Life Span of my 181

[HatfieldHog]

This is a question for those of you that are much more experienced that I. I just bought a '98 181 that had 329 hours on the origional engine. I absolutely love the ride and performance of the boat. I've owned a 17' Skeeter and a 17' Bomber, and the 181 is far and beyond the performance of the other boats.

My question is: What is an expectected life span of the 181? With good care, can it last a life time? 20 years? Will the transom eventually break down?

Any expertice would be appreciated.

See ya, HatfieldHog

[Tx Champ]

There are quite a few mid 80s boats owned by folks in this forum ...

[WaYoop]

With reasonable care, it will last as long as you want it to

Cool boat by the way

[HatfieldHog]

Is there a time when the Transom should be checked to see if it's leaking? Do you take the jackplate loose and reseal it every few years?

Thanks for the advise....

See ya, HatfieldHog

[Tx Champ]

I never did on my 93. If it has never been off, I wouldn't take it off unless it shows signs of water intrusion.

[brownkbass]

I am the proud owner of a 97 model and I have had nothing but excellent service from the boat & motor. I would not worry, just enjoy the boat and your time on the water!

[dukhntr]

That boat will wear out in about 10 more years.

[Gunnar]

My '96 model 181 still looks & runs like a new one (now down in SC & owned by my son) - Barring hitting an underwater obstruction - You will have things like trailer bunks & engine issues before you every have a problem with the 181 hull...

Just monitor the transom top cap - remove the stainles metal piece to check it if you want & then silicone it back up real good.

The only construction issue I every had was a loose rub-rail - easily fixed by removing the rope using some stainless screws & 5200 marine-tex....

'Course my 181 has never been stored outside (and never will be) & has had a lot of upgrades (seats etc.) over the years.... Really - if you take care of a ChamP it can last a lifetime (or two)....

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by dukhntr &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">That boat will wear out in about 10 more years.</td></tr></table>

What are you smoking?

[HatfieldHog]

He must be looking for a good deal on a 181....

See ya, HatfieldHog

[slinkeey]

hahahah..

Yeah.. I'll take that 181 off your hands for free so that you don't have to figure out how to dispose of it in 10 years..

What a goodball.. 10 Years? Even junk brands last at least 30 years if taken care of and ChampioN is no where near a junk brand.

Jeff

[dukhntr]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

What are you smoking? </td></tr></table>

Some good stuff. Want some Lea?

[siskiyoucrash]

The guy that rebuilt my transom for me reccomended to reseal the motor mount holes about every two years! I think it is great insurance! Congrats on a nice boat

[JohnM]

My 97 181SX had 400 hours on it when I sold it to a freind in Jan of 02. It's been several years since I've fished out of it now. He still has it. The Pro-V had over 600 hours on it back then, original carpet seats, etc.... He left it outside under a cover in Charleston SC for a few years but it's been garaged most of it's life.

Stay on top of the little stuff and the routine stuff and you'll be amazed at how many years one will last.

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by dukhntr &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Some good stuff. Want some Lea? </td></tr></table>

Naw! I outgrew that stuff before you were born...but thanks just the same...

[dvbass]

I traded in a 181 3 years ago and it looked like new when I traded it in for my 210. I am sure it is still running strong. I have a friend who has a 181 he bought new and it still looks great as well. Take care of a Champ and it will live a long time

[ChampRunner204]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

What are you smoking? </td></tr></table> Get em Lea

I have a 93 still going strong

[ChampioNman]

Holy Schniekies! My 89 should have been in the grave yard long ago! . Hey Kenny Check out the SC rally boards.

[Champion190CX]

I had a red 94 176dc Elite,traded it in on my 190CX last June with Freedom..It Looked new..Every thing still worked,all compartment lights,even livewell lights,all gages,all pumps worked!!.Got many compliments at the ramps. 16 yrs old!!I got above trade in..Those Mtn. Home boats were special!! But It was garaged its whole life. waxed VERY often,Gellcoat shined as good as showroom new.Had a 94, 150 Mariner Mag.,best GPS was 70.2 with a 25 Tempest,worked by Mark.

[KHolm]

In the Springfield, Mo, Craigslist this morning there's a listing for a 1978 Champion fish and ski. Nice looking rig for a 33 year old boat! Says motor is original with the manual in the glove compartment!:) that's almost a lifetime!