CHAMPION QUESTION 188 CX

[NY Trooper]

Never really thought I would own a bass boat but I have been giving it some thought lately. One rig that I found that I really like is the Champion 188 CX with a dual console. Boat is rigged up with a 200 Evinrude ETEC. It appears to be a new 2008 left over. Looking for opinions on this particular rig. Give me the good and bad. Not looking for anything bigger than 19 feet. Not going to be taking on huge water with it if I go this route. Looking for opinions on how Champions handle, workmanship, reliability in craftsmanship, electrical and overall fit an finish.

[Lea]

Welcome to the Champ forum, Mike. 188 owners will be along to tell you about the specific model. I can tell you the overall quality is among the best!! Handling is superior....

I've owned 3 Champions. Got my first in 1990. A 176. The only reason I got the 2nd and 3rd was to go up in size. Both prior boats are still on the water today, and the owner of my 1999 187 is still in touch with me. .... I will not own anything else...

ChampioNman is a super OMC/BRP mechanic and can chime in about the ETEC.

[Skip]

Mike I run a 2005 188 Elite w/a 200 Yammie EFI. My wife and I both really love the boat. I am not a big fan of bigger boats. I generally prefer an 18' to 18 1/6' boat. The 188 is one of the best I've ever owned. They handle very well and run very good. I have had this boat for 5 years and plan on hanging on to it for awhile. You want go wrong with a 188

[H2O_Fowl]

I can tell you that Champions handle like no other boat. You can turn them on a dime. The 188 will be able to take on just about any type of water you choose, big or small.

My 2003 196 was put together very well. Never had any problems at all with it and in the 3 yrs I had it I pulled it all over KS, MO and into AR. The tube trailers aren't the geatest. And if this trailer happens to have shocks a trip to the welding shop will be in order to shore up the braces the shock rest on. Thats the only problem I had was the shock braces being of poor design but that wasn't Champions fault.

I've ridden in a 188 and to be honest with you I couldn't tell a difference between that and my 196 really, other than the 188 being a tad faster.

I have no experience with the E-Techs as I had an H.O. on mine. Although it was a great engine and very strong.

[HaulinBass]

The 188 is one of the best 18' boats on the water. Have the engine checked out. Make sure all the switches work etc. You won't be disappointed with the 188.

[Bayou]

I run a 187 and absolutely love the size of the boat. The 188, however, will give you a wider beam and a lot more storage for 1 extra foot! Enjoy it - you'll love it.

[Lea]

The 187 is 18'7" and the 188 is 18'8". As Bayou says, the beam on the 188 gives it more deck and storage.

[SCOTT196]

There is no better 18ft boat on the market !

[sport188]

I have the same boat (08 188 w/200 HO) both myself and my wife have been more than happy with it. The 200 HO performs great and is easy on the fuel. The only problem that I have been having with it is too much time on the trailer and not in the water.

I think you would be more than happy yourself, like you will hear over and over, ride and decide.

[Royjulius]

You will love that boat.