but $43000 is way more than $15000.  So I repowered mine.  If the transom is good, put on it what you want and keep on fishing.

[ObiWan]

Love this boat.  If I could trade my 1999 Pantera Classic for it, I would snatch this one up.

 

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