Well, Just past the 1 year mark with the new 210. I would say overall that I have been very happy with my choice. I had a 496 and a 186 before this and have always loved Chargers, so it was a tough decision to switch to the elite series. The 210 is a big boat and rides great, but so did my 496. 2 totally different boats but both have their strong points. I think the 496 was a little more stable with the trolling motor down, it wasn't effected by the wind as much (although the 210 isn't bad either) and the 496 was easier to get in and out of docks. This may have been due to the fact that it already had some dock rash and now I'm in a new boat!
The 210 seems to ride more on top of the waves and you can run in heavy wind chop/boat wakes at a solid 50-60 MPH and still feel comfortable. The boat is VERY solid. When you hit a wake wrong and just cringe because you know it's going to hurt, the 210 surprises you in a good way. Hard turns are different than I am used to but you can whip the boat around pretty quick, it just leans a lot more than a charger ever did. I only have 55 hours on the motor and I am still learning how to drive it, but I have seen 73mph with both myself and a friend driving it. I honestly think a 496 with the 250 proXS would be a little faster but I could be wrong. The 210 weighs more and that has a lot to do with ride and performance obviously.
The Merc 250 is just simply AWESOME! The fuel consumption is very impressive, it's quiet, and the mid-range torque is incredible! I have never owned a Mercury, but I am a huge fan now.
Now for my Karen moment. The bad part about owning a 210 is everyone has something to say about it and most of the time it's not positive. Charger guys say it's not a Charger and they need to re-work their 496 series - Hell, I've said this too! Champion guys say it's not a Champion. I fished a tournament last weekend and you would not believe some of BS that was coming out of the mouths of these guys! Kelly Power bailed out Charger, Charger was closed for 4 years, Charger filed bankruptcy, Charger went out of business, Charger bought all of the Champion molds (but their not really Champions), they are not champions because the 210 and 198 were made in Tennessee, "I'd never buy one because Charger makes it", they need to make this model, that model and whatever other model, and the kicker was Bass Cat is making the real Champions! I didn't say much, drank my beer and laughed at the stupidity. If you're gonna rip on a guys boat, try to get your facts straight or else you look as dumb as the comments coming out of your mouth! Most guys that have never owned a Charger or Champion seem to have the most positive comments.
1 year old, I had a small leak on the overflow tube that the factory corrected for me while I waited and I had 2 screws come loose - which I was able to fix myself. The fit and finish is more than I expect, the carpeting is well laid and very good quality, the seats are comfortable, the livewells are total overkill, and despite what Ken Smith says, the trailer is awesome!
Ulrich was great to work with! Any time I called or emailed Kyle, he has gotten right back to me and is very helpful. He also just helped me out big time with an extended warranty for the merc! These are good people to work with! And thanks to Charger and Ulrich for putting on the Ultimate Challenge. If it wasn't for this tournament, I would probably still be in my 496.
I am sure I forgot some things and if anyone has any questions, shoot me a PM or ask here. Also, anyone in the St Louis area interested in one of these and wants to go for a spin, give me a holler. I think you will be impressed too.
Mike
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by jerzia
