Been a Champion guy for years. Talked at least 1/2 a dozen fellow club members to switch to the Champion brand. Love my Beam Forward, Wide Body Champ. But... I am being tempted to switch to the"Dark Side". Somebody please tell me why I would want a gently used 496 Charger over my beloved 196 Champ???? Is it worth the ostracism I will surely receive from my fellow Champ owners?
2017 Ranger Z520C / Mercury 250 ProXS 2S
I've been running a 496 for a little over 2 years now. I never rode in a 196 Champ, but I can tell you that the 496 is an awesome ride, decent speed and all the storage you will ever need. The front deck is not as wide as the new models, but it is still plenty big.
Good luck with your decision.
NO! ...Originally Posted by Mark Wendler
J/K the 496 would be a good boat. Got a buddy not far that had a 396 and has a 596. No flies on either one. The 496 is only 4" shorter than a 210 and I think a lot less front deck, but quite a bit more rear deck than a Champ.
Rear decks are the same 496 and 210 front deck is 103 on 496 and 90 on 210 They are about same width at same point but the 496 keeps going .496 is not as wide at the foot pedal /seat as the 210 but 496 is 13 inches longer .Just depends on your needs.Ride I would say goes to 496 over the 196 just being you can get to wave tops that are wider with a longer boat.
I'm that buddy...Highly recommended 496 or 596. Going to get some flack over this but also owned a 396 (and years ago 195TF) and would definitely not recommend it. It has a different hull design than the 496 or 596, compared, the 396 chine walks and is a rougher ride,,but it is a fast boat if that's what your looking for.NO! ...
Can someone tell me how much legroom a 496 has? I'm 6'4", and my 196 barely fits me behind the console. (a 196 & a 198 has the same legroom)
2017 Ranger Z520C / Mercury 250 ProXS 2S
I believe the 496 and 596 have the same cockpit. I'm 5'11" and I have lots of room to spare in my 596.
I'm only 6'2" and my 198 SUCKS in legroom! Biggest downfall with this boat, I sure hope the Charger 198 has more legroom.
Have we ever checked the legroom in the other brands TOC? ? ?
I'm 5' 10" and I have more than enough leg room in my 496. I could actually use less
496 and 596 have removable foot rest which opens up the whole under side of the console.My buddy owns a 496 and he is 6'5 and it's one of the few boats he fits in.The 596 is so big you can put a cooler under the console and still has leg room it's 5 inches deeper than the 396/496.If you have ever sit in some brands you wonder if the guy building them was 5 ft tall.
Hopefully the new 198 will have PLENTY of legroom also.
I have owned a 196 and been in a 496 and 495 The front of the 196 from the pedestal area to the trolling motor area where you do your fishing is a lot wider on the 196. The 496 will be faster with a 225 or 250. Ride and handling go to the Champion.
Last edited by Sports1; 08-08-2017 at 09:04 AM.
It's worth the ostracism you will receive...........
I have been in champions and the ride goes to charger.
Before I bought my 196 I had a chance to ride in rough water in the 495. My back was hurting when I when through the 495 ride. I then went with the 196. Never did that in the 196 not matter how rough it was plus the 196 turned a lot smoother on wide turns. And this is not coming from a Charger homer. With that being said the 496 might be a different hull and ride in those conditions. Bottom line is just get in the boat and see how you feel.
Last edited by Sports1; 08-08-2017 at 09:36 AM.
Ride and decide.
Mark Wendler..........enjoy your jump off the Ledge.................tell us how the jump is after the fact!
I am 6' and have a 05' 198.. plenty of room.. I can comfortable use my hotfoot for long runs.. not cramped.. I sit like I am driving my truck.. My left leg can NOT touch the front..
And for the ride.. UM -a BIG part is who is driving.. Just sitting in one can not judge the "ride" and it also includes if the person can "drive" a boat..
LT - DCFD
Grow 2" and you won't have plenty of legroom.
Reply With Quote
