I know you have seen the pics of my 202's transom. I have found a new 2008 198 that I could put my opti and new trolling motor on for a shade over 23K rigged. Does that sound like a good number for a boat and trailer. What prop with stock 225 optimax on that hull. Will it do an honest 70 with 2 people. Trying to figure out what direction to go in with my problem.
I honestly don't know about price...check the '08 198s for sale here on BBC for comparison, and try to estimate with motor cost deducted. Sounds pretty decent to me...
I run a 26p Tempest Plus with large pvs openings...Stock 225 Opti
Two summers ago (air temp 98, high humidity) I ran 71.9 fully loaded with 2 well grown adults, all my tackle, over 1/2 tank fuel and empty wells. I knw she will do better this time of year, but I was bumping the limiter and would need to step up a pitch in prop...
I love this rig! It will be different from your 202, since it is the "wide body-beam forward", but that makes it so stable for fishing!
70 would be possible with 2 people, but it depends on load and alll. The pro xs is stronger, and I can barely run 70-71 loaded with 2 decent sized people. By myself, I can run 73+ any time of year, any time of day...
I know you are not saying my rig is faster than yours......
I was testing props on the James River when we got that speed. I was not driving, but I was definitely monitoring the GPS....
C'mon, we can race!!! I can drive through a chine walking boat....
Well, looks like I am going to pull the trigger on the 198. Same colors as on the champion web site. Sharp boat with nice lines. Like you said tons of storage. I will give up some speed for comfort
The 198 is a great boat. Once you get used to the wide front deck, you will really come to appreciate it's fishability. The 198 is no slouch for a wide heavy boat. It fishes as big or bigger than most 20' boats and a lot of 21' boats.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by iron banks »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well, looks like I am going to pull the trigger on the 198. Same colors as on the champion web site. Sharp boat with nice lines. Like you said tons of storage. I will give up some speed for comfort
Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!!!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dukhntr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">C'mon, we can race!!! I can drive through a chine walking boat....
Like I said...I was not driving. However, I was in the boat monitoring the GPS, and the fellow driving (Prop specialist, Robbie Patterson) will vouch. I don't need to race...
I will get the new boat on Dec 5. They made a great deal for me and even took my busted 202 on trade so I did not have to unload it as a project. Decided to go back to yamaha with a series 2 hpdi 225. One question is will this boat land softly into the chop like all my prevoius champs. I just don't care for a hull that slaps the water and jars you to the bone.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by iron banks »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I will get the new boat on Dec 5. They made a great deal for me and even took my busted 202 on trade so I did not have to unload it as a project. Decided to go back to yamaha with a series 2 hpdi 225. One question is will this boat land softly into the chop like all my prevoius champs. I just don't care for a hull that slaps the water and jars you to the bone. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I have hit some pretty heavy duty wakes and been in some pretty rough water...and never landed hard.. Have some friends who ran props with me one day. They run high speed rigs. When we approached big wakes, I could see them tense up...and when we sliced thru with ease and no roughness, I could see them turn to look at me with surprise! I loved it!! I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
I fish the Potomac River often and can say that my 198 lands very soft on re-entry. The right set of waves at the right angles will make any ride rough, but you should be impressed. The 198 will give one of the driest rides you can get. I fish with a buddy who has a 191 which is a narrow hull like the 202, and I would take my 198 any day. As much as people praise the old Champions, the news ones fish so much better (in my opinion).
Ditto James Harner.
Went from a 2003 203 to a 2004 198 and the fishability difference is enormous (for me and my style of fishing). The ride may have been better on the 203, and it was supposed to be a faster boat, but there is no way I would ever go back to a 203.
Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are no slouches when it comes to rough stuff either so I'd wager that my 198 has been in stuff that 99% of boats would not want to experience. Then again, I didn't enjoy it so much myself and kissed the shore once I got back in. lol
Charles
Good to read that the 198 rides well. I usually water test a hull prior to purchace but did not get a chance with this deal. I had to leave town for the holidays. it will be interesting to fish with less bow rise. I am sure the boat gets on it pad easliy. JUst never ridden in a 95 beam champ. I was sad about my 202 but the 198 sounds like it will help me get over itOne thing I always loved about champs is there dry storage is truly dry storage. I assume the 198 will give me the same with the lids and gaskets.
I've had the misfortune to have had to tow mine thru several torrential downpours for hours (including all the way home to VA from TN)...uncovered. Nary a drop in the storage compartments!!!
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