whats the difference between a 202 and a 203.....

[JHM757]

whats the difference between a 202 and a 203.....

[pmgoffjr]

Small things that make the two hulls different.

203 is a bit more forward design, thus has rear storage the 202 lacks.
203's sides are square to the cap, this was done to make the boat a bit less prone to roll on it's side while fishing. That's true, but it also lets the water run up easier, and thus is a wetter ride than the 202.

202 is a little quicker, little easier to drive, and handles a little better.

[JHM757]

Thanks for the quick reply

[sarmst100]

I've had both a 1996 202 and now a 1999 203. I loved the speed and ride of the 202 but the 203 fishes better IMHO. Unloaded, the 202 would run 74 GPS with a 200 Mariner 25P Tempest, the 203 with 225 Yamaha 27M unloaded will reach 72.6 GPS.

[mixermarkb]

Ditto this. I had a 95 202, traded for a 98 203 and kept my 225 mariner. Went from 76ish to 72ish on the top end, lost a *tiny* bit in rough water ride. My 203 seems drier idling in rough water as far as spray hitting me in the face than the 202 did, but it may be a bit wetter in really really rough water while on plane. I stress the really rough part, cause the only times I have gotten wet I was having to drive the boat to keep from spearing waves. I never had the 202 in water that rough, so I can't really say.

The 203 is significantly more stable at rest, which is why I changed.

For me, the mt home 203's are the best compromise in fishablity and rough water ride and general handling of any boat i've been in.

[MMosher]

Last year when I was looking at getting into another rig I called Bill Pace and picked his brain on what I should look for as I'd been out of it for a while. He replied in his best southern twang and quick voice:

"Well if you can find one get yourself a Twenty O Three Champion, its a niiice boat you'll reeeally like it." I replied that I had a 17'6 in the past (his reply "Nope") and/or what about the 18'4 ("Nope"). "Twenty O Three if you can find one. I wish I'da never sold mine."

I might be mistaken but I believe (Pat Goff would know better and please chime in) that Bill Pace had a major hand in the 203 design and it was his last Champ design before he went to Cobra. Bills currently running a Mnt Home 203.

I settled for looking for a nice Champion 20 fter in the 201, 204, 202 or 203. Found a really minty 202 I just fell in love with and had to have. I'll prolly run it for the next 20 years.


Modified by MMosher at 9:29 PM 2/11/2010

[Hillsreels]

After 50+ years on the water both as a fisherman and 31 year career in the US Navy,,,, I have arrived in my dream boat. A 2008 Champion 203 LE,,,,yes I've had faster bass boats and other Champions just as beautiful and sea worthy.
When they quit making the 203 I was sad. Then came the day when age made think I needed a more stable fishing platform than my 86 inch beamed Champion 1990 184,,I thought of a used 203 right away.. maybe I'd fine one like my best friends.
Instead I found a new 203 in Michigan,,,,well she is a Lake Seminole Georgia resident now. I have always loved the 203 hull and believe the Champion line of boats are the best ever.... people like Pat that loved what they did and believed in quality and pride in the Chanpion name gave us the best,,,and for that folks,,, I ,,for one am grateful

[H2O_Fowl]

Thats pretty cool to get to speak with him. I bet he could tell ya some stories like Pat can. Need to get him on the board sometime.

[MMosher]

He and my gramps fish the summer night tournys together on Norfork. They took big stringer last year. Not bad for 2 guys in their 70's. My father always told me Bill was the best boat salesman he ever knew. I'm sure Pats could write a few chapters on him.

[H2O_Fowl]

Need to get him here on the Champ board.

[pmgoffjr]

Bill Pace on a computer?
Now THAT would be a feat greater than putting a man on the moon...

I first met Bill in 1979 on Toledo bend, took my first ride in his 168 with a 225 on it. I was convinced he was the craziest freaking hillbilly I'd ever seen.

And he was the boat sellingest s.o.b. I've ever seen, mostly because of his passion for what he was doing. He'd talk to you until your ears bled.

He thought I was the most insane person to ever step in a boat, and I thought he was a goofy old bastard and needed to get out of my way, but what we both did was respect each others attitude for what was happening. He would NOT hesitate to tell you what he was thinking...I've always respected anyone who could do that.