Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

Is there no more Strapion's? It not see any mention of these on the Stratos page.

They are gone!!! The powers to be decided to stop producing the Stratos Champion series.

Did you use spellcheck? Are you sure you didn't mean Strapons?

No, whats that? Its not my term I think Brian Day coin it. Regardless it is a bummer that their gone.

mark poulson wrote:Did you use spellcheck? Are you sure you didn't mean Strapons?

They are gone, Larry Nixon who ran Stratos for so many years will now be back in a Ranger, curious to see what Skeet and Mike McCllellen will be running.Wonder if Gary Klouse formerly with Champion now Phoenix , will consider buying the original Champion molds from Platinum Equeties Group or if they even will be for sale?

Just checked Skeets web site he is now with Ranger.

drew wrote:No, whats that? Its not my term I think Brian Day coin it. Regardless it is a bummer that their gone.

mark poulson wrote:Did you use spellcheck? Are you sure you didn't mean Strapons?

OMG -- my fault again. Ssheesh, didn't see that one coming. Here I am being a considerate forum poster and Drew tosses me under da buss.



I'll be wearin dis button the next tourney you see me at...

Brian, I got your back. But not too close.

Absolutely not. It was good one. Just giving credit were credit is due. Although you should watch out for Mark and that strap on thingy.

Brian D. wrote: OMG -- my fault again. Ssheesh, didn't see that one coming. Here I am being a considerate forum poster and Drew tosses me under da buss.

drew wrote:Absolutely not. It was good one. Just giving credit were credit is due. Although you should watch out for Mark and that strap on thingy.

Brian D. wrote: OMG -- my fault again. Ssheesh, didn't see that one coming. Here I am being a considerate forum poster and Drew tosses me under da buss.

Ha! Hope all is well with you Drew.

Let me help clarify a few things here. Yes the old Champion 202 and 210 molds are no longer offered by Stratos. Those molds will never be sold to any other boat mfg no matter what the price. Those were and still are great boats and anyone out there who has one is lucky. Hopefully some day they will be ressurected by Platinum Equity, [ie new camaros]. Never say never. Rick G.

PS-We just happen to have the last Brand new 2014 210 Elite Stratos in existance here for sale. Call the shop for pic's and details. 7146662628

To Rick G,
I know Anglers Marine and Bob's Marine in Modesto were very important dealers to the Champion boat company over the years. It's evident in the number of Champion boats that still navigate California's waterways today. Many of these boat are still going strong from the 90's era and are treasured and restored like the 60's muscle cars. Champion boats were known for there ride ability, construction, and customer loyalty. Boating websites that feature Champion boat forums have a cult-like following and continue to keep the brand relevant even though the Champion name was discontinued over 3 years ago by the PE group. It's difficult understand the PE ownership group's decision to re-brand a popular and respected name in the industry. The final days of Champion felt like they ended when the PE group purchased Genmar's assets over 3 years ago and it's sad to say the PE group seemed content on burying the brand and it's rich history.
The Champion torch will continue to be carried on by it's current and former boat owners. Reminding people of the slogan, "Ride and decide."
It's just inconceivable that the final nail is in the coffin for Champion boats but your lucky enough to still own a Champion, you appreciate what you have.

Well said. There was always a "Hatfields vs McCoys" between the Mountain Home builders and the Flippin Crew. The demise of Champion was when it was bought out of BK by Genmar and moved to Tennesee and ran down the same line as Stratos. The management at that time had no interest in making sure Champion succeded and felt that Stratos was a better product. By the time they fired that President, [now running another boat company], it was too late. The boaters in Tennessee are more of the go fast group instead of the built solid good rough water crowd. WE are now a proud Ranger/Triton/Nitro dealer and will always have great memories of those times when Champion was on top. Rick G.

Thanks for the info Rick G. I am curious now as to when the last Champions were made in Ark. before the move to Tennessee, those Arkansas folks have a long history in quality boat building. I visited the factories in Flippin and Mountain Home in 1991 , and know some about of the history of wooden drift boats on the white river, kinda where it all began .

So, how is "replacement value" determined under insurance policies if you have a Champion?

If There is anybody out there looking for a Elite 202 We have a new one at the shop in Modesto. Call me I will make you a great deal.


Richard C & C Marine