I just saw the other pics. That top cap is pretty bad
If you are looking for a boat to have for a few years, talk him down to $3000 and fix it up the way you want it. I would have a good marine mechanic check out the outboard to determine what really needs to be done to it. Also check out the transom thoroughly, as it has a wood core. The gelcoat can be brought out to like new condition with a little elbow grease and the carpet is a nothing deal if you take your time. The seats could be re-skinned for around $300 if the frames and foam are in good shape. If you figure $300 for carpet, $300 for seats, $800 for decent used graphs, $1000 for motor work (assuming that is all that is needed) and another $500 for polishing supplies and any unforeseen problems (bilge pump, fuel line, electrical components, trailer bearings, etc.) that would put you at $5900, or retail, and you would have a customized boat tha you know will last. Plus you will have learned the ins and outs of your boat.
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Three-fourths of the Earth\'s surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.
I would offer $2000 and leave your phone number with the guy. He will call you around November 1st and ask you when you are coming to pick it up. Put about 3-4K and alot of elbow grease into it and you will have a great boat. The trailer appears to be in good shape, so that is a plus. I would love to buy it for a project boat.
That guy should leave the title on the windshield and park it on a Walmart Parking Lot. Looks like he's gotten his money's worth.
15 year old motors and electronics aren't worth much if anything. Boat needs work and I'm sure the trailer does too even it is a Champion.
For $3k find something you can use not a money sponge.
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2008 ChampioN 198
I am very surprised by my Champion family. I see opportunity here. I love my 181 and although it doesn't have all the bells and whistles its a fantastic and fun lil rider. You could by this little diamond in the rough for a song, put a few dollars and sweat equity into her and have a nive rig for short money. It all depends on what you have in mind for the end game. If nothing else she DESERVES to have a home and someone that will look after her.
Sometimes its not about the biggest, fastest, or the rig with all the bells and whistles...its about fun.
Just my $0.02.
Mark M.
1998 Champion 181 / Mercury 4S 150 hp PRO XS
"You have two ears and one mouth, use them in those proportions"
"Eat your breakfast alone, have lunch with friends and give your dinner to the poor"
If the motor checks out, it would be a fun project if your up to it. Nothing brings you closer and makes you enjoy it more...
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by weedhopper »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">15 year old motors ....... aren't worth much if anything.</td></tr></table>
What if a 15 year motor is running better then a 5 year old motor?
Age is nothing..
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by slinkeey »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
What if a 15 year motor is running better then a 5 year old motor?
Age is nothing..</td></tr></table>
I agree!! I see a ton of "new power head" talk regarding the optimax motors. Seems these early Merc EFI and all of the XR6's were pretty bullet proof and still going strong today. If that boat was closer I would be ALL OVER IT for $3k!!! Aside from the motor, if the transom checks out it would be all cosmetic!
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Three-fourths of the Earth\'s surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.
If you are handy, try to buy it right. In my mind right is less than $3K, more like $22-2500. I can get a cylinder fixed for $1500 or so by an experienced Merc tech, and the rest is just time and labor. I just recarpeted my Champ for less that $250 TOTAL, and I have 20 oz quality marine carpet and waterproof adhesive everywhere. Champions have relatively thick gel coat on the cap (at least the ones made in AR do), and you can wet sand and buff it back to a brilliant shine.
That's a very lightly tuned engine that will perform quite well on that hull and will run with any other 18' high end bassboat you can get. But you need to be sure you solve the problem that trashed a cylinder. It will take a mech with experience on EFI's.
Good luck if you decide to go for it.
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If you don't want to stand behind our troops, feel free to STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!
Artie
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