Nothing like a good brand argument.

I've owned 2 Phoenix boats, 3rd is on the way. My honest opinion Phoenix builds the best boat out there, everyone has their own preferences though. The main 3 keys for me on Phoenix are customer service, ride and fishability/layout. I will say Basscat would be my choice if Phoenix weren't around, most importantly before you purchase, get in the boats you are most interested in, check the layout, open up compartments and test drive one.

Bought my cat new in 03. No issues at all with my Cougar. I have had it on top of many stumps with 0 damage. I have also had it on some rough E. Texas lakes and always came home safe and dry. If i ever buy another new boat it will be a cat. I live in N. Arkansas now and fish Bull Shoals, on a day trip to the lake i stopped by their factory/headquarters to buy new latch for glove box because i broke it. One of their employees came out and put new parts on it - no charge. This was about a year ago. My 2 cents!

I have an 04 Basscat cougar and it has been rock solid and I fish the stump fields of Lake Fork all the time. Some boats vibrate your kidneys loose and give you back problems in rough water but that won't happen in a Bass Cat. The three brands you choosing from are the top 3 that I would look at if I were in the market for a new boat but I am not since mine has been problem free since I bought it. I got it used when it was 6 months old.

Come on kittyCat....

Bass Cat hull and stumps do not agree with each other.

So that's my problem!

It's amazing how much thought and time people put into buying a boat that's not quite as good as a ranger.

They are basically the same. The only difference is the deck layout and that's not a lot. When the Puma was originally introduced there was quite a bit of difference in the layout and some other features.

In the current version of the Puma they basically took front deck of the Puma and combined it with the back deck of the Cougar. So now you just have to decide which front deck layout you like best.

I own a 2000 Pantera Classic and I love it. The older, smaller models have a narrow(er) deck, but I still have 5 rods on either side and room to fish. Hull is second to none and performance is great. Any Cougar or Puma I have seen (a lot) has just as much deck as a skeeter or ranger in the same class. It's a great boat, go test one!

I have owned a Bass Cat and really loved the boat. I will say the only reason I don't have one is the trolling motor pedal on the nose. One December I was alone and fishing windy and almost fell out numerous times. Really scared me. If they moved it back, I would probably go back. The company is a great company

On some models you can move the pedal back, I have an Erya and I have mine moved back apprx 10-12".

I have owned an Erya for 4 years and fish out of a Cougar and a Puma quite a bit also, all have their own personalities. I like the Erya personally, because the way the storage on the front deck is laid out, plus it's a dry ride and reasonably fast.

All 3 of the boats are apprx the same size, I have driven every one of them quite a bit and they all ride great in rough water and are dry. I like fishing out of every one of them.

If you are looking for a "20 foot" class boat with a wide deck check out the new Caracal. I have not fished or driven one, but have checked out one and they are an awesome boat as well.

Get with someone who has one and go out in each one and like said before contact Rockwall Marine, they are good people and treat you like family...

I saw a Caracal the other day, and is one good looking boat

I believe rockwall marine has one still. It's a cool boat. I think it has the triangle live wells..not sure about those.

21ft just seemed a bit long for me.

Tommy @ Rockwall still has the Caracal sat in it Saturday, WOW!!!! what a game changer, very well thought out.
If your in the Dallas area and want to ride in a Cougar FTD send me a PM. Have owned just about every model they make.