Opinions on rig

[waldodog]

Looking at an '03 196w/'03 200 Yamaha EFI. Is this a good combination (ride/performance)? I would prefer it to have an HPDI or the like but I really don't go fishing that much. So I'm trying to decide in these days of high gas prices if I should go ahead or wait for an HPDI or OPTI. I'm sure I would pay more for one with a DFI motor on it. The boat has a decent price on it.

[H2O_Fowl]

I would wait for one with high pressure direct injection. Be much easier to sell in the future should you decide.

Yes ride is typical Champion and performance would be better with a 225 but they are no slouch either. Expect mid to upper 60's with a decent load. They are a BIG boat.

And mine just happens to be for sale on the boards.


Modified by Champer196 at 8:53 PM 6/3/2008

[steve1206]

I have the same rig as Jack (any offers by the way, Jack?) and will be selling mine this fall.......but.....I will tell you my tourney partner had the 2003 small block HPDI 200hp and it is a DOG. Very reliable but very slow. It was typically a 61-62 MPH boat with a load.....Aaron, if he were still at Eberlin's, would tell you the same thing....The VMAX would probably be faster but you really want a DI...and get soemthing other than the HPDI unless you are getting something newer than that 2003.

[ChampioNman]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Champer196 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">IYes ride is typical Champion and performance would be better with a 225 but they are no slouch either. Expect mid to upper 60's with a decent load. They are a BIG boat.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Jack the 196 is only rated to 200 HP that's why they made the 198 to get the 225 rating.

[203]

I believe there are lots of things to think about in this decision process. You don't fish that much, so you won't save that much in gas, no matter the price of gas. Either technology is fine in this situation.

Are you gonna keep it 5 years or trade next year? I think if I was gonna keep it for a while I would not worry about resale much. If you plan on trading every year or so, then you need to consider what will return more of your investment, which would be the Opti.. ( or HPDI, I guess ) ...

Do you care if it goes 62 or 68? If so, and you gotta go fast, then you probably oughta keep shopping. If not, and you are looking for a comfortable boat, then 62 is probably fast enough and you'll be happy.

The difference between a 60 and a 70 mph ride is ~9 seconds per mile. On your average 5 mile run in my lake, you'll get there 45 seconds behind the faster running boat.

In the next few months, especially toward the colder months, you are gonna find some REAL boat deals. Folks are deciding in droves that they cannot make 400 buck/mo truck payments, 400 buck/mo boat payments, and pay 4.25 for fuel for both of those investments. It's gonna be a buyer's market for a fact.

Either way, you're correct in looking at the ChamP, it 's a great boat! Good luck in your search...

[Lea]

Welcome to the Champion forum, Waldo! Lots of good info here....

As far as ride goes, Champion is top of the line!!!

[H2O_Fowl]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ChampioNman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Jack the 196 is only rated to 200 HP that's why they made the 198 to get the 225 rating. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah I know I have one remember?

[ChampioNman]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Champer196 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Yes ride is typical Champion and performance would be better with a 225 but they are no slouch either. Expect mid to upper 60's with a decent load. They are a BIG boat.

And mine just happens to be for sale on the boards.


Modified by Champer196 at 8:53 PM 6/3/2008</TD></TR></TABLE>


Just trying to help ya bud!

[H2O_Fowl]

NO offers yet Steve. Not sure that I really want to sell it now. I may end up taking it off of the board. I almost hate the thought of going out boat looking again.

[steve1206]

Send your prospects to me. Mine still has warranty until 2/2009...