Difference between 202 and rear tank 203

[iron banks]

Just wondering how much difference there is between these two hulls. I run a 202 that I really like but the 203 get plenty of love. Any real differences besides 1 inch

[pmgoffjr]

They run and handle different. 202 is drier, and softer.

When the sharpened and squared the sides of the 203 to make it less "tippy" it enabled spray to chase up and in a little easier, and it slides a little more than a 202 in turns (still better than anything else, but different)

Both are great hulls, but most aren't quite as happy with their 203 as they were with their 202's.

[jerzia]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by pmgoffjr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They run and handle different. 202 is drier, and softer.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That has to be an absolutely amazing ride!

[NCARLSON203]

So in a nutshell, the 202 drives a tad better but the 203 fishes a little better????

[mixermarkb]

yep- dead on IMO

i sold my 202 and got a 203-

the difference in "tippy" is significant, and for me, the 203 is the best of both worlds-

[Mike Long]

the 202 with 3 people fishing out of it all day in the wind can be a real work out if you are the one on the trolling motor..I sold my 97 this year great boat but i did not like fishing with 3 people in it..

[iron banks]

I have never fished out of a 203. I had a 181 and a 186 in the past and now have this 202. I don't find the 202 anymore tippy than those two models. It is a litlle azz heavy but the bow stays up above most wave action. I was just curious as to why champion offered the 203. I have never fished in the newer wide beamed champion and tot he tune of 40K I may wait for sometime to discover the difference. The one major knock on the 202 for me is rear storage; however, the front boxes are so huge is is really a non factor.

[Champ203]

203 is not one of the new wide beams.... Significantly less tippy than the 202, more storage behind the seats... comes at the price of a few mph and rough water ride/spray. If you get a 203 be sure its the pre Genmar with the fuel tank in the rear, not under the seat.

Peace,
Don&lt;&gt;&lt;

[pmgoffjr]

I suppose everyone is just...different.

Personally, I hate fishing off a dock in a big slug turd that is slow on the troll motor, wallows around in chop, and throws every other whitecap in my lap.

But, the public has spoken, and that's exactly what *most* people have decided they want, so be it.

[champit]

Couldn't agree more Pat !!! Especially when you put it that way...

[Royjulius]

Pat..are you saying that you don't like the rear fuel tank champs? I thought having the nose up helped in the chop......

[pmgoffjr]

Uh no...just the opposite.

The discussion was *vintage* 95-99 202 vs. rear tank 203's.

Here's my humble opinion...
The 202 was the last real deal deep V hull, it corners, takes bad water, dry ride, does everything as well as anything previous, plus it's a running bitch when it's got the right motor and setup on it.

The 203 was the beginning of the end, when you compromise ride and handling to make it like everyone else. The 203 simply won't/can't turn as well, ride as well, or manuver as well as previous hulls, but.....it's got rear boxes...whoo weee. It doesn't have a splash well...all cosmeticly pleasing, but short on delivery of true performance. And the later generations were ever more so...

To be honest, I've not driven a new hull in a couple of years, so I won't comment on what's being built now.

[Royjulius]

Thanks for clarifying. I'm pretty new to bass fishing. Only been in it seriously for about five years. Got my 2000 187 elite and that's pretty much all I've got for Champ knowledge/experience. Roy

[Bigron119]

Pat,
Do most 202's have only a rear tank. Mine is a '95 202DC Tournament and I have dual tanks, Front & Rear.

[pmgoffjr]

The auxillary tank could be ordered, if it was, it was the front tank. I always had them, but I never filled it unless it was necessary. It doesn't make the boat happy.

[iron banks]

One thing I love about my 202 is the ease to drive it into the 70's. No chine walk unless it is empty and then it is easy to drive. I have a rear tank only. 225 opti with 10 inch plate turning a 27 tempest. I hear people complain about the instability while fishing but I do not find it that much of a problem. My balance is not that good and I get around on it just fine. I have never been on a 203 and was curious as to the differences. Certainly not trying to knock a 203 cause they are beautiful boats.

[Lea]

As mentioned in the past, I had a 187!!! Loved it and it is still going strong under another BBC member's hands!!

[Royjulius]

I found your old boat on the site. Looks like a great ride.

[Lea]

It's a pretty one...I may go back to that color scheme next time...

[Royjulius]

I dunno, that color you have is pretty sweet. Like I said before, I'm a sucker for a red boat. In fact, the reason I got in contact with scott at freedom was becuase he had a 198cx sc that was similar to your color. Not exactly, as I know that your colors cannot be duplicated. But it was candy apple with a darker red arrow. I might have pulled the trigger on that one. My live-in ladyfriend has some health issues and she wasn't doing very well while that boat was on scott's lot. By the time she was ok, it had been sold. Good for scott though. I watch how many he sells and his business looks like its doing well.