Champion bay versus Skeeter bay?

I am new to CCs/bay boats. When the Ranger blew up I decided it was time to make switch to a bigger boat that could better handle open water. Skeeter was my top choice but unfortunately the one I had my eyes on sold before I could buy it. There were 20 footers available but wanted a 22. I ended up with a Champ Bay 2200. I really like the boat and layout. The reason for post is I was launching at Lavon a couple of weeks ago. This dude backs down right beside me in a Skeeter Bay. He commented on my Champ and said he wished he had one. I asked why and said the ride. I asked so they ride better than a Skeeter? He thought so. I know NADA has the Champ at about 150 lbs heavier but do not think that would matter much. Just wondering if they really do ride smoother or maybe this guy was thinking bass boat.

Deadrise at the transom and deeper V in the bow will overcome weight when it comes to rough water handling.

Better rider = deeper V also means less shallow water running (it's all give and take) No "bay\shallow" water boat is going run offshore like and deep V offshore boat... and a deep V offshore boat is not going to be running in a foot of water.

It's about what you want to do.

On a side note, I've noticed a lot big "brand name" "bay" boat designs seem to be more geared toward guys running offshore\open bay vs the running shallow water these days. 25" transom, heavy high sides etc. The Texas-made builders are not that way for the most part. If you like fishing flats in Texas exclusively I'd I go with a Texas-built boat... My old Pathfinder is a coast\bass boat It has 20" transom for a lower profile in the water and less weight then you see now (new pathfinders are 25", you have to get a hewes or maverick for low sides)

Never been in a CC but from what I've read, the Skeeter can be a beater in rough water and the Champion much like their bass boat handle rough water pretty smooth.

Apparently the dude at Lavon had the same opinion. 15 mph north wind on Texoma is about the roughest water the Champ as seen. It was roughly rough because it was blowing right down Washita. Boat handled it great.

I have a Skeeter ZX 22 Bay boat and I fish Amistad and Falcon in the wnd and it takes the rough water really well . My previous boat was a Skeeter 21i and I think it runs smoother in rough water than it did IMO

these discussions go like things in the good old days the champ guys wont like it but if they rode that much better than the other boats that are still in production some other builder would be making them today.

Some other builder is making them.

don't think they are building the bay boats which was originally ask about.

there are many reasons boat manufacturers go out of business and I don't think was ride or quality that was Champions downfall. Probably just poor management. This my first CC style boat and was just curious why a Skeeter owner would wish he had a Champ. Until i bought Champ the only CC i have ridden in was a 20' Kenner. I was not really impressed with the Kenner ride in rough water. My choice of Champ or Skeeter was based on seating. I like the layout on both. Can't see buying a 20 or 22' boat with no seats.

Champion didn't go out of business for bad quality boats. They went out of business because of poor management issues. Have you looked at Charger boats? Champion ride was so bad that they have brought back the hull in the Charger Elite and are bringing back other popular Champions in the future. http://www.bassboatexchange.com/2017-charger-210-elite

If they weren't any good why would a builder be using them today?

I guess I do not get the point of the question other than to get people bickering. You made the choice why look back.

Back in the 90's Charger made several attempts at duplicating Champions hull. They never quite got it right and they had handling issues along and their quality wasn't exactly known as top notch. So now their boasting their new Elite series made from 20 year old Champion molds. Too funny.

Stratos and Charger are separate companies aren't they? I saw atleast a few years ago, not sure about today, that they were advertising that they had brought back the Champion hull on their boats also which I thought was weird that both companies had molds.

Well Sparky since you brought it up.
Understood this is all now owned by tracker but the new “improved “ Ranger bay boats are all champ hulls. Maybe they really were that good.

I am not looking back at all and when I bought the Champ the only choice was to wait for the right 22' Skeeter to become available. That would have been a longer wait than I could stand to be without a boat. The question was about Skeeter versus Champion and why a Skeeter owner would wish he had a Champion. I am perfectly happy with my decision. I wish I had a 250 but finding one a 22' Champ or Skeeter is tough.