Looking at a ‘99 203 Champ with a 200 mercury EFI on it with low hours. Waiting on the engine to be checked out, was wandering if it is a bit under powered. Everything on this rigid original with no upgrades. Talk to Matt Mosher about it and was wanting more opinions from you all, forgot to ask the guy what prop he has on it. Looking to upgrade from my ‘96 181 elite.
I'll say it will be a low to mid 60's rig.
Have a 2000 203 that had a Evinrude 225 when I purchased that would run 70 mph just me.
Now has 250 HO runs mid 70's
Boat has no power poles
3 batteries
light tackle
Just depends on how fast you wanna go, Ive seen alot of 200 HP setups that catch more fish than me.
I hear ya, just wanting a little input on the subject, ThanksOriginally Posted by brownbassslayer
I have a 1999 203 with a Yamaha 3.1L OX66 225. Runs 66-68 heavy with 5 batteries, 3/4 to full tank, and ultrex. It would be in the low 70’s if I trimmed the fat. The 203 would be a big upgrade over your 181. The 181 was my first champion.
Hoping this comes through, I need more room, bought the 181 new, be hard to let it go but it’s time.
Keep me posted if it works out. I have a friend who is looking to buy his first bass boat. Good luck with the 203!
I just bought a ‘98, 203 with 3.0L EFI Mariner 225, all original almost mint condition. The guy said it would run 72 with a little more left before he backed out of it. I’m coming from a ‘91, 184
Last edited by GoFastBoater; 06-08-2022 at 11:39 PM.
If you aren't water skiing behind it or drag racing it will be perfect! I've had my for 17 years and would only get rid of it for a new 210. Mine has a merc 225 efi on it and it has seen 75 but that was perfect conditions and years ago...it's a great boat if the motor is healthy who cares on the speed.
Will Do
A guy in our club had a '98 203 with a 200 EFI on it. It was only a mid to upper 50s rig as it was. However, he never played with the jackplate and the prop was toast. Speed just wasn't important. I'm guessing with a good prop and a plate that's dialed in, he would've had low 60s.
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