Could the Bass-Cat Pantera II Be the Best Fishing Boat Ever?

Bass-Cat Pantera II Review

Type: Perch boat

Weight: 1585 lbs

Length: 19’1

What we like about it: Ample horsepower drive to support the boat’s speed.

What we don’t like about it: The fiberglass boat design costs more in post maintenance costs.

Rating (4.75/5)

The Bass-cat Pantera II, a model first introduced in 1988, justify itself by the fact that the hull frame has barely changed after all these years of changes. So what exactly is it that makes the boat so enduring? Here we will take you to the answer from several aspects such as Bass-cat Pantera II’s driving feeling, fishing feeling and specification details in a detailed elaboration.

If there is anything else you would like to know about ships, please feel free to click into our homepage. We would be honored at your service.

Driving Experience

Bass fishing is one of the most popular thing to do every year during the fishing season, and I was happy to say yes when my cousin asked me to join him in the fishing activity. My cousin Keven had purchased a Bass-cat Pantera II in his early years, which is one of the most widely used boats in bass fishing. Its classic style has always been popular in the market.

The fishing spot my cousin Keven and I chose to go to was Table Rock Lake, located at the border of Missouri and Arkansas, which is also a popular fishing and boating spot every year. I still remember the weather that day was shining so it was a smart choice to go out on that day. Keven and I worked together to launch the boat, and I have to say that this fiberglass boat was a little heavier.

I was immediately impressed by the smooth hull of the boat as we walked onto the Bass-cat Pantera II. Keven, the captain of our trip, sat in the driver’s seat and told me, “The cockpit seats on this boat are quite comfortable. The X-shaped phone holder on the right hand side can be used to put the phone beside me, friendly for a heavy cell phone-addict like me. There is also a console in front of me, with various instrument panels and electronic displays helping me fully understand the parameters of the ship in the process of driving, to better ensure the safety of navigation.”

Activation Effect

Keven started the engine and the boat was soon off the shore and heading for the other side of the lake. He kept an eye on the data in front of him and turned the steering wheel to steer, “The high-performance 6X steering wheel feels great, and thanks to the hydraulic steering sensor setup, the boat steers very smoothly!” Keven said to me excitedly.

The boat got faster and faster, and with the powerful horsepower to support it, the boat glided effortlessly through the water. Even when compared to some competitive boats, the Pantera II is no slouch.

Fishing Feeling

With the help of GPS and various electronic devices such as fish finder, we quickly drove the boat to the recommended location. In the end, of course, the trolling motor achieved a precise docking, and this foot-operated design was easy to control without leaning over, and to observe the surrounding waters from a higher perspective.

I took our gear out of the storage space under the front deck and handed the rods to Keven. we then eagerly rigged up our lures and cast our lines, choosing to spread out in different spots on the large deck space. Fishing itself is an activity that requires a lot of patience and a certain amount of silence to avoid disturbing the fish, so Keven and I waited in silence.

Finally, my float moved and at the same time I felt a force fighting under the rod. I reacted quickly by retrieving the line and pulling the fish out of the water. The segregated livewell system with pump-out and recirculation located at the stern of the boat was able to keep the fish active well.

Specification

The Bass-cat Pantera II, one of the best-selling boats in bass fishing, is undoubtedly excellent in its overall performance.

In the cockpit setup, the high-density padded seats are soft and comfortable, and the layout of the various controls on the console is very reasonable. The 12V socket on the left side of the console fully takes into account the need for power supply for various electronic devices, and the X-shaped cell phone holder on the right side enables easy access to the cell phone. The captain can understand the boat’s indicators through the main panel’s tachometer, fuel gauge and other instrument panels, while the electronic display accurately indicates the location of the boat and the fish.

In addition, in terms of the overall features of the boat, the 100% all fiberglass hull construction allows for more possibilities in design and customization, but of course, at a greater cost. If your budget is sufficient and you are very concerned about the comfort of the boat, then this boat, a heavier fiberglass boat, is really suitable.

Last but not least, the power facilities of the boat are also a highlight. The engine enjoys a maximum horsepower of 200 HP, which can provide enough power to drive the boat fast. 43 gallon fuel capacity gives a greater degree of protection for the boat to travel at high speed and long distance.

Other versions

If you are looking for more space for activities or storage, then the Bass-cat Pantera CLASSIC may be more suitable for your needs. Below I will give you a brief introduction to the Bass-cat Pantera CLASSIC, and I hope it will be helpful to you.

Bass-cat Pantera CLASSIC

Both the Bass-cat Pantera CLASSIC and Bass-cat Pantera II are actually among the best in bass boats in terms of performance, but each has its own characteristics. The former will be slightly larger than the latter in terms of boat length and width, which means plenty of space and correspondingly longer rod boxes. However, the classic Pantera II has a more powerful engine with more fuel capacity, which is more competitive as for speed and range underway.

In fact, both the Bass-cat Pantera CLASSIC and Bass-cat Pantera II are excellent boats. You need to weigh your actual situation before purchase.

What we like about it

• The maximum horsepower of 200HP provides plenty of power for the speed of the boat.
• The 43 gallon fuel capacity ensures a great range.
• The 100% all-fiberglass hull construction provides a smoother ride, with smooth lines and an attractive design.
• The wide deck provides ample storage space for a variety of life-saving equipment and fishing gear.
• The fully functional console enhances the captain’s driving experience and the safety of the boat.

What we don’t like about it

• The cost of fiberglass boats is generally higher and so is the maintenance cost of the boats, which is not easily acceptable for people with limited budget.
• A higher horsepower engine means that fuel is consumed faster, resulting in higher fuel costs.
• The boat itself is not a light vessel and can be more laborious during launching and disembarkation.

FAQ

1. How fast do bass boats go?

The speed of a bass boat varies greatly depending on the boat’s engine equipment and weight. For the Bass-cat Pantera II we mentioned, its maximum horsepower is 200HP, which is relatively fast in the bass boat.

2. Are bass boats good in rough water?

Compared with Jon boats, Bass boats tend to be more streamlined in hull design, and their V-shaped hulls perform better in rough waters or larger bodies of water, more suitable for cutting through waves and smoother in the process of boating.

3. How to fish for bass from a boat?

Bass boat is generally suitable for fishing for bass. Its wide deck provides ample storage space for fishing gear and fishing platform, and the fish caught can be kept fresh in the live well system.

Bass-cat Pantera II SPEC

Standard

Length	19’1″
Width	93″
Max HP	200
Fuel Capacity	33 Gal
Hull Weight	1585lbs
Rod Box Length	(Port) 8’0″, (Starboard) 8’0″
Approximate Storage Length	Engine trimmed down – 24’3″ Engine trimmed down, Tongue Swung – 21’7″

Video

Comparison Table

Ships	Deck	Maximum horsepowerLimits	Maximum capacity limit
Ranger Z521L Comanche	Overall length 21′ 8”	300 HP	5 persons
Nitro Z21	Overall length 21′ 2”	300 HP	4 persons
Triton 21 TRX	Full length 21′	250 HP	4 persons

Ranger Z521L Comanche VS Bass-cat Pantera II

If you prefer a larger boat with more space, then the Ranger Z521L Comanche is indeed a good choice.

The Ranger Z521L Comanche is 21′ 8” in length and can accommodate more people, up to 5. The engine has also upgraded its performance, with a maximum horsepower of 300HP to ensure a strong power drive and a certain degree of improvement in sailing speed. However, this increase in performance will inevitably lead to an increase in fuel consumption, so the upper limit of the Z521L fuel capacity increases to 51 gallons.

Overall, the Ranger Z521L Comanche and the Bass-cat Pantera II are both good boats for you to choose from.

Nitro Z21 vs Bass-cat Pantera II

Comparing the experience of the Nitro Z21 with that of the Bass-cat Pantera II, I would probably prefer the former.

The new 7-inch digital display on the Nitro Z21 cockpit console helps the captain to easily control the boat’s movement. A handle is set under each seat to keep the ride smooth even in the face of fast boat speeds.

In addition, the driver can adjust the sliding seats to suit individual riding habits to ensure as comfortable a ride as possible. The integrated central storage space between the two seats in the cockpit is also very noteworthy. This removable central cushion not only adds a seating setup, but is also very convenient for the rider in the driver’s and passenger’s seat to have items within easy reach.

Triton 21 TRX VS Bass-cat Pan tera II

Triton 21 TRX and Bass-cat Pan tera II have great similarity in space layout, only in some details of the setting being slightly different.

The Triton 21 TRX cockpit seat is not only comfortable but can be adjusted back and forth to suit the driver’s height and driving habits. There is a small sliding drawer in front of the passenger seat for easy storage of belongings. In addition, the ship pays more attention to comfort, and the sound system can set the mood to a certain extent, making voyage more pleasant. However, from the perspective of cost performance, if you think Bass-cat Pan tera II is enough to meet your needs, then tera II may be a better option. After all, its price will be more advantageous and more cost-effective.

If you are not satisfied with any of the vessels we have introduced above, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to serve you.

Summary

If you are looking for a bass boat to go out fishing, especially if you still have high requirements for the speed of the boat, this classic model Bass-cat Pantera II is really a more suitable choice. Of course, this type of boat is generally more stressful in terms of price. If you currently have a limited budget, then the Economical Angler is the way to go. After all, they have similar boat features and layout but the Economical Angler’s price is much lower than the Bass-cat Pantera II.

If you want more detailed information about the boats, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer cheap and excellent boats of all types.