The Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 vs Bass Cat Phelix 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 measures 20,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bass Cat Phelix 2005 at 17,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 tips the scales at 1 835 lbs — 1 310 lbs more than the Bass Cat Phelix 2005 at 525 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 has a 175-hp advantage over the Bass Cat Phelix 2005's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Bass Cat Phelix 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Bass Cat Cougar Advantage 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bass Cat Phelix 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.