Charger 396

[jiggerjake]

Hello.Been in the market for a 19-20' bass rig and have become very interested in Chargers.Mainly the 396.I have a few basic questions for now but I'm sure more will follow.I want to say first,they are one of the sharpest looking rigs out there today!
I'm looking for a rig that can give me the best of both worlds as far as ride and fishability.I know there can be a tradeoff in fiahability and a good rough water ride.I'm not overly concerned about speed as this will be my first glass bassboat and I'm more than happy at 60mph on the lakes in my area.
1)Do these have a fairly level(no noticable uphill slant)fishing platform?
2)Are they a stable platform when fishing.?
3)Do they track well in wind
4)Are they an easy boat to drive,do they handle well?
I have a pretty good idea of how they handle rough water so I won't ask
5)How is Charger to deal with as a company-cust.service,etc.?
6)How many bassboats do they produce on avg.a year?
7)How long a wait if ordering?
8)Are they priced in line with other brands?
9)How is the quality of the boat(fit,finish)?
Guess thats all for now.Heading out of town for opening day of buck.Look foward to reading your input when I get back. Backbassin-sent you an IM.Thanks in advance,Jake.
Forgot to add,really looking foward to seeing what the widebody's will be like that may be my future(first)rig.<br /><br />
Modified by jiggerjake at 6:40 PM 11/26/2010<br /><br />
Modified by jiggerjake at 6:40 PM 11/26/2010


Modified by jiggerjake at 6:43 PM 11/26/2010

[fishy1]

I have one for sale. It's posted in the boats for sale section. If you go with a charger you won't be disappointed. The boats are great, customer service is great the charger people are great. I just don't use mine enough. I still might keep it though. I love it. IM me if you have any other questions.

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

Dont misstake the new wide body for the tried and true Charger ride,it will be a boat for the guys that love the sports car feel(more pounding, better hang-on ride)the deep V will be reduced and a wider deck (more water to hit).

The 395 that fishy1 has was and is a great ride with some speed added in,now the 396 is a different animal,new pad design with the ride of the classic Charger.The 396 is wider than the 395 ,faster and more storage,but also cost 30,000 more than fishys 1 so his is a great boat and you will save thousands.

Just like all the other boat companys the last two years have been hard,but they are still going.Joe said he dosent owe anybody, so we will survive.
They make around 200 boats a year take or give.

The wait around 6 weeks

Charger customer sevice is one of the best,you can call and talk to Jim hughes ,Mike Caussey,or the VP Jim Dorris. The Pres Jim Dorris is getting older now and enjoying life more so you might want to stick to the others

Price wise they are in the middle of the pack,Ride is second to none more Cadillac than Corvette.The older 195s were great boats one of the best rides on the market and you can find them cheap now and tons were made.

Call Andy and see how his is doing,he has a real runner

As my mom always said those Chargers are the prettiest boats made ,now how can you argue with a mom

[Backbassin]

Jiggerjake, I instant messaged you back. Thanks!
Andrew


Modified by Backbassin at 5:27 PM 11/27/2010

[Sooner496]

Hey guys this is my first time to reply. I am a Charger pro staff member in Oklahoma. I wanted to tell jiggerjake that I ran Champion for 18 years before I went to Charger in 08. I have given over 30 demo rides and i tell guys that my 496 has a ride as smooth as the Champ and a solid platform like a Ranger. I dont know much about a 396 but I can tell you that my 496 will run 71 loaded with me and my partner. It is also for sale under Chargers. You will not regret getting one.

[Jim Dunn]

I own a 2008 396 Charger. The list price when I won it was $52,995.00 Probably could've bought it for around $38,000.00 For that price you could get a 496 and have a little longer boat.

Not that I am dissapointed in my 396, I love it. 69gps with a full load of gas, tackle and a partner. Solid ride and smooth. Fishing platform is great. Coming from an 1998 195VF the only thing that I don't like is that you set higher in the boat. The windshields don't seem to do much good but at 69 it's gonna be cold even if you duck down below the shields.

Over all I'd give the 396 a 99 out of 100

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

Get you some taller glss ,Charger has them in stock .I think they ar 12 inch tall.Mine has them if you want to see a pic of them and they help some.

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=603389

[Snoopy Rod]

Jim TOC is right, I have the taller windshields, they are great ever my partner brags about them. They are great when it is raining

[Jim Dunn]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by TOUCH OF CLASS &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Get you some taller glss ,Charger has them in stock .I think they ar 12 inch tall.Mine has them if you want to see a pic of them and they help some.

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=603389
</td></tr></table>

Again with the cover. I don't think that I can use the larger windshields without modifying the cover. It wouldn't be worth it just for the little time I'm behind the steering wheel.

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

no problem 2 sec and they are off,they have the quick release nuts holding them on
My cover was made for my boat when I did not have the 10 inch plate on it and the taller sheilds ,it still fits good they do strech and it does go over the motor.

[Tommy13]

Same here Jim, my plate was added after and the cover still fits fine.

[jiggerjake]

Just back in town.Thanks guys for the input and replys.Can I get yout thoughts on the fit and finish of these rigs?

[Backbassin]

Fit & finish is nice & clean.

PS, Did you go hunting? & how did it go?

[jiggerjake]

Got a nice little 6 pointer,thanks.I sent you a reply to your IM. I'll be in touch.Jake

[Backbassin]

A LITTLE 6 pointer,, YES!!! later & goodnite!!