Purchased in June 2009, my Panther Cat inflatable boat has become an essential part of my annual elk hunting and fishing trips on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula every November. Over the years, this boat has impressively floated out dozens of bull elks, alongside a few deer and even a bear, shared between myself and my hunting partner. Its low profile, double pontoon design is undeniably well-suited for navigating these waters and carrying substantial loads. In fact, it comfortably handles half a bull elk plus my gear. However, my experience with the Panther Cat has been far from seamless, marred by a persistent and frustrating issue.
Recurring Bladder Failures: A Yearly Ordeal
Right from its first use, a recurring problem has plagued my Panther Cat: bladder leaks. Every single year, without fail, at least one bladder, and sometimes more, would develop a leak. For the initial couple of years, Fish Cat, the manufacturer, honored their warranty and replaced the faulty bladders. Unfortunately, this goodwill was short-lived, and subsequently, I’ve had to purchase replacement bladders annually out of my own pocket.
The provided patching cement and material proved ineffective in resolving these leaks. In my assessment, the root cause lies in a design flaw: the bladders are approximately 18 inches longer and 12 inches larger in diameter than the boat’s shell they are intended to fit into. This size discrepancy necessitates folding the bladder to install it within the shell. These folds, I believe, become stress points, leading to cracks and subsequent leaks over time.
Customer Service Misdirection and Design Discrepancy
Frustratingly, attempts to address this issue with Fish Cat’s technical support have been met with dismissive explanations. On multiple occasions, technicians insisted that I was installing the bladders “incorrectly” and that they should fit without folding. With 42 years of experience in residential construction, I possess a strong understanding of spatial relationships and dimensions. To be told that an 18-inch oversized bladder will fit without any folds or wrinkles is, frankly, insulting and defies basic geometry. This is a clear case of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Enduring Appeal Despite Persistent Issues
Despite the ongoing bladder problems, I remain attached to my Panther Cat. Its low-profile, double pontoon setup is excellent, and its load-bearing capacity is crucial for my hunting expeditions. However, I’ve learned to never venture onto the water without my air pump and a valve wrench. This preparedness is essential, especially the valve wrench; in a worst-case scenario of two simultaneous flats on one side, I need to be able to transfer a functional bladder from the other side to avoid a long walk out of the wilderness.
It’s worth noting that I handle this boat with extreme care. For years, I meticulously carried it to and from the riverbank to prevent any potential damage. When not in use, it is stored indoors with reduced bladder pressure. Each time I replace a bladder, I thoroughly clean and dry the shell, meticulously checking for any grit or sand that could abrade the new bladder.
A Tough Decision: Stick or Switch?
Currently, I am facing a dilemma: purchase another replacement bladder or abandon the Panther Cat altogether and invest in a different brand. The boat’s fundamental design and performance are commendable, perfectly suited for my needs. Yet, the consistent bladder failures and the unsatisfactory customer service experience are significant drawbacks. The decision to continue with Panther Cat hinges on whether the inherent advantages outweigh the predictable and costly yearly maintenance.
