what is your opinion of Champion 181....

[tradicles]

My first bassboat in 15 years and i'm looking at a 97 champ 181 w/ XR6 150 that is super,super clean.Looks showroom new but really has nothing on it.It needs a lackplate and GPS etc.It currently has Lowrance older units.It has got three OPTIMA batteries,2 in a troll kit.Looking for honest opinions from the good folks here that know these boats.I have owned a Nitro and a tracker(YUCK) never again with either.What do you think about handling,and any other characteristics.I'm not to concerned with super speed.50 mph is cool.Thanks i figure it is a good boat to get back into boating.Any facts about merc xr6 with low hours.Thanks

[bassfinder1]

Bulletproof engine and the boat is just an awesome ride, especially for an 18 footer. You will not be dissapointed at all with the champ 181 and just wait to see the faces when you go by their 20 footers when it gets rough. Also that boat is going to be faster than you think. You should see 60 to 63 once setup with plate and dialed in. You are about to make one wise move by going to a champ and you will never look back. GOOD LUCK, WE WANT PICS

[RSW198]

[jp71291]

I LOVE my 181. I can get 64 when it is cool outside and 62 once it gets hot. With a full tournament load, full tank of gas and livewells, I can see 60 in the summer time and 62 when it is cooler. I absolutely love the ride and handling. This boat handles better than any other boat I've driven. It fishes very big for an 18ft boat. I fish two people on the front deck all the time. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Lea]

I've not had a 181, but I have owned a 176 and a 187! They are outstanding and I have heard the same about the 181!!!!

[hydrashack]

Great rig. I have a 95 181 with a 150 promax. I am getting a little better than standard speeds. Great ride, great handling, back storage could use some improving, but I get by fine.

Definitely get a jackplate!!

[tradicles]

Thanks to all of you,i can't wait to join the family.BTW how the hell do you post pics on this site,i'm driving myself nuts trying to figure it out.

[tradicles]

i'll check this forum to see which jackplate and what size i should run.

[bassin butch]

6 inch JP should be the correct unit for a 181.

[bassfinder1]

Like butch said 6" is spec for that boat.

[HatfieldHog]

I have a '98 181 with a 150 Optimax, single console. I upgraded to this boat from a 17 foot Skeeter last summer. There is no comparason between the two boats. My 181 will handle much rougher water without getting me wet. I get on top of 18" white caps and trim the bow down a little and it's amazing how smooth it is! I like it because it performs like a "big" boat, but, I can still pull it up to the bank and go hunting without much effort!

If it's a good buy, you can't beat a 181 for an 18 foot boat.

See ya, HatfieldHog

[Gunnar]

Go get it - You will not regret it

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=126127

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by tradicles &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Thanks to all of you,i can't wait to join the family.BTW how the hell do you post pics on this site,i'm driving myself nuts trying to figure it out.</td></tr></table>

Check the instructions in the "Help" forum here on BBC. You need to have pics saved on your computer and then post them on a site like Shutterfly or similar. Free sites!

[mikemac10]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bassin butch &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> 6 inch JP should be the correct unit for a 181.
</td></tr></table>

A 6" is good, but personally I'd recommend a 8". I had a 8" on my 181/150 efi and it was one of the fastest 181's that I knew of, not sure if it was because of the extra 2" of setback or what but it was definately a good runner. I ran mid 60's with a 24 tempest with a load, lightly loaded I could run 66 pretty easy. The 181 is definately a good boat, just lacks storage in the rear deck.

[tradicles]

That's what i've been hearing.A 6" is the way to go.Thanks for all the great info.

[ck94]

i cant say enough about the 181 i have ... mines a 95 with a mariner supermag and handles big water like a 20 footer !!!! if the motor all checked out then i would assure u that u will not regret it and will be nothing but impressed good luck !!!!

[dtack_10]

I have had a 181 for about 5 months. It is a 2000 with a 150 optimax. I absolutely love the boat. To me it is the BEST 18 foot boat in the water. The boat is definitely 18 feet.. not 18.9, 18.5, it's 18.1. Sometimes I feel like it is a little short, but the main concern would be in ride and trust me, it takes some big water very well. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and when the time comes that I want a 19 footer I know it will be hard to say goodbye to my boat.
The storage in the back is lacking I guess, but honestly I don't even notice anymore, I just warn my non boater and leave room for them in the storage locker in front of the driver's side console.

[tradicles]

Exactly what i've found out,the only drawback is storage space in rear.I will definitely make it work and do the same for my nonboaters.Thanks.Now i've got to get a good 6" jackplate and get it installed.Thanks to everyone,a great bunch of folks on here.

[Lea]

Best manual JP is Rapid Jack. Best hydraulic is Bob's.

You are going to love that boat!!!

[ssbassman]

Just make sure you seal the holes up really good when putting the jack plate on.