I recently bought a 2007 183. I doubt there is a better 18.5' boat out there for running rough water. My hull is rated for 150 H.P. Max, and with a light load i can run 60-61 on the GPS, which is plenty fast for me.

I've found my Champion to be a great boat to fish open water on windy days, If you have a good 24v trolling motor, you'll be able to hold your spots easily.

I usually have 8-10 rods on the boat,and space is a little cramped for storing all of those, but I feel like there is more than enough space for other gear, nets, tools, etc. The boat you are looking at was made by Genmar in the same plant as ranger and stratos, and parts are still available through stratos, people warned that customer service can be below average, but i've found them to be helpful with questions or concerns I had.

Get a Champion and keep it forever! thats my plan.

I have run a Champion 191 since 96 and it has never left me wanting anything more out of a boat other than a little more rear storage, but that's not a big deal to me. The Champ will ride better than the Ranger, but the Ranger will sit more level and be a little less tippy than the Champ. The tippy thing that people talk about is not really noticable unless you have a BIG guy walk from one side to the other on the back deck. The Optimax is gonna get way better gas mileage than the EFI. That's one thing I do wish I had instead of my 200 EFI, but then again that EFI has been rock solid for years. It just likes the gas.

I really appreciate the responses. I have to agree that the storage on the back deck is limited, but I was hoping to buy a deck extension with a storage compartment. Is there a deck extension available for this model?

Thanks-Brian

Stratos Champ is great also - ridden a lot in a 210 amd it was drier than most boats

Try http://www.bassboatcentral.com/champion.htm. if there is anything you want for your Champion they are the authority in my opinion.

One major thing wrong with Champions. "They don't wear out". No justification to buy anyhting different. GREAT boat. Had mine for 25 years and it is still ticking. You take care of them and they last forever. Boats in this caliber all have +/-s.

I have a 94 190 DC and it's the driest ride I have ever been in.. Rides and fishes great no speed demon but fast enough for me..
Only thing not crazy about is it does tilt side to side when on front deck.. All in all great safe boat...

We have a 206, it is a dream boat. We love it!

Thanks for all of the responses!

I have a friend that has a 1989 201 with a 175 Johnson. That thing is slow out of the hole, and will top out at around 57 mph. He also has a ZX 195 Skeeter with a Yamaha 150. The bug will run circles around the Champ, but on a windy day you can bet your last dollar the Champ will be the one on the water. His saying is the Bug is pretty and made for pretty water. The Champ is a beast and made for rough water. Also, the champ was a guide boat on Fork for 11 years. It has seen it's share of stumps and rough water, but still handles the water like nothing I've ever rode in.

thanks-

I had a 2000 Champion 223 with a 300 pro max and the ride was unbelievable. I wish Legend would make a 22' or 23'even better. And I wish Mercury would put out a 300 pro xs with 5 years warranty.

Hey Ranger....You won't be sorry with the Champ.! Since I am in my 3rd one right now I would know something about them. Would be glad to discuss anything about them with you . PM me or call me @ 903 six four six 2672 DV

I have a 1996 191 and it aint leaving! When my 9 y/o gets old enough it'll be his and I'll get a newer one.

i didnt read the post but im a fan of champion boats, not the dryest ride out there for the weekend warrior but if you know how to drive perfomance type hulls they are insane.