Champion boat

md2358 · Post by **md2358** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 6:59 pm

Just got rid of aluminum bass tracker and looking to buy fiberglass bass boat. Saw 1998 Champion 187 SCX on classifieds. Never been in Champion, always heard great rough water ride but had seen post's on Bass Boat Central some boats can be "tippy". I fish with two smaller kids and this was one reason for getting rid of tracker. Can anyone give me advise on this boat as far as ride, storage and stability go. Thanks

smoothmel · Post by **smoothmel** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:19 pm

I A LONG TIME CHAMPION BOAT OWNER,i HAD THE 187 FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS HAD NO PROBLEMS ,SIX TIMES AT MEAD IN GOOD AND BAD WHEATHER,THE DELTA ,LAKE SHASTA SO I THINK YOU WOULD BE HAPPY ,I KNOW HAVE A 198 CHAMPION 225 OPTIMAX GOING ON SIX YEARS I LOVE THIS BOAT

DaveH · Post by **DaveH** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:19 pm

I have a 96 Champion 202 dual console, love it, I fish 3 men or a boat full of little kids, not tippy for me, never rode in a 187 I think thats what listed, what area do you hale from, my home lake is Castaic if you want a ride. Dave

md2358 · Post by **md2358** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:33 pm

Thanks for offer Dave. Live North of Fresno, little to far to go for a ride. Appreciate offer though.

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:52 pm

Most narrow beam Champs are "tippy", the 187 included. It wasn't until recent when they went to the wide body design, moved the fuel tank up did they become super stable.

At 18'7", I think it'll be fairly stable. Not like a Ranger or Cat of similar size, but still decent to fish out of.

Al S. · Post by **Al S.** » Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:58 pm

I run a 00 181 dual console, two guys fishing off the front deck on one side, the boat will lean a little. Regarding the ride - 1 to 2 footers, not a problem. (Delta, Clear and Berryessa) Still wish I had another 2'.

14tommyd · Post by **14tommyd** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:23 am

I have a 99 Champion 187, the rough water ride is the best. only negative is the back of the boat storage is small. No way they are as tippy as an aluminum, but, you can feel the person in the back move around, my backseat partner weighs 240. I've fished out of a friends Ranger, on Clearlake, in 1 to 2 footers and felt like I was losing a kidney, Champion smooth. IMO

meagain · Post by **meagain** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:50 am

i have a 2005 187 champ fish the delta about every weekend you are more than welcome to hop in and see for yourself how the ride is. i have fished out of aluminum, skeeter, and a older 16' stratos, and a few rangers. i really like my champion. i fish with a 4 year old and occasionally a 7 yr old also. have never had a problem with the stability.