How do the older 184s run/ride? Any old skeletons hiding there? Seems like there are a lot of older 184s out there but not a lot of discussion compared to other older hulls. Nothing on the set up page for 184s either...maybe i just missed it.
How do the older 184s run/ride? Any old skeletons hiding there? Seems like there are a lot of older 184s out there but not a lot of discussion compared to other older hulls. Nothing on the set up page for 184s either...maybe i just missed it.
From what I've heard is that they were one of the first boats to go with the wide beam. So they are a bit slower and hard to set up. Not sure if that true or not, but that is what I have heard.
What years are you referring to ? I had a 91 model and it was fast, it also rode & fished great. It only weighed @1250#'s. I have had 3 newer champs since then and none of them were better than this boat. They are easier to setup than the newer wider , heavier models.
I'm in search mode for an older "classic" champ and I see the 184s for sale alot more often than anything else. Some really nice ones too.
I thought I read here somewhere that the move to wider beams came mid 90s??? My thought was if I stay in the 89-92 years I'm looking at those classic narrow beam boats.
my first champ was a 85 184 with 175 merc i got it it had been setup already and did not need touched its why i am still a champ guy speed fishability ride sold it to a club member have been trying to buy it back to play with and he wont sell cause says cant find another as good
86 inch beam. Great boat. My father bought a brand new one in 1986. Handled and rode like a dream. One of the best Champ has made. Easy to drive and performs nicely.
I'm running a 1985 184 with a merc 150 and it is a GREAT ,SMOOTH, DRY, ride. If you are looking for speed there are a lot of faster boats but none that will ride any better. I believe the 175 is max HP for that hull and should push on down the lake. If you want to see it in action look at Final Rendering of Champion Video! I believe that is a 184. Lea will correct me if I'm wrong.
Mike and my Champ
\"The Old Warriors\"
Great info, thanks! I love that video! And those are stock boats?? Even 184s!!
I thought those boats were all bigger hulls with "special" features/setups.
It just keeps gettin' better...
Nope,just plain old factory boats. I am forced to ride in an Express at times and pray my fishing partner will buy a Champion. I always think I need a kidney transplant after fishing in it.
Is this your first bass boat ? The 184 can keep you out of trouble on the water
Mike and my Champ
\"The Old Warriors\"
No. I've been suffering through an 82 Hydra-Sports X-270 for 14 years. There's nothing left to fix on that old dog. But we've had a load of fun in it. Every champion that goes by, I think "one of these days..."
its time!
I think one or more of the boats in the video was a "special" build and may even have had some engine work done. I think Pat was driving one or more of them in that video.
What do you think is reasonable speed for an older 184 w/ 175 of same vintage with decent setup??
I'd be happy with that. Now to find one that's got some good years left in her...
The 184 is one of the best! I met a guy in 1990 who was in one. He said he had owned just about every brand of bass boat made...and he would never, ever, own anything but a Champion again!!!
Lea,
did you see the earlier post by ribbit_man on whether the boats in the video were special or stock 184s or other?? Wonder also if Pat was behind the wheel in some of those shots....the video is just too cool. I had to try a breach turn today
Yes, Pat was in the videos. Only he can tell you which were stock and whether any were modified.
When I bought my first Champ (1990), they were still giving the breech demos. What a wild ride. Good thing the guy told me to HANG ON!!!
I have disassembled a few of these to try to make a good one, and let me tell you, they are built like a brick $#it house!! if it was stored with the nose up, it should be good, just tap around on the hull to listen for any delamination, and look for signs of idiots who like to just fasten everything but the kitchen sink down with screws!!!
I am guessing you mean you have "disassembled a few" which were messed up by prior owners and not because of the boat itself. The 184 was and is, one of the best.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jpuryear »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd be happy with that. Now to find one that's got some good years left in her...</TD></TR></TABLE>
There is one one in the boats for sale section. Looks to be in good shape.
Reply With Quote
