difference between 202 and 203 90's models

[Rough Stuff Rider]

I'm checking out a 1998 Champ I found. Owner couldnt remember the model number and he is at work. He says its a 20 foot, 200 efi, tandem axle trailer,jackplate,gps, etc... I know in 1998 they made a 191, 202, 203 and thats all they made that I can see someone describing as a 20 foot boat.

Assuming it is infact a 202 or 203, is there a difference? I know iboats listed them as an inch difference or so and they weigh the same 1550 pounds. So is one better then the other ? The 203 was an elite and the 202 wasnt, so what else ? How wide is the 202 ? I have to wait till after 5pm when he gets home and hes gonna go out to the garage and have a look at the model number.

He sounds like a senior citizen so I didnt think too much of him forgettin the model number. He says it has been garage kept since new and is in immaculate condition. For 7500 bux my hopes arent too high. But if it is a clean 202 or 203 for 7500 bux then I found the deal of a lifetime and my stratos 201 will be for sale very soon

[sarmst100]

The 202 had 2 small (almost useless) wet storage compartments right behind the seats about 4 in x 10 in. 203's also have wet storage there but it is about 12 x 10 in. Also the dash on the 202 is mostly plastic with switches down beside the seat and a 203 is mostly fiberglass with switches on the dash. A 203 also doesn't have a splashwell.

[iron banks]

If it is drivable jump on it for that coin Both would be great hulls. Check the transom to make sure it is good otherwise buy it

[Rough Stuff Rider]

how do they compare on the water tho? Can you notice a difference at all with equal setups, same prop, same motor, same jackplate,etc... How fast will either boat go with a 200efi ? Seems slightly underpowered but probably just enough to get that boat on plane fast and cruise low 60's or would it be slower then that?

[Champ196guy]

my dad has a 96' 202 with 200 yamaha pro v that will do 67mp with 2 guys and a good load. He has a 4 blade trophy on it and has never messed with set up.

[MMosher]

Make the "search" button your new best friend as well as the "owners list" on this site.

[sarmst100]

I had a 96 202 with a 200 mariner. It had plenty of power imho. The 203 that I have now originally had a 200 on it but the orginal owner switched it out for a 225 due to being underpowered. I don't think I would want a 203 with a 200.

[pmgoffjr]

202 w/200 is underpowered, high sixties rig.
203 w/200 should be illegal. Sick dog rig.

[Travis D]

I spoke to a guy yesterday that had a 2000 203 with a 300 merc on it. The one with the alien cowling that just read merc 300 .I asked him how fast his boat ran he said "ahh its gettin older now it will only run about 89- 90 when it was newer it ran 93 - 95"

[Rough Stuff Rider]

Spoke to the seller last night and he couldnt find the model number on the boat. Said his son has the title so he couldnt check that at the time. Seems strange to me that someone wouldnt know what model boat they had esp a champion owner. Where can the model number be found on the boat ?

[Lea]

I know that on 99 and newer, the model number is on a raised decal on the sides of the boat back where the Champion name is. I don't have the 98 brochure here in the office, so can't check on that. Otherwise, I don't recall seeing a model number anywhere else on our rigs. Paperwork is what is needed.

If he is elderly, forgetting model number is not all that strange....not to me, anyway. But, of course, I'm not old....

[Rough Stuff Rider]

I should have asked him for the hull number and then called Champion with it. Didnt think of it at the time. Just tried calling him and he didnt answer his cell. I find it strange that Champion didnt put the model number on the side of all boats.

If he wasnt 25 miles away then I would just go and measure it myself and see how long it is. I just dont wanna waste over an hour of my time sitting in rush hour traffic to go see this boat unless I know exactly what Im going to look at.

I told him if it is a 191 that I have no interest in it. So maybe he found it that it's indeed a 191 and therefore didnt get back to me, who knows. Seems like everytime I try and look at or buy a bassboat esp a basscat or champion, I have issues with the seller that make it hard to do a transaction. I wonder why that is. It's like people advertise a boat but seem like they dont wanna sell it at all. Someone selling a nitro or procraft prolly cant wait to get rid of it so those are easy to get Champ and basscat owners just dont wanna let go of their boats , I guess I can undertand why too.

[pmgoffjr]

Any 20' champ will have a V6 rating. Anything less will have a specific HP number.

[Rough Stuff Rider]

that stupind old man sold it before I could go see it. I waited to hear back from him on what model it was. He never could tell me yet 3 days after listing it now he claims he sold it to someone else. Something seems fishy here tho. I spoke to him the night before last night and he still had it, then it rained and poured yesterday. I left him a message yesterday early in the day saying I had the cash in my hands and was still waiting to hear back from him. So it doesnt make alot of sense to me. Someone must have come in the pouring rain and bought it. Every time I try to buy a champion I end up dealing with some douchebag. I give up. I'll stick with my stratos 201 for now till I can find someone who isnt a total flake that wants to sell me a champ.

[Lea]

There's one out there for you. Sorry you have had such bad experiences. Most Champion owners are not flakes.

[kris_tx]

too bad. that was dirt cheap.

[champmeister]

It is getting harder and harder to find a 90s model 202 or 203. I still get pangs of depression for getting rid of my 97 202 scx. Makes me sick. It was "underpowered" with a 200 Mariner but I loved that boat. I looked for months months for another 202 and a couple of years ago I found a very clean 1997 191 scx that I settled for. It's almost identical to the 202 except for an extra foot on the front deck, and a small extra wet storage compartment in front of the center storage. I highly recommend this boat as well. I doubt if it will take the whitecaps at Lake Ray Roberts as well as the 202, but I haven't tried it out in 35mph wind yet.
Good luck.

[Hillsreels]

I have family and friends that want my boat not my house!!!
Cant blame them lol