Been poking around at new boats lately, would love to hear from anyone who has gone from a champ to a bird. Impressions, comparisons, trade-offs... looking at the 920/921 rigs. Currently running a 198.
Been poking around at new boats lately, would love to hear from anyone who has gone from a champ to a bird. Impressions, comparisons, trade-offs... looking at the 920/921 rigs. Currently running a 198.
Last edited by jbabin76; 06-13-2018 at 10:52 AM.
2018 LEGEND 211R | 250 MERC PROXS
My buddy switched from a Champ 198 to a 919PROXP and he loves it...more stable fishing platform, more room, faster (he runs lows 70s two many tourney load) and he says its actually better in rough water than his 198.
"Any pizza is a personal pizza if you believe in yourself"
They are also coming out with a Phoenix 19 PHX. Just something else to consider. But the 921 has one of the better rides out there.
What are the front deck dimensions on the 198 vs the 919?
'98 187 Elite, 175 EFI (Serial 0G750796)
I'm a big fan of Champions and the 198 is a nice rig but I don't think you will see any negatives moving to the 921. Ride will be every bit as good and storage, stability, tracking on the trolling motor all much better.
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2024 Phoenix 21 XE - Mercury 250 PRO XS Serial #3B429919
2017 Phoenix PHX 21 - Yamaha 250 SHO
2010 Skeeter 20i - Yamaha 250 SHO
1988 Procraft 1780 Competitor - Mercury 100
This is the impression i'm getting from what I've read/seen.Originally Posted by Meleagris1
2018 LEGEND 211R | 250 MERC PROXS
I ran a 198 for 5 years and downsized to a 618 phoenix. I did fish out of a friends 919 several times and it was very comparable as far as the ride goes. The Phoenix does sit flatter/lower in the front so it doesn't catch the wind like a champ does while on the troller. With going to a larger phoenix I don't think there will be any downsides, it will be bigger, more storage, faster, etc.
2016 Phoenix 618 Mercury 175 ProXS
I concur. Even though I went from smaller boat, a Champ 181 to a 618.Ride will be every bit as good and storage, stability, tracking on the trolling motor all much better.
My 618 is everything the Champ was and better.
2016 Phoenix 618 Pro / Mercury 175 Pro XS
I also had a 181 champ before the 198. Now having a 618, I will give the 181 champ the nod for handling and ride, way more fun to drive, but gave up the fishing platform and storage where the 618 wins bigtime. I realize we are talking about 20' and bigger in the original post but these are my observations comparing the 18' boats.
2016 Phoenix 618 Mercury 175 ProXS
I came from an 06 210 elite into a 921 pro xp. I can honestly say with the ride and performance of my boat I dont miss my champ and think my current boat runs as good or better and faster.
Thanks Michael... that is a perfect comparison and one I was hoping to draw on.
2018 LEGEND 211R | 250 MERC PROXS
Did you see the new 198 Charger just posted pictures of today. Nice looking boat, but I would go Bird over Champ/Charger.
Let’s see how the new 198 runs with that 225 Pro XS V8 on the back.
I went from a 2003 206 to a 2013 721. The overall ride and speed go to the Phoenix, I think the front deck was nicer on the 206 as it was much wider. I unfortunately had to let my bird go a little over a week ago due to a real estate deal I've been working towards. I'll be back in a bird this winter most likely a 921 21phx
Yes saw that... been following the Chargers and 210 would be on the list.
2018 LEGEND 211R | 250 MERC PROXS
I had a 201 and bought a new 919 ( 19ft 8”). The bird is an all around better boat but lacks the quality champion was putting out back in the 90s. The ride is a just as good but you get a little more spray when running across waves. I also have more water when I pull the drain plug (champ was always bone dry). Way more room and updated storage but that’s a given with any new boat.
Went from a 1997 202 with 2005 250 to a 2017 with a 250 sho , I have to give Phoenix credit great boat
2017 what? 921?
Came out of 206 to 721 much better ride way dryer and faster boat finish goes to champ 206 had lot wider deck but you can slide the rods back on the 721 witch makes just right for me I prefer not having to take three or four steps to get to flipping
What do you mean?
Did you consider the 920? Same length as the 206. Just curious.
2018 LEGEND 211R | 250 MERC PROXS
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