The Bass Cat Pantera IV 2011 vs Bass Cat Puma FTD 2014 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Bass Cat Puma FTD 2014 has a 115-hp advantage over the Bass Cat Pantera IV 2011's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bass Cat Puma FTD 2014 carries 52 gallons versus 43 gallons in the Bass Cat Pantera IV 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bass Cat Puma FTD 2014 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Bass Cat Pantera IV 2011 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 Puma FTD 2014 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Bass Cat Puma FTD 2014 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bass Cat Pantera IV 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.