Let's See Your Cougars-Boats That Is!!!

I have always liked the Cougar Boats even since I saw my first 21MTR in Hot Boat many years ago. After having owned a Thundercraft Wildcat 2, Panther V-Mate, a Hydrostream AE-21 and a Vegas XT and a 21 Talon, I bought my first Cougar, a 21MTR in Feb/03 with a 260EFI on it, which I sold and installed a '98 300 Mariner Super Magnum. The boat ran 102.2 mph on GPS with a Mazco RE 4 32" prop. I sold that motor and put an '02 300X on it. It ran about the same speed with a Mazco RE 4 30" prop. I couldn't find a fat shaft 32" at the time to gain any speed.
Thanks
Gary

I bought my first of 3 22MTRs in Dec/05. It was a 2003 with an '03 300X that had only 53 fresh water hours on it. The boat was used in the Cougar ads in Hot Boat back then and I was told by Cougar that the photo shown was taken at Lake X before the original owner took ownership of it in Florida. That boat ran a touch over 92 mph on GPS with a worked Mazco RE 4 30" prop. I ran the boat until the fall of 2008 when I lost the lower main crank bearing in the motor, so the boat sat for two years, when I sold the boat without power to Euroski and he just sold it recently. I still have the motor which has been rebuilt and it is for sale in the Outboard Section. I got more into slalom skiing, so I bought a portable slalom course and a Malibu Response with an LS1 Corvette engine for that purpose which I still have.
Thanks
Gary

I missed going fast and the Malibu is not a comfortable boat to ride in when the wind picks up in the afternoon on our lake, plus I always regretted selling the Cougar. After looking at few STV Euro that I could rebuild my 300X to put on, I came across my next 22MTR, powered with a 2004 300X with only 78 hours on it (also for sale in the Outboard Section). Co-incidentally, I looked at this boat back in 2005 before I purchased the 2003. Since I had two 300Xs, I was originally thinking of converting this boat to twins but a twin 300X boat became available, so I sold it to a man in Ontario without power to purchase what I told my wife, my last Cougar. To be continued.....
Thanks
Gary

My latest Cougar 22MTR, a 2001 with '01 300Xs that has only 49 fresh water hours. It was a one owner boat that he purchased from the factory in Salmon Arm and it was used two weekends a summer on the Columbia River in Washington. I also looked at this back in 2005 as well but it was not in the budget at the time and I never thought I would ever own it. Well the opportunity came up and I jumped on it. The owner towed it from East Wenatchee, Washington to Lake Delton, Wisconsin and I towed it home from there-6,244 kms or 3,854 miles round trip for me. The boat came gift wrapped for Christmas. To my knowledge this is the only twin 300X boat that Cougar ever built. They did one with twin 280s which Bob Cruse on here has. In fact this boat was supposed to be built with 280s, but when he went to the factory to place the order, they had a 23MTR in the showroom with 300Xs on it and he upgraded the power to them instead. Come on spring!! Let's see your Cougars-past or present.
Thanks
Gary

Here are a few photos of my 21 MTR. For the 2017 season I ran a "mostly" stock 2.5/200 on a 15" mid with a Sport Master gearcase. The boat ran approx. 90 with this setup. My Nikasil 2.5/245 is being assembled for next season to see what it can do.

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Originally Posted by RocketMan

Here are a few photos of my 21 MTR. For the 2017 season I ran a "mostly" stock 2.5/200 on a 15" mid with a Sport Master gearcase. The boat ran approx. 90 with this setup. My Nikasil 2.5/245 is being assembled for next season to see what it can do.



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Rocketman
You should be in the mid 90s with a strong 245. Was your Cougar built in Salmon Arm or Hill City, Kansas? It looks great by the way.

I know there are more out there. Let's see them.
Thanks
Gary

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Originally Posted by Hydrogasm

Rocketman
You should be in the mid 90s with a strong 245. Was your Cougar built in Salmon Arm or Hill City, Kansas? It looks great by the way.

I know there are more out there. Let's see them.
Thanks
Gary

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I don't know how to tell where it was built. I know it was purchased new by a guy in Illinois. He had a 2.5/280 EFI on it. Unfortunately he passed away and the boat went to Florida where it passed thru 4 different owners. I rescued it about 2 1/2 years ago and have been fixing it up and repairing the damage done by Florida sun and salt!

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Originally Posted by RocketMan

I don't know how to tell where it was built. I know it was purchased new by a guy in Illinois. He had a 2.5/280 EFI on it. Unfortunately he passed away and the boat went to Florida where it passed thru 4 different owners. I rescued it about 2 1/2 years ago and have been fixing it up and repairing the damage done by Florida sun and salt!

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Rocketman
Your boat was I think was one of the first boats built in Hill City, Kansas. I talked to them about building me a new 22MTR and they sent me photos of this boat. I looked in my Cougar Photo File but I didn't have them saved. I think the original owner's name was George. I actually talked to him after he bought it to get his impression of the boat. He seemed very happy with it. Fas Kat on here owned it at one time with the 280 on it.


Keep the photos coming.
Thanks
Gary

Interesting history on my boat. I saw some pictures of it on Cougar's web site when it was new but wasn't sure where it was built. I did speak to Fas Kat (Shaun) a while ago while trying to track down the title holder for the Cougar trailer. When he had the boat (August 2013) it was in pristine condition. I wish I had found it when he was selling it. It passed through two other owners before I purchased it in July 2015.

Of all the boats I have owned got to say the Cougar was the best.

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Originally Posted by Euroski

Of all the boats I have owned got to say the Cougar was the best.

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Larry
I was sad to see that you sold yours but maybe when you get better, you will find another one. You have a standing invitation come ride in mine anytime. Let me know when you are coming.
Take care
Gary

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Originally Posted by Euroski

Of all the boats I have owned got to say the Cougar was the best.

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Larry
Here are a few of the photos of your Cougar that you sent me over the years.
Enjoy them
Gary

I used to get Hotboat. Cougar usually had a big ad and Hotboat tested a lot of them. Put me down as a former wannabe Cougar owner.

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Originally Posted by David

I used to get Hotboat. Cougar usually had a big ad and Hotboat tested a lot of them. Put me down as a former wannabe Cougar owner.

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David
Yes, they advertised very heavily in Hot Boat back in the day and many tests on them as well. Here is an article that was in the March 2001 issue of the "Family and Performance Boating" magazine. It compared 3 different power options for the 22MTR. The twin 280 engine boat now belongs to Bob Cruse on here. To my knowledge it was the only other twin engine 22MTR that Cougar built besides mine or at least I have never seen it advertised anywhere for sale.
Enjoy
Gary

Here are some photos of Bob's 2001 22MTR with the twin 280s on it before he bought it and after he put his personal touches on it. Bob I hope you don't mind that I posted your photos.
Thanks
Gary

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Originally Posted by davemvegas

Gary. Does you new boat have 300x motors? I see the Pro Max decals on the back of cowls. 300x And Pro Max are not the same are they?

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Dave
It is hard to see the "X" s in the photos but they are 300Xs.
Thanks
Gary

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Hydrogasm, Thanks a lot for loading up the magazine pics of the Cougar reviews, I was going to post a pic of the 22 with twins last night but it wouldn't work. Pretty cool when I looked today and found you guys talking about the boat. I grew up wanting to go fast because our family cabin is on the same beach as Bob Cruse's place. My whole family would run to the lakeside to watch when we heard Bob wind up from down the beach. Funny story about the new paint, Bob was worried I would think he was copying me with the new colors because as he was getting it painted red and black I picked up my red and black Checkmate. He promised he picked out the colors before he saw my boat. Then last winter I was looking at a Cougar with a 300 promax because I just needed to go 100, as before I buy any boat I met up with Bob to ask him what he thought. He said it seemed alright but then offered to sell me the twins. I pretty much immediately agreed to buy the boat.. I probably shouldn't keep both boats but I love em both and having the colors match is just kinda awesome. The sound of the twins is one of the best sounds I've ever heard and it's rock solid at 100+. Such a thrill to drive. :cheers:

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Originally Posted by whytey

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Hydrogasm, Thanks a lot for loading up the magazine pics of the Cougar reviews, I was going to post a pic of the 22 with twins last night but it wouldn't work. Pretty cool when I looked today and found you guys talking about the boat. I grew up wanting to go fast because our family cabin is on the same beach as Bob Cruse's place. My whole family would run to the lakeside to watch when we heard Bob wind up from down the beach. Funny story about the new paint, Bob was worried I would think he was copying me with the new colors because as he was getting it painted red and black I picked up my red and black Checkmate. He promised he picked out the colors before he saw my boat. Then last winter I was looking at a Cougar with a 300 promax because I just needed to go 100, as before I buy any boat I met up with Bob to ask him what he thought. He said it seemed alright but then offered to sell me the twins. I pretty much immediately agreed to buy the boat.. I probably shouldn't keep both boats but I love em both and having the colors match is just kinda awesome. The sound of the twins is one of the best sounds I've ever heard and it's rock solid at 100+. Such a thrill to drive. :cheers:

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I just came across your post. Congratulations on the purchase of Bob's 22MTR. E-mail me some more photos of the boat at [email protected] and include your phone number as I would like to pick your brain on the set-up and such.
Thanks
Gary

Here are some photos of the single engine 22MTR that Bob Cruse also owned. He sold it a couple of years ago but I forget where it went. He got it from another Bob out on Vancouver Island. Let's see some more Cougars!
Thanks
Gary

Since I'm BOATLESS and most likly will be due to health issues... let's see some real living Cougars(LOL)!

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Originally Posted by Euroski

Since I'm BOATLESS and most likly will be due to health issues... let's see some real living Cougars(LOL)!

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Larry
I searched the world wide web and found some pretty nice Cougar Photos for you. I hope you enjoy them. Have a great Holiday Season!!!!
Thanks
Gary

Too many legs!(LOL)!

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Originally Posted by Hydrogasm

Larry
I searched the world wide web and found some pretty nice Cougar Photos for you. I hope you enjoy them. Have a great Holiday Season!!!!
Thanks
Gary

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Larry
I don't think Greg would appreciate me posting the Cougars that you were hoping to see but here is another 2004 22MTR with a 300X on the back that is owned by Chris in California. Guys, don't be shy, post some Cougar photos!
Thanks
Gary

Here is Bruce Bumstead's 2000 22MTR that was powered by a 300 ProMax in the photos but I think he upgraded it to a 300X in the later years. The last 2 photos were from the HotBoat test done back in 2000 I think. Larry the ladies in the photo are not Cougars and they have the right number of legs! LOL!
Merry Christmas
Gary

Here are some photo of Rick's 2002 22MTR 300X package. I looked at purchasing this one back in 2005 but it was in California and shipping costs stopped me.
Thanks
Gary

Gary, you must know where every 22MTR is in North America!

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Originally Posted by Euroski

Gary, you must know where every 22MTR is in North America!

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Larry
I have always keep track of any Cougars for sale especially after I sold you my first 22MTR. There were not as many 22s built compared to 21s and 23s. I remember seeing most of them for sale over the years, however I never saw Chris's 22 for sale before. Let's see some more any length.
Thanks
Gary

DBR 300x, 372 hp, 120 mph ....

Came to my senses and didn’t sell it. :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by New Canoe

DBR 300x, 372 hp, 120 mph ....

Came to my senses and didn’t sell it. :thumbsup:

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New Canoe
Wow 120mph!! That's rockin' the house. What prop and how many rpms are you turning to get that speed? Let us know.
Thanks
Gary

34 pitch Hackney 4 blade
6500 rom
7% slip
1.5 inches above bottom
25% AV gas

my boat is also a one seat center steer design. I can put two seats in, but the boat screams when you dump excess furniture!

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Originally Posted by New Canoe

34 pitch Hackney 4 blade
6500 rom
7% slip
1.5 inches above bottom
25% AV gas

my boat is also a one seat center steer design. I can put two seats in, but the boat screams when you dump excess furniture!

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New Canoe
"Screams and Flys" with that top speed number.
Thanks
Gary

My 19’ Cougar, “War Canoe” 2012 Parker Enduro winner, ran 113 mph with a stock 300xs.
Ran the same 34 Hackney 1 3/4” above the bottom. We splashed the bottom off the 21’ on to the 19’ and picked up 7 mph. The 21’s center pod was lower, allowing the boat to ride on less surface area...more speed came quickly!!

34 pitch
1.62
6300 rpm
10% slip
113 mph
slip was much higher on the 300xs @ 10%, but we were running 1/4 inch higher.

Here is Eric's 2003 22MTR/300X package. It was for sale on Craig's List in the Buffalo area awhile ago.
Thanks
Gary

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1980 19 Tunnel 2.4 EFI Bridgeport.

Dave

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Originally Posted by Dave Strong

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1980 19 Tunnel 2.4 EFI Bridgeport.

Dave

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Dave
Good to hear from you. Nice looking 19MTR!! Keep the photos coming.
Thanks
Gary

This is Steve Bell's 2004 22MTR powered by a 2014 300XS. He sold it a year or so ago to buy a 25Talon but missed the Cougar so much, he sold it and bought my 2004 22MTR back in September.
Thanks
Gary

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Originally Posted by Hydrogasm

Dave
Good to hear from you. Nice looking 19MTR!! Keep the photos coming.
Thanks
Gary

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I will have to dig up some pics from back in the day when Cougar Canada used to have their annual reunion. Have lots.

Dave

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Originally Posted by Dave Strong

I will have to dig up some pics from back in the day when Cougar Canada used to have their annual reunion. Have lots.

Dave

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Dave
I remember seeing photos of their reunions in Hot Boat many years ago. Please post them if can find them.
Thanks
Gary

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Originally Posted by Hydrogasm

Dave
I remember seeing photos of their reunions in Hot Boat many years ago. Please post them if can find them.
Thanks
Gary

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One year the photographer from Hot Boat road with us on the poker run.

Dave

My 87 21mtr