Bass Cat Puma STS review Part 2 - Great Bass Boat Search Revisited

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2 жыл бұрын

Although we completed The Great Bass Boat Search of 2021, last last year with over 100 hours spent in 15 different boats, 40 videos, there is a new boat around introduced this year that I had to go review. The new Bass Cat STS, Cat's newest wide deck design was introduced last year and I finally had a chance to spend a day in it, and here is part 1 of that review. As a reminder last year we looked at a Ranger 521C, a Ranger 520L, a Bass Cat Puma Hybrid, a Charger 210, a Caymas CX21, a Bullet 21 SDC, Phoenix921 ProXP, , a Vexus VX20, a Blazer 650 Pro Tour, a Phoenix 21 PHX, a Skeeter 21 FXR, a Falcon F215, a Bass Cat Lynx, a Ballistic 204 and an Allison XB 21, now we look at Bass Cat's newest offering.
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Пікірлер: 79

@DHW448 2 жыл бұрын

I am really starting to like this boat! Thanks for the information Ken.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Any time!

@JesusFreakLive 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video, great information !

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@clydeglenn 2 жыл бұрын

Got my Puma STS in February and it makes me smile every time! In my opinion it’s the best boat on the market right now and of anyone doesn’t think so they just haven’t been in one yet.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Clyde1

@chrishampton8842 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet rig, thanks for sharing

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

You bet

@waylonlevins 2 жыл бұрын

I believe that Rick and crew have achieved a new high water make in bass boats with the Puma STS. It kinda does it all, and does it well.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

I love that they listen to their fishermen, and that Rick is a boat guy, he loves to fish, i think the two you will continue to see make the most innovations are BCB's and Phoenix for that reason.

@markclaerhout8844 2 жыл бұрын

Ken, the thing I can’t get past on Basscat boats are the tackle storage compartments. They don’t have flat level bottoms and square storage boxes for a conventional 3700 tackle boxes. And the numerous cup holders. I’m out the to fish not have a beverage at every spot on the boat.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

I need to think about that, I carry the bulk of my big boxes in the back, so it doesn't concern me, but I see your point

@rdunstanfishing8624 2 жыл бұрын

Ken I ran the Puma STS for a few months and it’s an incredible boat but I would highly recommend fish on main lake with wake wind or waves and watch what happens. I have a lot of wear and tear on my body and unfortunately I couldn’t believe how sore I was after day on the trolling motor. Incredible company, quality and customer service but had to trade and go back to Vexus as I need more stability on the front deck with trolling motor down in rough conditions

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

I thought you got rid of your Vexus?

@rdunstanfishing8624 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenSmithFishing Ken I did, my 2021 VX20. I ran the Puma STS this spring and loved it. What I was saying is with my wear and tear and as I got out to the main lake post spawn and this summer I wasn’t used to that much front deck movement while fishing in the STS. Because of this I went back to Vexus and bought a VX21 as I need that platform for my physical needs.

@donniefoster7713 11 ай бұрын

BASSCAT the best boat by far of all these tested I think if a boat like this doesn’t meet your needs go with a 16 ft stick steering crappie special lol good video sir

@KenSmithFishing 10 ай бұрын

Totally agree

@BuddyChance401 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great boat video. I'm glad to see Bass Cat making wider boats, but the design of the front middle compartments drives me nuts. I can't see why they would take up so much space in order to provide in deck net storage. It cuts the rear compartment in half limiting its usability, and limits the front compartments to two small day boxes. Removing the in deck net compartment would create so much more room for tackle. Maybe they will offer this as an option in time. Otherwise I like everything I see.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Good feedback Adam, I like where mine is in the Lynx

@jasonblount1315 2 жыл бұрын

Ken I bought the STS that you talked about being sold the very day you shot this from Ross. Mine came with a 300 and a Fury 23 and with full fuel and a partner , trimmed all the way down and 2 1/4” on a Bob’s hydra plate my hole shot is not good. I get to 68 and it starts walking bad. I have adjusted my tackle etc as I was told to do. I tried a 24 Fury and the hole shot was better but it walked worse. Holes were open on both props and on the 23 the blowout is bad, I have to feather it when it starts to roll over. Can you tell me the set up, prop, plugged or not and anything else that may help? Also who is the prop guy your friend referred to about a 24 1/4? I love everything about the boat, it’s just not dialed in yet. Thank you for all the videos!

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Jason sounds like maybe overtrimmed, I got zero walk out of Marks up to 76. E-mail and let’s get on the phone, glad to help and I’ll get marks prop guy contact info. Kensmithfishing@outlook.com

@jasonblount1315 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenSmithFishing you are a fantastic gentleman. I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to speak with you.

@acbassin1300 7 ай бұрын

What front graph mount is he running?

@makeithappen8473 2 жыл бұрын

Best boat on the market

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mikebrill5971 Жыл бұрын

Ken did he have a 45” or 52” Ultrex on the STS

@makeithappen8473 Жыл бұрын

I wish they would offer darker colored seadek type material them and Phoenix both are running that same kind with the same color. Wish they would go to darker colors like skeeter or vexus

@rdunstanfishing8624 2 жыл бұрын

I ran 13 Rangers, Two Vexus 20 and 21, Skeeters and Tritons but this boat is top 2 or 3 in my lifetime just different up front in rough water fishing

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Man you have spent some $$$$$$ on boats!

@rdunstanfishing8624 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenSmithFishing I live and learn 😂👍

@rdunstanfishing8624 2 жыл бұрын

It was impressive

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

@makeithappen8473 2 жыл бұрын

I hope we get a part 3 grade out.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

MiH, I had so much video part 4 will be the grade

@corymiles248 Жыл бұрын

Nice video. Can anyone say what the draft depth is when the boat is tournament loaded/2 fishermen and sitting still?

@KenSmithFishing Жыл бұрын

That’s gonna be all over the board, wider and shallower designs vs boats like my Lynx are that is wide, but really deep

@corymiles248 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply, Ken. I am particularly interested in the draft depth of the Puma STS. I’ve been away from tournament fishing for other interests and I’m considering getting back into it, nobody lists or talks about draft depth. I know back in the 90’s, Ranger seemed to be the only manufacturer that listed the draft depth for each of their models. It’s important to me as certain times of the year, I may be up in the shallows.

@lenclark6099 2 жыл бұрын

WOW!!!

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

spot on

@larrymansy9290 2 жыл бұрын

Which would you more recommend: the lynx or puma sts ?

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Stick around Larry, grading the Puma next week!

@Choffa09 2 жыл бұрын

Love the boat, but the price jump I was quoted for ‘23 is around at $125k and that is with a Pro XS 250.

@ramonvelasco1004 2 жыл бұрын

Mine will start to be built in August. Starting price was mid 80s but after 2 - 12" solix and 2 - 12" hds live units. 2 - 10' power poles, power pole charging system, lithium batteries, ghost trolling motor, active target, humminbird 360, mercury pro xs 250 and a few smaller price things. $128,000

@MJ_Bass 2 жыл бұрын

I like the boat, but man it's hard to justify that price compared to the competition.

@brewcrewfishing 2 жыл бұрын

@@ramonvelasco1004 Good Lord!!

@rickvann3489 2 жыл бұрын

That's about the most stupid price on a boat yet.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Chris I haven't priced one yet...I'll add a note once I do

@carrolllawrence711 2 жыл бұрын

What are the measurements on the boat? I didn’t see it in video

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

in part 3 that dropped today

@lynnmoss1183 2 жыл бұрын

No doubt a well constructed, quality, good handling boat. But JMHO, layout and amenities could be better. I'd rather see flush mounted cleats, better integrated tool storage and rule storage, and tackle compartment designed around 3700 size boxes. As Adam LaChance points out the net storage comes at the costs of better tackle storage and organization, which I think most would prefer. Coangler rod box like the Caracal would be nice. The center console storage should be a tad deeper and wider to fill empty space between the seats. An adjustable drivers seat would be nice if doable with their under seat storage. Live wells are nice and spacious, but overkill IMO and comes at the cost of having tiny rear storage compartments. Replace the lightning detector with a battery status gauge. The nylon seat pedestal inserts allow the seat pedestals to wobble which drives me nuts, as it only drops in, and doesn't tighten. If the STS had all of this I'd really be wanting one, even though I told myself my Puma was going to be my last boat.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Lynn thank you for that, that's why no boat scored 100, no matter how great any boat is, somebody else does something, maybe only 1 thing, but something better. The great news is the folks at BCB's, and truthfully several others watched the entire series and made changes, most now have parking brakes, they have rethought a bunch of things based upon all our feedback from this series, and yours is great feedback!

@rdunstanfishing8624 2 жыл бұрын

I ran 77-78 LOADED with 250 Pro XS

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

That's spot on what I anticipated. Speed however is a little like manufacturers weighing boats, according to my prop, weather and water temp, LOADED, my boat is 73-76.4 mph, so pretty big dispersion based on a lot of factors

@marcrehg2397 2 жыл бұрын

Could you do a review on the Sabre with a 115 hp on it.......That's a boat for us guys that are on a budget.......

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

let me see if I can track one down, I'd like to do the P2 as well

@clarence1149 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenSmithFishing would love to see a p2 review.

@jgringo5516 Жыл бұрын

I’ve got a 2018 Sabre with 175 2 stroke. The speed is nuts for an 18’1 boat with just me…69-70 depending on fuel level. It’ll touch 68 with 2 good sized adults with 1/2 fuel. A 150 Hp will easily push it 65+, and that’s flying in this boat. I talked to a guy on the lake with an early 2000s Sabre. He repowered his with an new 115 Merc 4 stroke. Said it runs mid 50’s with just him in it. No idea what prop he had. He looked like he weighed about 180 lbs. A 115 Hp will push a Sabre. I saw the boat running, and he was scooting along pretty well.

@marcrehg2397 Жыл бұрын

@@jgringo5516 Thanks for the info buddy.....We have some lakes with HP restrictions around here so thats why I can only get a 115HP.......

@Hillhouse_Fishing 2 жыл бұрын

Speaking of running 10 gallons in one I have to run both full because I drive an old 2.5 merc efi 💸💸💸

@KenSmithFishing Жыл бұрын

Yeah those things are thirsty

@rickvann3489 Жыл бұрын

520R baby

@KenSmithFishing Жыл бұрын

been there done that.

@rickvann3489 Жыл бұрын

@Ken Smith Ken I have never been a Ranger fan or fan boy but you need to get in the 520R not the 521R but the 520R. I'm not a big boat fan is why I say that but the 520R has got it done from Lake Ontario the St.Lawrence river and my co-anglers have stated that it was the best riding boat they been in and one said the Caymas CX-21 rode just as good but not better. It would behoove you to at least test one on your channel. Things change just like electronics and rods,reels and baits.

@williamturner2058 18 күн бұрын

Did you have a 250 on this boat

@KenSmithFishing 18 күн бұрын

Yes William a 250

@rayterry7 Жыл бұрын

Lynx or Puma STS?

@clydeglenn 2 жыл бұрын

If anyone in central Tx ever wants a demo ride just let me know.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Clyde post your email address or how you want guys to reach out so they can please, and thanks!

@mikeharris130 2 жыл бұрын

Not a fan of the slam latches. I saw a STS at the Knoxville, TN fishing expo. I sold my 2016 Puma and bought a 2022 Cougar earlier this year. The lightning detection is a joke. My goes off every time I am on the water. Sherm (Sherm's Marine) suggests unplugging it.

@KenSmithFishing 2 жыл бұрын

Mike, that's weird mine still hasn't gone off....then again it hasn't rained here in almost 40 days

@mikeharris130 2 жыл бұрын

@@KenSmithFishing Mine goes off without a cloud in sight.