1997 Champion 191 DCX with 200hp Mariner

[Ranjo]

Any one have an opinion of this boat. I am considering it, but don't have much knowledge about Champion boats. It's in very good shape and they are asking $9700 Thanks Ranj

[oldsailor]

Assuming it has at least all the below options listed, the
low and high retail prices (from NADA.org) are at the bottom...
Usually Champ owners are very good about maintaining their
boats, so it should be in very good condition - if it has a cover,
you can add more, etc.

The prices out to the side are the low/high retail for those options:
Power Boat: ELECTRONICS
Battery Charger - Dual 10 amp $125 $145
Depth Sounder $105 $120
Fish Finder - Max Depth 600' $110 $125
Power Boat: FISHING
Transom Live Well $60 $70
Power Boat: MISCELLANEOUS OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Batteries - Dual w/Switch $110 $125
External Steering - Single Hydraulic $1,270 $1,445
Outbd. Power Tilt/Trim (101-300 HP) $275 $315
Propeller / Stainless Steel (3-Blade) $200 $230
Transom Bracket Single Engine $485 $550

TOTAL PRICE
$9,420 low retail
$10,$715 high retail

You probably won't ever regret buying a ChampioN ....

[jpuryear]

I'm a believer in the value of older Champs. I agree you usually get a "better than average condition" from a Champ owner - but not always. Took me a year of looking and got a 95 190 DCX I'm very happy with. I used the NADA guides - be careful with it. Its not the bible and most sellers dismiss it outright - too low. As far as some of the options go, I don't think you can use the Transom Bracket Single Engine $485 $550;

Thats something not on a bass boat.

My 2 cents;
9-10K for an undamaged hull, checked out motor and good to better than good interior, electronics and trolling motor, cover and trailer w/ no problems; Negotiate from there if you really like it.

Jeff

[Big Willy]

I have the exact same boat. I think I payed in the neighborhood of 12k three years ago.


That seems to be a good price.

Check the transom for any brown water stains around the bolts inside and out.

It wouldn't happen to be maroon and white would it?

[Lea]

Champion is a top of the line boat!

Welcome and glad you joined us!! If the boat is in good shape and the motor checks out, go for it. You won't be disappointed!!!

[Ranjo]

It has a white hull, maroon decals and grey carpet. It's in Wisconsin. What else should i be looking for. Any common probelms with this model? Thanks Ranjo

[H2O_Fowl]

Tilt the motor up and put your weight up and down on it and watch the transom for flex. Check the decks for soft spots. Have the engine compression tested. On the water test before you buy.

[Big Willy]

I think I saw pictures of the boat.

It looks like the jackplate has been changed from the original. I would check to make sure that everything was sealed up properly and that no water got into the transom.

I learned my lesson the hard way. My transom is drying as we speak after an unfortunate incident with a stray 4x4 post.


If everything checks out it should be a great boat.

[Ranjo]

The boat turned out to have more issues than the owner was letting on. So i'm back on the hunt for another Champion. After reading so many of the posts on this site i'm sure that going Champion is the way to go. Thanks for all the good info.

[WaYoop]

Hey Ranjo, been to/thru Eagle River many times - used to live a couple hours north of there.

Once you have a ChamP, you will wonder why you ever looked at anything else - solid quality boat.

This listing caught my eye - http://kpr.craigslist.org/boa/1261369707.html

Good luck with the search, it will happen, just takes time!!!

Rob

[Ranjo]

It's a nice area most of the year, if you know what i mean and you do. In the last few years i've gotten more into Muskie fishing and really like the big front deck. Fish small mouth in May and Muskie the rest of the season. I was orginally looking at Rangers, but now really think i like Champions better. Do you think it's better to go for a 19' boat or is 18' really big enough? Thanks

[WaYoop]

I have an 18' boat, and if you are fishing one person on the front deck it is plenty big. Depends what you are used to fishing from. I looked at a new 210, and you could set up a small campsite on that front deck and still have room to walk around and fish

ChamPs handle rough water and boat wakes very well, and handle/drive like you wouldn't imagine. I like my 181, tows great, fast enough to make you pucker, and handles like a dream.

I hear ya about the weather, great place in the summer, when the bugs aren't out. I lived on the south shore of Superior, let it snow. Main reason I moved to the Pacific Northwest.

Great fishing in the UP of Michigan, if you get up that way I will be happy to give you some first-hand knowledge.

Good luck in your search, and feel free to ask any questions, will help if I can.

Rob

[Ranjo]

Rob, I looked at a 462vs Ranger tonight and was amazed at how much wind hits you in the face sitting behind the console. I have not found a Champ that i want to drive yet, but does your windshield knock down the wind at all? My 19' Princecraft deck boat with half the size of a windshield defects all the wind. I would like to find something in the 18' range like yours.

[tigerholic]

Just curious....what would brown water stains around transom bolts indicate ? Mine has stains about 3-4" long on the passenger side at very top corner.
Thanks,
PESTPRO

[H2O_Fowl]

Water in the transom. Somewhere you are getting water into the transom which is made of wood and when the water comes out it is stained. Find out where your getting water in and get the transom dried and sealed back up before its too late.