2012 SabreFTD/175HPDI, 24p Fury, Summer time check up

[Flyswatter]

Got out this morning for the first time in over six weeks.  This is the longest I have gone without fishing out of a BassCat since 2008.    Mid morning air temps at 85° plus and rising,  no current going up river (Logan Martin), 1/2 tank of gas,  pedal to the metal and was all over 68.5 mph and climbing before I got to my deep cranking hole.   I really think I could get to 69 but the need for speed in the heat just isn't there.   Gonna have fun in the late fall and try out my Bro's 26 Fury for S&G's to see if my 175HPDI can get to 5600 rpms with that prop.  That's for another day.  Yep,  there is fun besides a tug at the end of the line with these boats.    Only made one run since I had the itch to fish.  Man,  these Sabres are fun to drive.  I almost forgot how much fun it was to be on the water.   Chine started about 65 mph.  What a testament the new Sabre hull.  Not sure what year BassCat did the upgrade but it's definitely easier to drive then my 2008 Sabre which was very responsive and good.  This hull is faster too.    Oh,  and caught eight fish on 10-14'  humps in 3 hours of fishing. 

Side Note:  I took out my hot foot for added driving comfort and can honestly say I do not miss it one bit.  Going forward I'll not have another.  That's not a negative toward hot foots.  I think they are great but not worth the extra cost for me and I sure do enjoy the cruise control stretching out my legs. 

After being in a BassCat I can't imagine anyone leaving the family.  These boats flat out rock!!!

[CarkyF]

Those are some pretty good numbers for this time of the year considering heat and humidity.  Any size to what you caught today? 

One thing I have contemplated is having 2 props for my rig.  One for summer and one for the other 7 months of the year.  I am not seasonally challenged, but it seems we have summer temps from May thru September.

[Flyswatter]

Carky,

Most of the fish were 2 to 2/12 lb fish.  I did stick a 9.94 Cat fish.  Forturnately,  I didn't get ghost buster slimmed from that fish.      

Yep, to having two props for my personal use.  For sure not mandatory!!!   I have a 25p Fury for the other 5 cooler months.  Fortunately I get to fish year round in Alabama like you.  If I had to have one prop I'd stay with the 24p Fury.

I can tell my motor is loosening up now that I have about 50 plus hours on my motor.  I'm looking forward to the fall.   

[H2O_Fowl]

Flyswatter, there is not enough room under the console to stretch your legs out with the hot foot?

[Flyswatter]

In my opinion there is not enough room for 6'2" guys like myself.  I find that to be an issue for many boats.   You can do it and I have but I like to stretch out my legs (fully extend).  Been running hotfoots for years and decided to try a boat sans a hot foot.   I felt a bit insecure doing it but after taking it out I realized I gave up nothing regarding control.    I know BassCat doesn't recommend hotfoots for other reasons.  I'm a convert now. 

[CarkyF]

In regards to the hot foot, I can see the pros and cons to having one.  My PII came with one.  The last boat I owned was Gemini 179 with a hot foot linked to a 150 FastStrike.  The Gemini would outrun anything in the 17' range.  Having said this, the PII is MUCH more enjoyable to fish out of and to ride in.  If the hot foot in the PII ever gives any problems, it will be dropped like a bad looking blind date. 

Thus far, it has not provided any challenges.  Keep in mind that my stature is not like Flyswatter, Bama96, or TexasBama (Kelly White) in that I am 5'10".  I can honestly say the hot foot might provide a challenge for anyone over 6'.

[Flyswatter]

I want to emphasis there are no hidden negative messages here with the hotfoot.  Hotfoot will work just fine in a BassCat.  I'd rather not have it for extra stretch for leg room.  All said my SabreFTD skit, scat, scoots on the water.  Also, I'm very impressed that this boat has the same premium build that goes into BassCat's pride of bigger cats like PII, PIV, Eyra, Cougar, Puma and Jaguar.   Anyone considering a smaller size boat will not be disappointed with the SabreFTD.

[H2O_Fowl]

Have had hot foots in all my boats and would never be without one.  For me it's more of a safety issue than anything.  I know BCB recommends a lot of things that go against what other boat companies/people say and do. Which, I believe them in some instances and others I think they are far from correct.  But, everyone is entitled to their opinions. 

In my old PII it's about as uncomfortable as can be.  This boat has absolutely no room under the console whatsoever.  But, thats how boats were back in the day.

[Creel Limit Zero]

Well, I can stretch my legs out with my Hot Foot in my Jaguar.  Of course, I'm only 5'7"     Come to think of it, I don't think I can put the pedal to the medal without stretching...   

Personally, I do not know how guys run through rough water without a hot foot.  Sure, when the water is glass it would be sweet without one.  But I like both hands on the wheel and seems safer to me. 

[H2O_Fowl]

You need to have it put on a slide.  Then if you want to stretch out on the way back to the ramp you can.

[Flyswatter]

Well, I can stretch my legs out with my Hot Foot in my Jaguar.  Of course, I'm only 5'7"     Come to think of it, I don't think I can put the pedal to the medal without stretching...   

Personally, I do not know how guys run through rough water without a hot foot.  Sure, when the water is glass it would be sweet without one.  But I like both hands on the wheel and seems safer to me.

Creel,

I thought that too.  I was all in with Hot Foots.  My fear was exactly that.  Well,  I got into some real rough water with legit 2-3' waves on a gusty 25-35 mph day that crept up on me.  No issues at all sans a hot foot.  You can't go fast in that stuff anyway.  Just saying it's not what you may envision.  That is coming from personal experience this past February.