89 Champion 201 SC(R?) (Pic Heavy)

[Radeleur]

OK, I am placing this here for a a place holder.

I just purchased a 89 Champion 20 SCR with a 86 Mercury 200 Blackmax.

I have many thoughts, some plans, but it will be getting some love. (Though honestly, not sure if I bit off too much.)

Some of the things that it is going to get is seats, padded deck, new trolling, new front graph, deck extension rebuilt (possibly glassed and additional/existing compartments added or modified, new wheels, trailer lighting upgrades, new trailer bunks, and various other things.

Possibly in the future a Repower as I love the hulls of the Champion and it is 20 foot.

She isn't pretty (actually more like she is rough), and I have a ton of questions, thoughts, ideas so I am open to help or suggestions. I will post pics of what I have now (just brought it home yesterday) and as I do the work.

[Radeleur]

Some pics

[Radeleur]

more pics

[Radeleur]

Gauges/Console

[Radeleur]

Anyone seen these before?

[Radeleur]

Side note: Craig is amazing at www.Deanstop.com

These are the seat style my Champion came originally with.
115.jpeg
116.jpeg

[mxmike]

Anyone seen these before?

It's an "anchor rein or also called boat rein" retractable rope to tie up boat. Had two on my old Ranger, handier than a pocket on a shirt.

[Radeleur]

It's an "anchor rein or also called boat rein" retractable rope to tie up boat. Had two on my old Ranger, handier than a pocket on a shirt.

Yeah just got the build sheet from Craig at Deanstop.com and it shows 4 of them. Pretty neat that all 4 are still on it too..maybe weathers, but at least all intact

[mxmike]

Wow. That one looks to definitely be a major project and a labor of love. Good luck with that one.

[Radeleur]

Wow. That one looks to definitely be a major project and a labor of love. Good luck with that one.

Just spent 10 minutes wet-sanding with warm water/dawn and P800...can definitely feel a difference..... My lord it is cold...36 F degrees

Unfortunately, it was not brown or murky; but was white....But definitely waaaaay smoother

[bill.s]

What ever you do, DO NOT pull the anchor rein rope all the way out. It is spring loaded and a real bugger to repair. Quite handy when they work.

[Radeleur]

What ever you do, DO NOT pull the anchor rein rope all the way out. It is spring loaded and a real bugger to repair. Quite handy when they work.

Thank Bill. They are all in and functional now, but definitely weathered. Don't know if I would trust them outside of calm water.

[paulrodbender]

Thank Bill. They are all in and functional now, but definitely weathered. Don't know if I would trust them outside of calm water.

I have a few around somewhere, had them on my boat and never used the rope. On the bow, I ended up just saving the cleat and using a SS carriage bolt, washer and lock nut. Kept the look but got rid of the big plastic spool underneath.

[Radeleur]

Is there anyone near or reasonably close to Seminole, OK that may be able to come help me look it over really good? It's only my 2nd boat and honestly, I am starting to get overwhelmed and not sure what I am doing or where to start.

[mxmike]

Is there anyone near or reasonably close to Seminole, OK that may be able to come help me look it over really good? It's only my 2nd boat and honestly, I am starting to get overwhelmed and not sure what I am doing or where to start.

From what I can see from the pics. I think you may have bitten off more than you can chew on this one. Sorry, just JMHO .

[Radeleur]

Well, spent a little time wet-sanding...did a test patch with 800 left a little scratches, went to 1500 (what they had) smooth but doesn't cut and then went down to 1000 (again what they had). Still getting some small scratches on 1K but at least it will cut through the years of neglect and is getting shined and smoother.

Pics are dark one is the driver side and the other the passenger. To show how far it has come so far.

[MMosher]

STOP any more gel polishing. It should be last thing to do, not the first. The process you're taking to do it is correct. You're just putting the cart before the horse.

The biggest red flag I'm seeing is who ever cut the recessed TM tray did not properly seal it up and it's delaminating, it needs repaired.

While you're at it ALL through hull fittings should be pulled (including the engine bolts) and checked for water intrusion this includes the aluminum strip on the back of the transom. If you see brown coffee color water stains coming from any of those that's a major red flag and needs to be addressed and checked for rot. If it's just wet it can be dried out with heat lamps for at least 2 weeks (if not longer) in a controlled environment.

If there's rot it's new transom and/or stringers time.

ANY holes that have been put in the deck from old fish finders, graphs etc should be pulled and checked for water intrusion. Same for the drain holes in the floor. If they're good, reseal em with a good below the water line silicon. While your're at it replace any old plastic thru hull fitting as they're probably old and dry rotted.

If all of the above checks out reseal everything up and then go to work on your plumbing and electrical. Put all new pumps and rewire your stuff as needed. YOU need a Tac and water pressure gauge. All the others are nice but not a NEED.

Engine: A COMPLETE detailed service should be done and new ethanol proof fuel lines run. Explain this to your mechanic. If you're a gear head you can do it yourself. If that gas is old get it out of the tank and engine.

Once that's done your rig should be water ready and you can fish it. It may not look pretty yet but you can at least fish.

Trailer: Probably new tire and bearings time. Got to have a reliable trailer to get you to the lake. If it has breaks check em over and replace or repair.


LASTLY: Fill in all the major bumps and bruises, sand and I'd just personally just brush gel it. Now you can make it look pretty. Wet sand all your exposed pretty areas. with the methods you're using.

This is a project for sure but can be done. A complete resto will cost you big. Making it fish worthy can be done much cheaper. It your dime and your time.

I'm sure I missed a bunch.

[twitch]

When I did mine I started with 800 then went to 1000 then 1200 then 1500 then 2000 you will have some scratches but when you hit it with the buffer and compound and then the finishing 3m ,it will shine and be smooth as a babies arsss and remember to seal it . I used Pro-tec sealant and do a coat every couple months to keep her looking good and protected.It is a lot of work but well worth it when done I think there is a sticky at the top of the forum about how to do it and what to use.

[wmitch2]

Anyone seen these before?

YES !! Had them on my 87 Ranger !! I liked them, never had to look for a rope to tie up with, lol !!

[Radeleur]

YES !! Had them on my 87 Ranger !! I liked them, never had to look for a rope to tie up with, lol !!

I've heard they are rod magnets too LOL