The Jaguar STS is not a new hull, but of course, given its capabilities and Bass Cat President Rick Pierce’s frequent performance testing with Mercury Racing, it was a natural to rig and test it with the latest beast from Team Black, the 500R. Impressive is an understatement: This is a true 100 mph boat. We ran the Jag through its paces up to the limit in the conditions of the day, which was blustery and cold, with a stout 2-foot windblown chop. With two aboard, 35 gallons of fuel and a boatload of fishing gear, we recorded 98.5 mph at 6,400 rpm in a very short run (about a half-mile). It’s clear this rig can give you back more than most can handle.
Fuel-wise, this is a racehorse built for speed; our most economical cruise speed occurred at a swift 4,000 rpm and 49.5 mph, where we recorded 2.7 mpg at a thirsty 18.2 gph. The Jag handles big wind chop without complaint; the ride and control is solid, with no bad landings. The performance comes directly from the STS (Soft-Touch Special) hull with a wide footprint.
The Jaguar STS is loaded with features and engineering touches. The sculpted console employs a flush-mounted 12-inch graph that incorporates engine data as well as GPS and maps. Tilt-helm hydraulic steering with an optional Bob’s Machine hydraulic setback jack plate keep the Mercury 500R in line.
The center console between the seats houses a day box in the upper portion and a cooler underneath.
Three graphs fit at the bow, with two stowed low in the recess and out of the way. A recessed trolling-motor pedal tray features a removable block for fore or aft pedal placement. Built-in rod ramps adorn each gunwale, with large center storage boxes flanked by a rod-storage box on the port side and a general storage locker to starboard. A center step up to the foredeck houses a cooler.
Aft, triangular livewells are engineered to keep water from sloshing, with healthier fish as a result. Small triangular day-storage boxes are located just behind, with larger dry-storage compartments on each side. Easy access to pumps, screens and rigging is under twin hatches at the transom.
High Points
- Unique triangular livewells engineered to keep water from sloshing mean your fish stay healthier.
- Flush-mounted 12-inch graph at the helm and as many as three graphs installed at the bow; two sit flush in the recess, out of the way.
- Running a 100 mph boat is awesome, especially one like the Jaguar STS that handles so precisely.
- New, sleeker console redesign directs the pilot’s full attention forward, where it should be.
- Optional lift latches are patented and preferred by Bass Cat’s Rick Pierce for being user-friendly.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 500R FourStroke 500 hp
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Bravo I FS 15.25″ x 32″ 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $204,525 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 22’0″ |
| Beam: | 7’11” |
| Draft: | 1’5″ |
| Dry Weight: | 4,750 lb. (rigged, with engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 5/875 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Bass Cat Boats – Midway, Arkansas; basscat.com
