I am looking at upgrading from a 1994 184 Champion with a 2007 150 EFI to a 2007 183 with a 150 Optimax. What, if any difference will there be in the ride and performance? Also, what kind of top speed could I expect?
Would I be smarter to go with a 203 with a 225. I am not a tournament fisherman but I do love to fish.
Thanks for your help,
Mark
I own a 2007 183CX, but mine has the VMAX Yammie on it. My boat fishes ALOT bigger then it's 18'3" length, and being an 07, it's a "widebody", so the front deck is HUGE! The ride in rough water is really good, dry and stable. Like anything else, common sense applies. I see 62 MPH on GPS with just me in it, and a half tank of fuel (3.5" below the pad). Of course the 203 will be faster, but who catches Bass at 60+ anyway? You can't go wrong with either rig, but as we all say here at the ChampioN forum, "Ride then Decide".
Team Toho Marine
Denali Rods Pro Staff
PPMB Skirts Pro Staff
The 183 is 1" shorter, but 7" wider, with "beam forward" design. This means the bow doesn't start narrowing so fast from consoles forward. More stable at rest. The 184 has a reputation of being one of the best performing hulls, but the 183 is no slouch.
Is there any way you can try the 183 or the 203 before you decide?
yes, i have bought close by. Thanks for you input.
Replied to your IM. You wont be dissapointed with either choice. Good luck.
I have the same setup as 183CXBasser.
2007 183CX with a carb Yamaha VMax 150.
Gps alone is around 63mph, and with 2 people and equipment around 61 mph.
Handles rough water VERY well, and is the easiest bassboat I ever driven.
Fishes big for a 18'3" boat.
Storage is great!
GO FOR IT!
In my opinion if your not a tournament fisherman then stay with the 183/150 optimax. The 203 is a great boat but the fuel economy with the 150 is outstanding. The opti seems to be a bit slower on the 183 hull but it should bump 60 lightly loaded and 57-58 with a couple guys. The fishability of the 183 is second to none so you can't go wrong with the 183. If tournaments are in your future I would go as big as you can afford unless you specifically fish tight areas.
I would share my thoughts but not much to add except: I have been on big water with real waves and not once had any issues. I fish docks alot and moving an 183 between docks is simple.
Would I buy this boat again? Yep.
See ignorance daily
I love my 08 183 cx. I have the merc 150 optimax. It fishes great and rides better than some 20' boats ive been a passenger in. Has plenty of storage too. You will love it. Question tho, what are you guys doing to get 60mph? 55 is my top w one person and thats with river current....
Of course the 203 will be faster, but who catches Bass at 60+ anyway?
But you can get one hell'of a hook set!
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Usmdrummer »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I love my 08 183 cx. I have the merc 150 optimax. It fishes great and rides better than some 20' boats ive been a passenger in. Has plenty of storage too. You will love it. Question tho, what are you guys doing to get 60mph? 55 is my top w one person and thats with river current....</td></tr></table>
How are you set up? Prop to pad, propeller, rpms, weight of driver and passenger, load in lockers, etc...Many variables involved here.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Usmdrummer »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I love my 08 183 cx. I have the merc 150 optimax. It fishes great and rides better than some 20' boats ive been a passenger in. Has plenty of storage too. You will love it. Question tho, what are you guys doing to get 60mph? 55 is my top w one person and thats with river current....</td></tr></table>
The Yamaha 150 carb is a STRONG motor! That's 75% of the reason why the guys with this on the back of their 183, compared to an Opti 150, are running well over 60mph gps.
I run a 23 pitch tempest plus, at around 3'1/2" below pad.
I've had mine, in the cool air of spring, with a very light load, by myself run 63 gps!
Usually runs around 61-62 gps myself, and 60'ish with 2 people, but I only run "WOT" about 2 or 3 times at best per season, for a total of around 2 minutes.
I'm a 50'ish mph kinda guy
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Usmdrummer »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> Question tho, what are you guys doing to get 60mph? 55 is my top w one person and thats with river current....</td></tr></table>
River current, even when running with it, can actually slow ya down. Prop never really "bites" in that current.
My best speed is actually against a 10mph'ish wind. That little wave ripple helps put pad "up" on the water, and produces less drag.
So you're just ridding "on top" of those waves.
hey pastormark in our past talks dont you fish loz alot if i remeber right you cant go wrong with the 203 on loz but the added width of the 183 will still be a bit bigger than the 184 your used to
My 07 183CX with a 150 VMAX runs a 24P Tempest Plus with extra cup for more bowlift. The motor is at 3 1/2" below the pad. And yes, as others have said, the Yammie seems to be a "stronger" motor then the Merc.....Scott
Team Toho Marine
Denali Rods Pro Staff
PPMB Skirts Pro Staff
yes I go to Lake Ozark tice a year and Table Rock as much as possible. Right now I am waiting to see whether the deal to sell mine goes through. In one way I hate to part with the 184 I have but would like to upgrade maybe. I have a 1994 184 with a 2007 150 EFI right now. Nice boat and I don't have to sell it so I am still fishing it until I hear from the guy.
I had a 91 184, great boat. I have a 01 196, wide beam. I like fishing out of the wider beam. 183 203 or 184, all are great boats.
what about a 188 with a 200 Yami. what kind of numbers and performance?
Reply With Quote
