Z520 vs Cougar/Puma FTD vs 921XP

I've read plenty of threads on these 3 boats and have owned a 2012 521. Yesterday I crawled all over a Bass Cat PUMA FTD and can get into a used/demo BCB, nicely rigged, for about 10k less than a comparatively equipped Ranger. I haven't found many complaints from owners of either brands and am just wondering if I am missing something. BCB's seem to hold their value just as well as a Ranger, from a depreciating % standpoint. I'm not overly concerned about much other than ride, customer service, reliability and resale value. I'm finding myself leaning towards a BCB.

And then the Phoenix is the wild card. I could keep another few grand in my pocket and buy a Phoenix.

A lake test is something I'll do but an hour on the water in a boat only tells you a little.

I guess what I'm asking is there any reason I should stay away from a Phoenix versus BCB? I could save 5k more with a comparatively equipped Phoenix and the Phoenix is considered 21', right? I've pretty much ruled out another Ranger unless the prices come down dramatically.

I came out of a Z522 Ranger, and it was a great boat, but unless something changes I will stay with Phoenix going forward. You will love the ride and the way it handles. The boat is really stable, and the rough water ride is by far better in the Phoenix. just my .02

BCB for the win.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Both our great boat's with great staff's/customer service. I have a Phoenix so maybe I am biased but I have fished out of a few BC as well. I don't care for BC storage layout. Too many small lids/compartments, I prefer fewer yet larger compartments. I also don't like the triangle live well lids but a lot of people do so that is really all personal preference.
I do wish Phoenix had an owners tournament every other year on Rayburn similar to BCB, that would be nice!

921 is actually 21'6'. You could save a lot of money and buy my partner's boat- it is rigged ridiculously well. http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...0_#Post10733631
Although honestly, I would almost be willing to sell mine and give him the money than see it go. It is without a doubt the best rough riding boat in all conditions that I have been in. It fishes two big fellas on the front with ease. The storage is second to none. And it will get you where you are going in a hurry. Good luck with your choice though- don't think you can go wrong.

Chasinbass does bring up a good point the Cat is 20'4", Z520 is 20'9" so the boat to compare to theses two would be the Phoenix 920 which is 20'6". You would be getting a lot more boat with the 921 it is equal to the Z521 which is 21'7" compared to the 921 @ 21'6"

You absolutely can't go wrong with a phoenix. Coming out of a skeeter and having owned many other boat brands, I honestly haven't been in a better built boat. I've never owned a bass cat but I have been in a few, they are a well built boat that will haul the mail.

But you mentioned resale so it must be a piece of the puzzle for you. The Phoenix does not appear to hold the same depreciation as the Ranger or Bass Cat.

I'd love to see those stats about phoenix boats depreciation!

The Bass Cat has a great product and as mentioned great customer support. I have been in a Phoenix and have heard great things about them as well.
The kitty gets my vote.

I can only speak for BCB, I have the Puma FTD and love it. Take them both out on the water and see what you think, 2 quality options imo.

Just go with Phoenix and never look back trust me.

Phoenix holds the value just fine dont know what you guys are talking about.

I rode in a 920 Phoenix at Guntersville and it was a very nice boat. It wouldn't keep up with my BCB Eyra that I have for sale, but it was definitely a very nice ride.

Brian

I'd get the BassCat. I could be a little bias though.

Didnt BassCat sell out

They did, but Bass Cat is still a great boat being run by same people. You wouldn't go wrong buying either brand. I believe you will be happier with the Phoenix.

You will pass the phoenix in the cat. They ride like a cadillac, fish very shallow, handles the rough water...nough said!

I just sold my 2013 cougarftd the skinny deck kills the boat.... I absolutly hated fishjng out of it. Dont let people say that the trollering motor forward helps its still skinney! The looks and ride and quality are great but where u spend the majority of ur time (on the deck)its lousy. The phoenix i have fished with a partner in a 921 pro several times my complaint is the plastic dash is very cheap and the rocker switch panel is plastic and cheap. Boat road good but the design in the side looks like a stratos. I would go with ranger...

I have a 2014 Ranger Z520C that I am totally happy with. But If I had to buy a different brand of boat it would be the Phoenix 921. The storage is nearly identical to my Ranger. My buddy has a 921 and he loves it and I do think it rides a little better than my Ranger in rough water. In smooth water they all ride good. LOL

I think they sold to Sea-Doo

Fixed it for ya!

And my vote is for the Cat!

Good points all around. I looked at all 3 brands in 2013 and chose a basscat cougar ftd. For my needs and interests, basscat won my evaluation.

Chevy is better than ford but so is dodge...id get the ford...

I don't know that one is better then the other today. I do think each one appeals to different people for different reason and they are usually happy with the one they bought.

Bass Cat

if you are going to compare 20' boats to a 21' the comparison is a bit unfair. Now, if you throw the BC Jaquar into the mix it is game over. You do not see many, but it is something special. I traded a Skeeter for mine and will never look elsewhere! Dance floor up front, all kinds of storage and fishes great.

Bass Cat!

or if you want the carrier deck look at the caracal. i love my puma ftd, best fit and finish and ride out there.....not to mention best customer service....and just think a ranger is no more than a nitro with badges now


p.s. i have ridden in lots of rangers as a marshall its the roughest riding boat out there! my top would be basscat, legend v20 (only the v20), ranger

I already do I run a 920 and love it no better boat on the market.

If BassCat sold out but still ran by same people I guess they are still selling boats then after they sold I seen a bunch of Cats being sold figured the brand was going to be nomore.

The Pierce family is still running the business and the deal was contingent upon the family agreeing to a long term relationship. Correct Craft builds outstanding high end boats and in their sector they are considered by many to be best in class. This should be a good marriage from the design, engineering and component side of the equation.

+1 I grew up in Arkansas and the Pierce family is a great family for the outdoorsman in Arkansas. They are truly good people and have made a great boat for years. They will stand behind their boat for many years to come whether they own it or not, that is just who they are.

Make sure you take a close look at the trailers. It's my opinion that BCB is the best trailer on the market along with Ranger.

Phoenix screams quality in every component.

This is the biggest problem with the Cat

920 XP will be my next rig

Looked at a new 2014 921 pro xp yesterday. I was impressed. I'm 90% sure I'll be pulling the trigger on a Phoenix this week. A buddy of mine mentioned it to a Phoenix regional sales rep and the dude gave me a call and talked with me for 30 min +. He still gave me the time even though I'd be buying used. Super nice guy!

Bet you will not regret it.

Three first class boats built by first class companies. You can't go wrong with any of them. Your choice should come down to which one you feel comfortable in. Not comfort sitting in one in a showroom or parking lot but how does it fit you on the water. Ergonomics should help you decide on the right boat. Sitting in the seats idling, looking at your electronics, using the controls and switches. Compartment layout, latches and rod boxes. Do they suit the way you set up your equipment? Which one feels better on the water when you shut down off pad and step up to the front deck? Which deck gives you a little more of what's important in your enjoyment of fishing? Stability, space and so on. Holeshot feel and performance of course. One more thing. When you park your truck after launching and you're walking up to the boat. Is the hair on the back of your neck standing up because you know your about to have a lot of fun!

The narrower front deck on the Cat is an issue for me on an otherwise great boat. The Z520 is a great boat except for that blue thing that's hanging on the back of most of them. Definite preference here for the 920 or 921.

at 6'5" and 240# the front deck size and storage layout was a concern of mine too.

BassCat! I've owned three of them. My latest is a 2012 Cougar FTD w/250 Pro XS. But I've never been in a Phoenix. Friend has a Ranger 520 and it's nice and rides good but I'd still take my Cougar.

On my third Cat, just got my 2015 Puma FTD about a month ago. Great boats, great company and people! As has been said, every boat is unique and appeals to individuals on different levels. Give your choices a thorough test and evaluation before you decide.

If you want to check out my Puma and are in north east texas just let me know.

Scott