looking at a 95 Champion 186 contender

[bassteaser]

I finally sold my fishski and started looking online for a bassboat and I have seen some pretty descent deals on Stratos 285's and similar models.I hear great things about Champions and have never owned one.They have been hard to find in my price range ($7k) and when I do find them they sell quickly.I did find one I want to look at and the pics look good and the dealer said it was nice.It is a 95 186 Contender,priced a little higher than I wanted and has a Mariner 150 EFI.I have always preferred my old Rude carb(bullet proof)motors.I am hoping for some good input from you Champion guys!Should I join the Champion side?I do fish Lake Erie on occassion and hear even the 18' Champs do great.I want to stick to an 18'er so I can fit it in the garage.Is there anything I should check for on this older model boat and motor?

[Champ202]

My first Champ was the 186 Man I loved that boat drove like a sports car and very spunky. I had mine on Erie a few times fishing tournaments out of Lake Saint Clair. Its a very nice boat

[Lea]

Welcome to the forum!

Have the motor compression checked by a mechanic you trust... If the motor mounting holes, etc, in the transom, were properly sealed, you'll have no issues there....You can pretty much judge overall condition by the carpet, seats, etc. If it looks well cared for, more than likely it was...

I'm sure others will have more ideas on things to check...

Champion is well known for its ride and quality...

[iron banks]

I had a 186 champion bass-n-bay. You will be hard pressed to find a better riding boat in that size. The efi merc/mariner are great engines. Certainly splash it and run it hard. I think you will come to the champion side once you do that.

[champ188drw]

Is this the 186 at Freedom Outdoors? If so I know the boat.

[champ223]

I had a 168 contender with a 135 merc it was a very good boat. I think you can do pretty good with 7000k. I know someone who just sold 98' 187 elite for 5k

[bassteaser]

Yep thats the one,it looks nice from the pics.So what can you tell me about this boat?I'd love to know its history.They said they did a compression check and it was good.Whats the difference in the 186 and 181?

[champ188drw]

I was the second owner and had the boat 4 years. The boat runs well, rides great and nothing wrong when I traded in December, 58 -59 mph and 61 GPS a couple times on the Ohio with light load. A compression check on the motor was done before I made the trade and was good. A new Power pack and steering cables were put on the first year I owned it. Impellar replaced 2 times, lower unit seals replaced last year, new trailer tires last July, replaced 2 bank charger with a 3 bank. Everything worked last time I was on the water in November except the horn. The boat has a few dings, but nothing bad. The finish is good and have had many compliments on how good the boat looks. Most can't believe it is a 95. The carpet is good and the seats have a couple of minor places that I sealed to prevent getting larger. The two stains on the carpet are from rod holders I had mounted and shouldn't be a problem removing. I have an extra pedestal with a seat and rod holders if you end up buying the boat if interested. This boat will make someone a very good rig.

[Lea]

Welcome to the forum, guys!! Glad you joined us!

[bassteaser]

I really appreciate you letting me know all of this,I am really interested in the boat.I am planning on going down this week and checking it out.I was a little concerned not knowing the history of it but now I know.Thanks again

[bassteaser]

I forgot to ask if you traded it for a new one?How bad did they get you on the trade in?They seem like good people over there

[champ188drw]

I traded it in on a 2008 188cx. I got prety much what it booked for, but I'm sure they are asking much more. You won't find a better dealer anywhere and they have a very good mechanic also. There is also a cover with the boat, but it has a few holes. The boat was always kept inside in an unheated garage when not being used.

[bassteaser]

Did you ever consider a Jackplate for this boat or do you think it would be a waste of money?Do you know approx hours on the motor?How bad is the cover,I will have to keep it outside in the winter?

[txbass95]

i have a 186 with a 175 rude a 95 model to be exact probably one of the best boats i have driveni think especially for the size i have diven 20 foot boats that dont handle as well in rougher water if you get the boat you will not be dissapointed with it one bit.

[champ188drw]

The boat performed well the way it was and I didn't know if I would have gained much by adding a JP. I wasn't that concerned much with speed and I didn't do any tx fishing. The cover has a couple places where the seam has pulled loose, but could be repaired. I usually took the boat out on Saturdays and sometimes during the week, but where I go long runs not necessary. Probably averaged less than 20 hrs. per year and the previous owner sometimes went with his brother in another boat and didn't put many hours on it either.

[bassteaser]

Hey Danny,can you email me about the seats and rodholders at buxfever@yahoo.com

[Royjulius]

I just looked at the freedom outdoors page and it sez sold on that boat. Did you get it?

[bassteaser]

yep,I bought the boat.Ready for spring now!

[Royjulius]

Awesome! Welcome to the Champ family!

[Lea]

Congratulations!!!!!!