Hey guys,
I am looking at an '07 Champion Elite 200DCX with a 225 HDPI Yamaha and am looking for some advantages and disadvantages of this model. The boat is 20'00" and wanted to know what you guys think before I buy.
Thanks,
ejw

I have never heard anything bad about these boats except for lack of storage.

200 is the upgrade on the 198, a great running, handling hull. Especially with the yamaha..

If you don't have enough room in all the storage boxes on that boat, you've got a serious equipment overload problem.

The 200 will more than likely be my next purchase, just do not have the money at this time. You can not go wrong with this boat, but I would think about putting a 250 on it, just in my opinion. I am not a Yamaha guy, I like Mercs, so my 200 or 210 will be running a 250 ProXS

Hey guys!
Thanks for the info. I am trying to decide on this boat versus a Ranger Z20.
Thanks,
ejw

the champion should have a better ride, speed would be around the same, champion will be cheaper on price.

The Champion will be faster, much smoother riding and a LOT drier than the Ranger. The Ranger will have a larger front deck. Probably similar storage, which is a BUNCH!

If I was looking for a boat the 200DCX would be right up there with the Champion 198, Legend and Triton. You might consider going to bassboatcentral.com and posting in the Champion section to get opinions. Alot of good knowledge on setups, speeds and handling.

Everything I have read on the 200 has been really positive. Like someone else said, if you fill the 200 up with tackle you have a tackle problem. One nice thing about a Champion is the rod storage is amazing. I can get my rods (~15 setups) and a buddies (~6) in the box during a trip. They are alittle bit of a hassle to get out but atleast they are stored during long runs. I only have the 193.

I'm not sure of the rating on the 200 but I think it maxes out at 225HP but I could be wrong.

I feel that the Champion tends to roll in the water when your fishing partner does the big gaint step from side to side, more so than the other brands talked about. I know in my 18.5 and my friends 20, I did the TEXAS 2 STEP around the front deck on just that occasion when your least expecting it. Other than that I feel they are too narrow and tend to allow wave-spray into the air instead of directing it downward like the skeeter, ranger, triton, and some other brands. Now I must admit I have not been in the 2007 and they may all be well and fine... just my 2 cents.

Mike, the more narrow beams on some of the Champions did lean. However, I forgave that feature completely since it had such an increadible rough water ride.

Champion introduced the 196 and 206 Elites with a wider beam to counter that complaint. Still a great riding hull, but not quite what a 191 or 203 had.

My personal favorite hull is still the 203. Wasn't as fast as the 202, but much smoother and drier.

Champions aren't the fastest boats out there. That 200 with a 225 Yamaha will run 71-72'ish.

I've been pleased with what I've seen them producing since Genmar has taken over. My only complaint is the way they have designed. I don't like the new topcaps or consoles.

They had a new 203 at the show this past weekend, and it was SWEET looking!

Thank you guys.
This is some great information.
ejw

Get the CHAMP!

I'm a Champ guy and like Mike the 203 is what I like and the new top caps and console's I don't. Makes them look like a old Glasstream. lol. my .02

I run a 2000 year model 203 w/ a 200 Yam ox66. I would not trade the boat for anything, but I am a Champion lover. As far as smooth and dry I just don't think you can do much better. I had a 181 Champion before and it did teter from side to side if someone fairly good size was on the back deck, but I don't see that much with the 203. I'll put it this way, all I plan on doing for a long time is putting a new motor on mine, but that is only when I have to have a new motor.

Fishn_Man,
Dang! Do you always keep your boat that clean and shiny!
Looks awesome.
ejw