I was looking this winter to switch from a Skeeter ZXR20 to the Puma STS series.
How big of a jump is it from a quality and experience standpoint from Skeeter to BassCat?
I plan on riding in one before pulling the trigger on an order.
I was looking this winter to switch from a Skeeter ZXR20 to the Puma STS series.
How big of a jump is it from a quality and experience standpoint from Skeeter to BassCat?
I plan on riding in one before pulling the trigger on an order.
2024 Skeeter ZXR20
2024 Yamaha SHO 250
better everything is the easiest way to put it. (but skeeter is a nice ride also!)
2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
pulled by a 2500HD Denali
proud dad of an ARMY Captain
MAGA
ASE/GM Master tech before tools
I went the opposite direction. Bass Cat Puma to Skeeter ZXR 20. No regrets. Both great boats. About a $30k difference between them. The FXR would be a closer comparison.
Two of my buddies have new model Skeeters. I haven't fished out of them, but I've looked at them quite a bit and they're nice boats. I would be surprised if there's really a $30k difference a Puma STS and a top of the line Skeeter. One of my friends still paid 6 figures for his. I haven't priced a 2025 Puma STS, but I think his was only about $10k difference from my 2023 Puma STS (if you even out the options).
2023 Puma STS
Granted, I had a really bad one, but I ordered a new 2014 ZX20 Skeeter. The compartments were so badly out of alignment, there was 1/4" difference in gap between one end to the other. The gel was so "green" that it would scuff getting in and out with tennis shoes. I suffered through it for 2 years and hated looking at it so much I took it far away and traded it for a new 2016 BassCat Puma. Skeeter makes nice boats, but that one ruined me from ever having one again. I'm still in a BassCat, now a 2022 Cougar, also purchased new.
I was a bug boy for many years. The product was ok, and at the time, better than most. Went to the kitty in 2012...never looking back. There is no comparison on the quality of product the kitty uses to build their boats.
I too once had a skeeter Fx 21. The only positive I could ever say about skeeter is you don’t have to drive it. There was no walking at top end because the boat couldn’t go fast enough. There was never any help from fun n sun or skeeter when I had issues. I can honestly say I wouldn’t take a skeeter for free. And that is my honest truth. I had chunks of fiberglass coming out the hull area. Basscat is miles and light years ahead of skeeter on build quality and customer service. I can only say this because I owned one and couldn’t wait to lose my butt when I sold it. I have owned 2 basscats now and a bullet and both of those brands put skeeter to shame.
The ZXR is not a top of the line Skeeter modelOriginally Posted by TNReb
2007 Bass Cat Puma
2007 Mercury Pro XS 250
Dang!!!! I’m no expert on a Bug Boat, for sure, but your post is telling. All the plastic trim and finish I’ve seen on these boats just doesn’t last. I guess if you traded every couple years it would be OK for the original owner but down the line it shows.
2013 BassCat Cougar
Serial # 1B962763
Almost no plastic in the newer Skeeters, even the lower end ZXR. Billet aluminum where plastic maybe used to be. Way better than most.
I gotcha. I said I wasn’t an expert, for sure. It’s been quite a few years since I fished out of one and it’s one of the mental notes I made from that experience. Seems they’ve made improvements in fit and finish.
2013 BassCat Cougar
Serial # 1B962763
Essentially this is a Toyota vs Corvette debate.
Skeeter is a great boat, traditional, easy to operate, less expensive. Nothing wrong with a Skeeter. BCB is going to be more expensive, nicer quality overall, a performance boat that can do many things, and un-traditional compared to the Skeeter.
A Toyota is a great vehicle to drive around. But if a guy wanted something a notch up in quality with some more performance he would opt for a Corvette. The downside is a Corvette costs more than a Toyota. Service between the two is also very different.
The point of this analogy is that you really can't go wrong with your choice as long as both dealers are up to snuff. This depends on more of what you are wanting out of your next boat. It will be quite a change experience wise compared to the Skeeter. While dealer can manipulate this experience, I think BCB does a better job in the warranty and after sale service from the factory. Along with BCB is much easier to deal with as a guy in a dealer's service department.
As a former Corvette owner......I will say it was the biggest POS we have ever owned.
Basscat in my opinion is one of the best. Allison I would say makes the best built boat. But basscat isn’t far behind.
I just went through the same process and ended up with two possible boats: 1) Puma STS; and 2) Vexus VXs20. Both boats cost about the same and I test drove both of them. Speed will go to Basscat by 4-5 mph (73 in Vexus and 78 in Puma) Both are great boats and I liked both but I went with the Vexus VXs20 due to layout and little better fishability with the TM deployed - just individual preference. Expect delivery before Christmas.
There was no plastic in either boat.
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