Looking to buy a 198 elite

[Gar35]

I am considering to buy a 09 198 cx with a 225 hpdi. I would like all opinions on the 198. I will either buy a 198 or a Skeeter zx225. Thanks

[dlewis10]

I will bet my paycheck that every single answer you get in this forum will be the Champ Everyone here simply loves their Champs, we are a passionate group/family. Champs are great boats. Not the fastest out there, but one of the best rides on the market. Quality, fit and finish are also top notch. If possible, ride in both and come to your own decision which is best for your liking. Good luck.

[Lea]

The 198 is one of Champs best newer models. It combines the best of both the ride and fishing platform worlds. It's my 3rd Champ and I absolutely love it!!! Tons of storage (more than I need!). Very stable. Easy to maneuver on trolling motor.

Not a speed demon, but low to mid seventies is definitely do-able. I can't say enough good things about it. I fish big lakes as well as tidal rivers with lots of weaving in and around cypress trees. This rig handles it all extremely well....

As Dave said....drive, ride and fish out of both...Only you can really decide what is best for you...!!!

[mikemac10]

Both are great rigs, I looked at some zx200's and zx225's before I got my 198, I had a 181 champ and I couldnt let myself get away from the champ ride and how everything is layed out, plus I like the seats better in the champ, the skeeter seats seem cheaper made, I see alot of them rip/tear after a couple years ive noticed, also I didnt like the plastic on the consoles, they both fish very nice and are very stable at rest, I dont think you could go wrong either way.

[Tx Champ]

198, 200 & 210 were my short list ... There weren't any 198s within 500 miles when I got ready to buy.

[Gunnar]

Get yourself a 198 & don't look back --- Will out perform the other consideration when it counts & when you need it to....

[kmed2]

198, 200 & 210 were my short list ... There weren't any 198s within 500 miles when I got ready to buy.

i wonder why...

[Tx Champ]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by kmed2 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">i wonder why...</td></tr></table>

All for the better ... I was really fond of the huge rod lockers my 201 had and I still have them with my 210

[F150owner]

I've owned two 198s and I've fished with a pro out of their ZX225. The ZX225 has a good ride and they're excellent boats. You can't go wrong with either. I'd rather had the 198 though.

[weedhopper]

I fish, Champlain, Oneida and Ontario. Champion is the only way to go.

[Gar35]

Is there any difference between a 198 elite hull and a 198 cx? I know the champ will out ride the zx225. I want a boat that I can drive and eat a sandwich while @ wot. Thanks for the input so far.

[Lea]

No difference in hulls. Only diff between CX and Elites is options/standards. Elites came with more standard features (pump-out for ex) while they were options on CXs. Champ moved the 198s from Elite to CX in 08.

I absolutely love my 198!!!

[tejasbass]

You just helped answer the question. If your looking to eat your sandwich, go with the 198...

BTW, I own a 198 and my partner has a 225. Both great boats, but the ride is not compariable in 4 footers...