I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a new 2013 Pantera 2 in TN. I am please looking for feedback- pros and cons from owners. I am coming out of a 2011 Ranger Z118 and it was an awesome boat. But looking to go a little bigger with more HP. I have had 3 Pantera Classics over the years and they were great boats. The P2 looks to have a wider deck, wider rod boxes and a huge cooler. How is the ride and how does it fish? Can you fit an HDS8 in the dash? The one I am looking at has the Advantage Elite Package, 200 ProXs and a tandem trailer. I appreciate any help or feedback in advance.

Thank You,

Brian

You won't be disappointed. The Pantera line for Basscat is there staple. There will be pros and cons to each brand. The Cat will be more sportier than the Ranger, and storage is better on the newer Panteras than the older ones. Fishability is awesome, as well as ride. If you don't pack a thousand lb.'s of tackle, you will have a legitimate mid 70 mph boat with the deuce on the back. If you have had previous Cats, you know that customer service is second to none. Pull the trigger, you won't regret it!

You can fit an HDS 8 in dash if I'm correct on the P2. It has the biggest cooler of all the pantera line and ample storage on the front deck. You would not be disappointed with it at all. There is a LOADED out P2 in houston 2012 or 2013 with low low hours if your interested. I'll find the link.

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/26370/HoustonTx2012-Pantera-II-Advantage-Elite

Just a thought, if your not totally hung up on new, here's a link to a super clean PII in central Arkansas. It would be immaculate. http://www.get5bass.com

Thanks for the info guys! Chance I saw that one and it is pretty sweet!

I have had my P2 since Nov 07, and have really enjoyed it. I came out of a Ranger and it was night and day, both in overall performance, quality of boat and customer service.

When running rough water be careful the boat likes to "fly", its a far cry from a plowing Ranger. It will handle rough water well once you learn the right trim and speed ratios. However the rough water ride does not compare to my first Champion.

The boat is very stable when fishing. I like the forward recessed trolling motor pedal, it makes flipping and pitching out the front very easy.

The storage is great, I store 18 rods in the two rod lockers(9 per side)all my vests, rain gear, pull ropes, save-phase masks, tools etc. fit in the front center box, all my tackle fits in the rear center box, it will hold 11 plano 3700 boxes standing on edge, with plenty of room for miscellaneous bags, I keep the rear deck storage open for my partners gear. The cooler is good but I wish it was deeper. I use the small cooler area for pliers, scent and marker buoy storage. I have dual console and the glove box is very deep. All storage boxes are tight and dry. I replaced my original center seat with the fiberglass step, the seat and back rest were always coming apart.

Beware when opening your rod boxes when rods are on top, the low gunnels may allow a rod to flop over the side.

Getting batteries in and out of the rigging area can be tough, the lid is too small.

Putting the boat on the trailer is a chore when trying to motor it all the way on. I have learned to stop short, hook up the bow strap and crank the boat up so the keel is resting on the bow roller, then you are safe to motor the boat the rest of the way.

Good luck on your purchase.

meP2too,

Thank You for sharing!!!

I forgot to mention
the rod boxes are a little wider, I am not sure if the deck is wider but it is raised which gives it the appearance of being wider. there is plenty of room for two up front.

I think their new consoles might hold some of the larger units. mine has a LMS 520, if I upgrade to a "TV screen" I am going to have a plate and bracket manufactured to mount the unit in the center of the dash.

I have done very little engine height manipulation, but right the break-in period the 200 optimax ran 68 with a few hundred rpms left. It starts to "walk" around 70. A fury prop increased / stabilized performance at all speeds.