Thread: Champion 181

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  1. #1
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    Champion 181

    Looking at 1996 181. Would like to hear any information anyone has on this model boat. I currently have a 361 Ranger. What would be the biggest differences in the two. I would greatly appreciate any info whatsoever.

  2. Member
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    #2
    Ride. It will out ride that ranger... better rough water boat and so on.
    Bruce Phillips
    1995 190 DC champion ......1995 200 xri merc

  3. Member
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    #3
    Bought a 1995 181DC in March. Very pleased with the boat and the handling.

    Only previous boats were aluminum marsh boats so nothing to compare to.

  4. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    #4
    You'd be switching from a lead sled to a sports car that won't cause you to get back adjustments after a rough day on the water.

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    #5
    Thanks guys. What kind of speed could I expect out of it? Is the fishing platform pretty stable?

  6. Member
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    #6
    With a healthy 150hp low 60's

  7. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    #7
    Yup, low 60's.

  8. Member
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    #8
    I’ve always heard the ride is amazing on these boats. Speed wise that’s the same as my ranger. I’m just at a point that I’m going to have to start putting money in it. The champion is really clean and a really good deal. Just have to figure out the best decision for myself. I was wanting to go to a bigger boat but this is probably all I need since I fish by myself all the time. It is a single console so that will make it seem bigger. Appreciation everyone’s input.

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    #9
    I have. '96 181 elite and am sure you will enjoy every of it

  10. Member
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    #10
    Fun boat runs big water and handles great
    I got 63 with 175 carb evinrude and now 61 with my 150 HO ETEC
    1996 Champion 181 DCX ELITE
    2017 EVINRUDE 150 H.O

  11. Member
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    #11
    Here is a video of my old 181 running:


  12. Member
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    #12
    No comparision on the ride, same on stable fishing, only that flip goes to the Ranger. If you put a bubba on the back of that 181 you're going to feel them. The main reason for Champion squaring off those round sides was people commenting on the tippy fishing platform. It never bothered me. My feet always got wet from water over the front of my 18' Rangers, seldom on my nose high Champs.

    My 181 and my Cat Sabre were like water go karts, FUN. All three of my Rangers have been sturdy fishing platforms. Wanna mix a little fun with your fishing? The 181 may be the ticket.

  13. Member
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    #13
    I bought my 181 DC new in 1996. It's been a great boat. Since I've not owned a boat like yours it would be hard for me to compare. The only complaints I have probably are associated with it being an 18 ft DC boat; almost no storage in back deck, "cockpit" area is tight. Not sure what years had transom problems, or maybe that's all 20+ year old boats.

  14. Born on th Llano Estacado Tx Champ's Avatar
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    #14
    The 361s I've ridden in are real kidney killers ...

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    #15
    Sweet!!

  16. Member
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    #16
    I had a 97 181. It was awesome!!! Mine would run 62-64 2 guys tourney load. It was an awesome ride. It literally would jump up on pad. I agree with the small storage on rear deck, but I made it work.

  17. Kansas Bass Club Moderator
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    #17
    I have owned both. The champ will handle and ride much better. The 361 is a quick boat and will be a bit faster than the 181 with the right set up. It will also hands down out fish the champ. They are like fishing from a dock as you know. The 360 series boats and 518s are perhaps the worse riding of any fiberglass ranger made. But not much can match stability.

    Make sure you check out the transom on the champ really really good and then check it again before flopping down the cash. Doesn't matter what the rest of the boat looks like, the transom will need to be thoroughly checked.

  18. Member
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    #18
    i have a 95 181DC and my buddy has a 361 Ranger. the champ is very quick and handles great ---the Ranger is a better fishing platform by far. I like my champ very much ,but like the 361 for being more stable and has a bunch more storage. I keep hearing everyone always saying be carefull about transoms on Champs, mine solid as a rock. The champs ride is better in ruff water but i have never thought the 361 road bad at all. But the 300 series will get u wet in ruff water and not a problem in the Champ. I think both are great boats !
    1988 Ranger 364V
    150HP Merc Black Max

  19. Member jp71291's Avatar
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    #19
    I had a 98 181 and loved the boat. It is one of the best smaller boats ever made IMO. There are times I still miss that boat. The boat will turn on a dime and with a light load there is practically no hole shot. The boat just jumps on pad. There are still times I wish I had that smaller boat. The boat will fish in big water fine but it really shines on small bodies of waters. River Back waters, bayous, and narrow channels with big turns are this boats niche. Mine ran 58-62 depending on load and time of year.
    ___________________________________
    2016 BassCat Cougar FTD
    2016 Mercury Pro XS 250

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    #20
    Thanks everyone for the input. I really appreciate it.

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