2019 Bass Cat Cougar FTD — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $45,000–$65,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
Bass Cat is one of the premium bass boat builders — exceptional fit and finish, better resale than most competitors. The Cougar FTD is a serious tournament boat. Used Bass Cats retain value well, which means you'll pay more but get more.
Known Issues for the 2019 Bass Cat Cougar FTD
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Premium bass boats run high-horsepower outboards hard. Annual service is essential. Verify records.
Repair cost range: $400-$2,500
Tournament use means the trolling motor and battery bank work extremely hard. Check batteries for capacity and trolling motor for smooth operation.
Repair cost range: $300-$2,000 batteries, $500-$1,800 trolling motor
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Outboard with no service records
- ✗Battery bank that won't hold charge — common on hard-used tournament boats
- ✗Any evidence of hard grounding on the hull bottom
Good Signs
- ✓Yamaha or Mercury dealer service history
- ✓Batteries replaced within 2-3 years
- ✓Hull bottom clean
- ✓Trolling motor running smoothly with straight shaft
Found a specific Bass Cat Cougar FTD?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2019 Bass Cat Cougar FTD in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.