Buying a Champion 2004 196 Elite

[Skandy35]

I'm in the process of buying a 2004 196 elite with a 200 Optimax. Very clean boat with low hours. Is there anything I should look for before pulling the trigger? Any hidden gremlins, quirks, etc. Anything would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[H2O_Fowl]

None. Buy with confidence. Of course you will want to have the engine checked out. I used to have an 03. Nice rig.

[BILLY]

Hey Steve .welcome to BBC.
on aside note, what year did they get away from glass and wood in the transom? I think it was around that time frame.

[Champ 196 elite]

Hey Steve .
on aside note, what year did they get away from glass and wood in the transom? I think it was around that time frame.

My 03 196 elite has composite hull. Great boat just not the fastest, should have been rated for 225 but oh well. You should see low to mid sixties. Very stable and great ride. Have the engine checked by a reputable mechanic and if it checks out your'e good to go.

[injun]

I have the same year boat 2004 196 dcx 05 optimax great rig best ride ever i have had for six year not a problem with anything great boat.

[jbabin76]

As long as you are not a speed junkie, there's not much to dislike about it. Basically the same boat as the 198. 196 lead to the 198... widened beam to gain HP rating of 225

I love my 198, very stable and rides great.

[H2O_Fowl]

The attractiveness of a champion is ride and hamdling not necessarily speed. That 196 will have both.

[Lea]

Billy, what do you mean by "get away from glass and wood in the transom"? The "wood" question I understand, but not the glass part of the question....

[BILLY]

My 96 191 had 14 layers of wood and fiberglass, from what I understand

[Lea]

OK, got ya...

As long as all drilled holes were properly sealed, it is a non-issue. No need to worry about whether or not wood or composite transoms. Just worry about whether or not well sealed!!!

[Bassman53]

Seeing you are in Ca, I would bet we are looking at the same 196. I am a few days from going to look at it and possibly buy it or the 198 I have my eye on. Let me know if you have your heart set on that one and I will lean towards the 198 or 206 I'm eyeing.

[BILLY]

Is that the 206 with the 300?

[Bassman53]

Is that the 206 with the 300?

Yeah, the one in Texas.. Listed here in CA but it's in Texas

[BILLY]

That would make you smile .

[Skandy35]

Hey Bassman53, the one in looking at is located in Southern California. I'm flying down from NorCal on Tuesday to check it out and so far I like everything I have seen, read and got from the owner. Barring any major issues, I hoping to close the deal next week. Thanks for checking.

[Bassman53]

Yep sounds like the same boat, newer or different trailer correct?. Anyhow hope it works out, I'm going to lean towards the 206 then.

[BILLY]

Larry, that is real good ofyou . I know Steve has been looking for awhile .

[Bassman53]

Without giving too much more information, it is a great looking boat.IMG_0058.jpg
I Started a post about this boat the day before he did asking comparison of it and a 198. Since I'm not commited one way or another, no reason to step in front of someone that knows what they want.

[Skandy35]

Thanks Bassman53. That is the same one. Sitting on a new tandem trailer. Old trailer was a single axle and he said it was really tongue heavy. Will just need some new electronics. Looking at the new Garmin 93SV units.

[Skandy35]

Just finished checking out the boat and everything looks good. A few more stress cracks than I would like but nothing below the rub rail. Just your typical Knicks and scratches for a 10 year old boat. We made the deal now I just have to drive back down and pick it up.