206 Owners - Do you store your heavy stuff in the front or back?

[Dennis H.]

I've seen varying opinions on this over the years. Do you thing your 206 performs better with most of your gear in the front, or in the rear? Or does it really make a difference. I realize that my rig isn't going to be a speed demon either way, but am just looking for the best ride and performance. Feedback and opinions greatly appreciated!!

[Lunker Punker]

In the back.

[Lpolk]

I have tried both, and the rear on the port side , is the best for me. 206 is a very weight consience boat. Iam not a large man so to compensate for my weight ,my heaviest load is on that side. The only time that weight is a factor is getting on plane and running. Sitting still you can't tell. You will be able to tell if you got it right when running the boat it will not have any kind of a lean, port or starboard. 206 will give you the best ride in town. My second Champ and you can't beat their smooth ride.

[Charlie206]

I put mine in the front cause I'm too lazy to walk to the back of the boat to get it. There isn't enough room in the back to carry my stuff anyway. I do put my anchor in one of the wet boxes in the back and I try to not carry any more weight than what I feel like I have to. I don't get a whole lot of lift, certainly not like the 18-19 footers do, but the ride is better than any boat I've ever been in (never been in a 210).

[erienightrider]

not even close to enough room back there for me

[Dennis H.]

Thanks for all the replies! I do keep my tackle up front for the obvious convenience reason. I should have been a little more specific, as I was really talking about my anchor, tools and other extra stuff that I don't use very often. Since we're only talking 50 pounds or so, it probably doesn't have much effect on ride or performance I'm guessing...

[crankman]

Dennis you have a nice rig I keep all my heavy stuff in the back areas. The less in the front the better, it did make a small difference in my case on lift. Any tackle you dont really need keep it at home.

[Charlie206]

I'm with you now. The boat is indeed weight sensitive, which I believe is the PC way to say it's a little too heavy in the front. Just my opinion. I would keep anything heavy in the rear. I used to carry a hundred pounds of worms, well maybe not 100 but you get my drift. I cut back on that and I do try to keep it light as possible up front.