Basscat Sabre Ftd Opinions

[Guest csfishinfool]

Hello everyone,

I am in the market for a new 18 ft class boat. My dad owns a ranger188vs, which is a super stable rig, but it is also slow. Speed doesn't really matter much. The ride and ability to handle big water are far more important.

I thought I would ask everyones opinion on basscat boats. I really think that they are making the most solid one around. I've also noticed that the hull on the boat is very deep, almost like a champion. I've fished out of a 181 champion many times. That boat rides amazing, its fast and unreal handeling those 4-5 foot waves you encounter on some lakes outside the state. So good or bad let me know what you think. If you have a basscat and like it I would love to here about it. From what I understand their custmor service is second to none. Also let me know where you bought your boat from and if the dealer has taken care of you. Or if you have had problems with the boat or motor

Im going to try to put together the ultimate 18 ft rig with the sabre ftd. I should be ready to buy early this coming spring.

175 pro xs

82lb motor guide tour edition

power poll

humming bird electronics

[rps]

I am a metal man - Alumacraft - but Bill Babler and some others are singing the praises of a Phoenix.

Basscat enjoys a well earned good reputation. Check the Phoenix out. Put the Ranger you prefer on the list. Seems to me you will have a very good 3 boat choice that way.

I am sure others will chime in on this one.

[timr0123]

I own a 2006 Sabre DC. I have been extremely happy with it. It is very stable at top end and can handle the big waves. Mine has a 150 Optimax and runs 60mph with all the storage boxes fully loaded, 40 gallons of fuel and with two people. I have yet to tweak my jack plate any, but I believe it could turn 65 mph with a little adjusting and loaded a little lighter. It also is extremely staple when turning at WOT, no hopping or skipping. The ride is also very dry. What impresses everyone that goes with me are the numerous little extras that come with a Cat for about the same price you'd pay for any other brand. You also can not get better factory support than from BassCat. And almost better than that is the Owners Board on the BassCat website. You can get any question answered quickly by both a factory rep and numerous owners.

[Guest csfishinfool]

I own a 2006 Sabre DC. I have been extremely happy with it. It is very stable at top end and can handle the big waves. Mine has a 150 Optimax and runs 60mph with all the storage boxes fully loaded, 40 gallons of fuel and with two people. I have yet to tweak my jack plate any, but I believe it could turn 65 mph with a little adjusting and loaded a little lighter. It also is extremely staple when turning at WOT, no hopping or skipping. The ride is also very dry. What impresses everyone that goes with me are the numerous little extras that come with a Cat for about the same price you'd pay for any other brand. You also can not get better factory support than from BassCat. And almost better than that is the Owners Board on the BassCat website. You can get any question answered quickly by both a factory rep and numerous owners.

Thanks for your reply

[Quillback]

CS, I'm researching the same boats you are. I'd say Basscat and Phoenix are my top 2 choices with Ranger being third. I'm looking in the 18 foot range also. Dealer is important to me, Waymack marine in Springdale sells Basscat and I have dealt with them in the past and they seem to have a solid rep. Next step for me is to get out and see these boats in person and talk to the folks at the dealerships.

[vacation]

I have fished out of many boats the last 15 years and I tend to like a champion overall. But, Bass Cat is good, Ranger is good and Triton is good.

I have no experience with Phoenix. Stick with the main brands and you'll be just fine. To me, the motor is the engine that drives the thing, so make sure it works!

[Guest csfishinfool]

CS, I'm researching the same boats you are. I'd say Basscat and Phoenix are my top 2 choices with Ranger being third. I'm looking in the 18 foot range also. Dealer is important to me, Waymack marine in Springdale sells Basscat and I have dealt with them in the past and they seem to have a solid rep. Next step for me is to get out and see these boats in person and talk to the folks at the dealerships.

Yeah same here, I may check in to Waymack marine in springdale. I wish they would just sell me one straight from the factory. I'm going to have to go get in one and drive it before I buy it though. I wish there was a dealer that just sold Basscat.

If you decide to go with the Ranger give Bills Marine in Monett a try. He's old school, and can get you a good deal. Great service and just a really good guy.

Tim, do you know if there is really any diffrence in the size of the front deck between the original Sabre, and the Sabre FTD?

I know the FTD is a bit more flashy, but i could care less about the un-nessasary bells and whistles. Im wanting to get in one for less than 30 G'S

[DChance]

The BassCats are great boats with probably the best customer service of all the manufacturers. Great little boats. I also really like the new Ranger Z118s too. Very nice also, but both will cost a little bit. I have and LOVE my Nitro Z7. I have a 2010 so mine has a 200 pro xs and flies. In my opinion the Z7 is the best value boat on the market. You get a ton of boat for the money. Don't listen to all the negative opinions on Nitros that has come from thier past. They have come leaps and bounds since the early to mid 90s when they got their "reputation". I am a football coach and won't be out for a while otherwise I would give you a ride. If you are in Rolla, let me know and I will be glad to show you around mine.

[timr0123]

Yeah same here, I may check in to Waymack marine in springdale. I wish they would just sell me one straight from the factory. I'm going to have to go get in one and drive it before I buy it though. I wish there was a dealer that just sold Basscat.

If you decide to go with the Ranger give Bills Marine in Monett a try. He's old school, and can get you a good deal. Great service and just a really good guy.

Tim, do you know if there is really any diffrence in the size of the front deck between the original Sabre, and the Sabre FTD?

I know the FTD is a bit more flashy, but i could care less about the un-nessasary bells and whistles. Im wanting to get in one for less than 30 G'S

The main difference is the flipping deck insert and possibly a different paint option.

[Quillback]

One thing I like about the Nitro is they have that easily removable passenger console. I believe Phoenix has that also, Ranger and Basscat don't.