Bass Cat always makes boats to get you there first, fastest and with the best tools to catch fish.
Our top speed was nearly 75 mph at 6,100 rpm. However, we believe top speed will tap 80 with better conditions. At 31 mph and 3,500 rpm, the boat’s most efficient speed, it delivered 4.4 mpg. The Caracal’s nimble hull kept us comfortable in rough chop—an extreme test for any bass boat. The all-new deck on this proven hull is loaded. The large bow panel permits flush-mounting two stacked graphs; three can be mounted with additional brackets. A foredeck dash panel holds a main power switch and digital voltmeter. There’s a landing net scabbard and measuring board built into the deck, easy to access and quick to deploy so you can land fish right. Hatch and latch designs keep gear beneath dry and secure. The recessed trolling-motor pedal pocket allows fore or aft adjustment of the pedal. Retractable, built-in rod straps on each gunwale complement a four-rod passenger rack. A rod-storage box on the port side and a dry locker to starboard flank a pair of large centerline storage boxes. A center step up to the foredeck hides a cooler.
The new sculpted console accepts a flush-mounted 12-inch graph. Ours was talking to the motor, displaying engine data as well as navigation and sonar. A tilt wheel and hydraulic steering with an optional Bob’s Machine Shop hydraulic jack plate tame the Mercury 250 Pro XS. A two-tier center step between the seats houses a glove box in the upper portion and a cooler underneath. Port and starboard billet grab bars are within easy reach amidships.
Triangular livewells are deep for safe fish transport and to keep water from sloshing. Small triangular day-storage boxes are located just behind the livewells, with larger dry-storage compartments on each side. Easy access to pumps, screens and rigging is under twin hatches at the transom.
Bass Cat has a reputation for being first and best in innovation and outstanding in style and durability, and this latest STS version of the Caracal proves it.
High Points
- STS (Soft Touch Series) hull improves load carrying, handling and wave-slicing capabilities.
- Reflex PE floor padding is soft on the feet.
- Bow panel holds dual graphs without using external mounting brackets.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 250 Pro XS FourStroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Fury 14″ x 24″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $109,570 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 20’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’1/2″ |
| Draft: | 1’6″ |
| Dry Weight: | 1,890 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 4/785 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 52 gal. |
| Livewell Capacity: | NA |
