Hey everyone! Dont usually post, but read through everything daily. Need help from you guys and gals. Finally sold my 183 and now looking for a 188 with a 200 yammie or merc on it and preferably a tandem axle trailer. Have been searching far and wide with limited results in my price range. Any help and info with boats in your areas like this would be greatly appreciated!
For you long time Champ faithful, I have previously owned a 89' 184 for 12 years and a 08' 183 for 2 years!
Hey, Dana...glad you decided to post!!!!!
I am sure folks will help....
My .02...
I have a 2008 188 with a 200 Opti. Love the boat. Fishes great, runs great, rides great. I wanted a 198 but my garage depth kept that from happening. I honestly am happy I got the 188, it rides great and runs great, like I said, but with the big block 200 on the back of the smaller boat, I can get almost 7mpg (6.7) on the SmartCraft gauge @ 3700 RPMs and 47mph. I can honestly fish for a month on a tank if I keep my foot out of it. It's actually cheaper for me to own this boat (when I'm using it) and having a payment than it was to have my 1990 DCR-184 with a 150EFI (that was paid for) and pay for gas in it.
On the trailer, I have a single axle trailer. The one thing I wish was different on it was that it was Aluminum or Galvanized. The single axle trailer is fine for the boat, it pulls well and I can maneuver it around by hand in the garage (it is heavy at the tongue though). I didn't get the tandem axle for this reason and I'm glad I didn't. So, what I'm saying is you can't go wrong with the boat, but look for an aluminum or galvanized trailer, as I've already got rust in several places on mine and it's just 2 years old (there's no saltwater within 800 miles of here). If you have any other questions about that boat, let me know.
Thanks for the info clap...i agree with you on the trailer rust issue, because my 08 183 had already started rusting as well after a year and a half of use...the tandem is just something i've always wanted. It just seems a boat that heavy should have 2 axles under it, and i guess im just weary of having a tire blowout going down the road.
Also, what are you seeing speed wise? Im hoping to see 68-70 with the 200 on that small of a boat.
NY Trooper was looking at 188s in NY. You are a far piece from there, but might be a good move for a good deal...
Speed:
1/2 tank of fuel and just me (setup right, it'll get a little squirrely on the top end): 70.4
me and partner with full livewell and all equipment: 67.6
Well here's a place to start looking any how.
http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/...mpion
Reply With Quote
