The 183 on the big pond

[bassin butch]

As we have all raved about Champions rough water ride my buddy and I were talking about this at lunch today. Although the 183 I own is the smallest in the current product offering its all Champion.

LAST Spring

We were talking about waves we encountered last spring and green bay (WI). We were running 8 miles out from shore to an island to fish smallies. Me my buddy and my grandson and as I got farther out the wave grew larger. I had a moment of concern as I could see rollers ahead of us, but as all have said Champs can handle some serious waves. So I kept trucking along!

These waves were 4 to 4.5 feet, I say 4.5 and my buddy said 4 so who knows.

Summary

The 183 went right up and over them, I had no slap nor any water over the bow. I felt safe and sound out there. This was very important considering I had a child in my boat.

I might be bold in saying this but: Champion hulls are something that can save a life and turn a miserable fishing day into a great memory.

2007 183CX 150 OPTI
Butch




Modified by bassin butch at 3:18 PM 11/30/2010

[dlewis10]

I can attest. Lake Erie scared the crap out of me, and then realized I was running better and drier than most the others out there. It's still scarry when you read stories of others who get swamped and stranded due to weather/wind. I would still never go out alone on Erie without some buddies near/around. We all stay close enough to each other and in contact just in case someone needs assistence. It's really a good strategy when out on big water.

[AllyFishing]

Dave is absolutely correct about his Champion being a great ride in the rough stuff. His is a 19 footer and if I am not mistaken your is 18'?? And I am very glad to hear that you had a very good experience and felt "safe" enough to be out there but if there is any doubt why push it with a small child in 4 and a half footers. I have heard so many bad stories about Erie that I even felt uneasy the first time I was out and I have a 21 footer. I am told that 4 footers can become 8 footers in a heartbeat!

i am by no means trying to make you feel bad or put you down but one thing we cannot count on is that we would not encounter some kind of mechanical failure. Anything can happen at any time. Like Dave mentioned, all the guys stayed in sight of each other and kept an eye on all for safety sake.

Glad you had a good time and are sharing it.

[bassin butch]

The boat is 18.3 foot with a 93" beam, this was a series of waves and if I would have even had a hint of water over the bow would cut turned and ran back to port. Regarding mechicals: two blige pumps on the boat, and a 150 otimax that had 50 hours on the engine.

I do know the great lakes can be dangerous: years ago on the same body of water in the fall a storm kicked up out of nowhere. I had a Nitro back then and we (Buddy and I) got hit with what I could best describe a wind shear. About 10 minutes of fog wind waves and hell.

When me got back to port the coast guard said "you guys were not out there when that strorm blew in ? " A: Yep He said your lucky your not dead.

I learned a lesson that day for life.



Butch

[PolarKraft195]

I run out of Presque Isle Pa. alot in my 183, alone, with no other boats in site,but..........I ALWAYS carry a ship-to-shore radio, and the coast guard station is right at the entrance to Presque Isle bay

Other areas on lake Erie, I am a little more careful about going out myself, with no other boats in site