1983 champion 186

[Blackwoodz]

Just picked up a project boat titled as a 1983
I think it's a 186 but haven't deciphered hin or measured hull.
Funny thing it's on a champion tandem axle trailer. Solid boat with an 83/84 blackmax 150. Needs LU
$500. Everything is there including new minnkota tm.
I'll try to get picks but was a tandom axke trailer very common for these 18 foot boats. Neither axle has brakes.
I'm stoked to start cleaning it up. Hull looks good but top cap needs wet sanded and needs carpet and seats are kinda cracking.

[Blackwoodz]

HIN is
TSB04742M831
Can some decode this for me.
Tape measure reads 18' 10"
But it was a real precise measurement....so I believe it to be a 186.
Single console...it has 4 built in mooring or anchor ropes.
Is that an option or standard? This is my first champion boat.
Thanks for any help

[MMosher]

18'4 (great hull). The 18'6 didn't come out until 1995.

[Lea]

No 186 back then. Gotta be a 184. The HIN will only tell where and when built. In this case, Mtn Home, AR. Double check that HIN. M831 can't be correct.

Matt beat me to the model!

The last 4 digits of the HIN mean month and year built as well as model year, which changes mid summer. M would be 13 th month. LOL! A good example would be J405. Built in Oct of 2004 and is an 05 model.

[Blackwoodz]

Thanks for the info. Sure seems my measurements were off then. I stacked so probably was. I like the hull. Not keen on the full length rails though. So we're the built in retracting anchoring ropes optional or is this something that may have been added?

[Blackwoodz]

No 186 back then. Gotta be a 184. The HIN will only tell where and when built. In this case, Mtn Home, AR. Double check that HIN. M831 can't be correct.

Matt beat me to the model!

Maybe M83I
Pic I took kinda shadows and it was dark.

[Lea]

Nope....see my edited post regarding last 4 digits.

[Blackwoodz]

Just checked my registration and plate both same..
Last 4 are M83I

18'4"
1983

[MMosher]

Optional. They were popular for a time. I kinda liked em. Full length rails were standard back in the day. You can always take em off.

Thanks for the info. Sure seems my measurements were off then. I stacked so probably was. I like the hull. Not keen on the full length rails though. So we're the built in retracting anchoring ropes optional or is this something that may have been added?

[Lea]

Just checked my registration and plate both same..
Last 4 are M83I

18'4"
1983

I believe you, but am puzzled. Many years ago, there was a different way to read HINs, but not in 83era, as far as I know.

[Blackwoodz]

Pre 84 there was options from what I've read buy doesn't make sense. I ran it through Google and it came up as champion boat 83.
Anyway it's a starter boat. I just bought it because it was so cheap.
And having the tandem axle trailer was too good to pass on.
Came with three usable batteries and a one year old 24v minnkota. It has good gel on hull and cap besides oxidation. Transom is solid...floor is okay but carpet is missing. All lids there. Newer casting seats.
The 84 blackmax has a bad LU but I have a good spare for that. I'm going to pull prop and shaft to see if it repairable or just use my spare.
Heck for the $500 I got it for I couldn't say no.

[Lea]

You definitely did good!!!!!

[cart7]

Thanks for the info. Sure seems my measurements were off then. I stacked so probably was. I like the hull. Not keen on the full length rails though. So we're the built in retracting anchoring ropes optional or is this something that may have been added?

Easy enough to change. On both my 184's I disassembled, cut to whatever length you want remove the unnecessary rail standoffs and reinstall the end standoff where it needs to be. I used a regular pipe cutter to shorten the rail. You'll have some screw holes in the deck to cover up.

[Blackwoodz]

Yeah it looked simple enough to rrmove. The setup as is....is more family fishing friendly. I'll probably just leave it for next owner to decide. The rails are in excellent condition with hardly no corrosion or dings. Still mounted solid to cap.
Honestly just going to fix the LU and put it back up for sale.
What's a ball park asking g price...if engine runs perfectly and no major issues but a few cosmetic things needed?
I'll probably wait till spring to put it up for sale but if family or friends are needing one who knows. I honestly don't have room to store for long terms....so I've ordered a full cover. I've already removed batteries and on chargers.

[Blackwoodz]

Got the LU swapped out and did a water pump rebuild. I still need thermostats but engine fired up.....stumbled a little...then cleared out and idled great.
1/4-3/8 water stream...
Had to add some oil to trim.
Trying to decide what I should do with it.
Keep it for a backup or just make a few bucks and let it go.
I don't really have a good place to store her is my biggest problem. I ordered a $40 cover to keep her dry but hate leaving boats outside.


Side note anyone heard of precision turbo props?
That's engraved on this one that came on it.
14-3/4 x 24.

[Blackwoodz]

IMG_20181103_185146811-800x450.jpg

[Blackwoodz]

Another question for champion gurus.
The tandom axle trailer has expanded metal on the step boards. Is that original or has it been altered?
The fenders need some body work. But they are still solidly attached. Needs inner well boards replacement and covered but that's easy.

IMG_20181103_184335275-1024x576.jpg

[MMosher]

Looks like a stock TI trailer to me. Nothing unusual about it.

[Blackwoodz]

Looks like a stock TI trailer to me. Nothing unusual about it.

So expanded metal was used?
I know trailer isn't special but kinda cool for a shorter boat. The tounge weight is very minimal.
The oem tounge jack funtions but slips from a few worn teeth.

[Bruce2]

More than likely they where carpeted wood and the wood rotted out and they replaced the with expanded metal.