Basscat Cougar

[SKIFFY123]

I just sold my flats boat because of problems with the hull and I want to fish some bass tournaments, and go faster! I have the chance to buy a 2002 basscat cougar with a 2002 yamaha vmax 250. the boat was used for guide fishing and the owner says the motor has about 400hrs on it. He is asking $9500 bucks for the rig.

Are the hours too hi? I know he guided on a small lake here in florida so I am thinking it was mostly lower rpm's.

Any thoughts or comments on the hours on the motor or the basscat hull?

[K-Dawg]

that depends on what your definion of faster is. I am guessing high 70's with a load in that boat. Maybe 80 with a light load low fuel.

[SKIFFY123]

I guess my main question is about the motor. Is 400 hours a lot for this outboard? And is this a good year for the 250 vmax?

[JWTjr.]

400 hours is a lot, but Yamahas are known for long lifespans. Leak it down and compression test it. It may just be good for another 200 hours. Many of the rental places and police outfits up here get 1000 hours from Yamaha powerheads.

JT

[Markus]

Yamahas are designed for 2000-3000 hours.

[SKIFFY123]

So I guess this is a good deal then. Not heard to much about Basscat's but I went to their web site and see that the hulls are wood free all fiberglass but how do they compare to an Allison or a Bullet?

[mattm24tx]

not as fast as a bullet or allison. but the ride is awsome, in my opinion it is one of the best built bass boat on the market I worked at a dealer for a while and fell in love with them. I know the new couger with a 250xs runs in the upper 70s loaded with 2 fat boys ready to fish. Ask the same question on the texasfishingforum.com Alot of people on there run/swear by basscats. If compression #s are right I would by it for that price.

[SKIFFY123]

Thanks for the reply, good to hear from someone who knows these boats first hand.

I will be test driving the boat on friday. Any thing about the hull or motor that I should be looking for?

[txdlvryman]

I fished out of basscats for about 15 years.. It is not the fastest hull on the water, but it is one of the best rough water hulls out there.. It is extremely tough and a dream to fish out of.. Buy it and you wont be disappointed..