1992 Champion 201

What are your thoughts on this boat? Found a clean one, but the hull is narrower than my current 96 Javelin. But, the deck is way longer. Just not used to seeing such a narrow beam in such a long boat.

That will be a great rough water boat but a bit unstable up front fishing in windy conditions, I have had the 201,203,206 and elite 210 now and the first 3 were all a little unstable in offshore wind.

Wind blows'em around pretty good but they're great fishing boats and ride like a champ, hence the name. Hard to find a good clean one but I wouldn't buy one older than a 2001. I'm not sure but heard they had wood transoms before that and you don't want a wood transom. There's a guy on here I think goes by the name of Curtbass that had a nice one for sale and had a late model Yamaha on it. Might check it out.

Sorry, I agree with Gig em they are great boats and all i've ever fished out of

After research, it is actually his boat (he sold it)....but sans the Yamaha SHO now.

Composite transoms on all models started in 2003. Wood transoms are fine if you check them out prior to purchase and properly maintain the sealant at rub rail trim and fasteners, rub rail termination covers and transom trim. Also check the stringers for moisture, especially if the owner has installed a hot foot.

After back surgery a few years ago I went from a Basscat Pantera 2 to an older narrow 1999 Champion 186 and unless your back-seater weighs over 300 pounds the reported "tippyness" is cra.... I had a Champion 181 from 1995 to 2004 and rarely had stability issues, sure if the wind blows 30 mph all boats are tippy when trolling. I fish with a guy that weighs over 250 and my current 2001 187 has no stability issues. One day I will find my final boat, a clean 188 DC.

I fished a lot of tournaments out of a 193 and we had no stability issues up front. Partner since went to a 210 and we also have a 221. The narrow champs ride like a dream. The pre composite transoms were baltec? Like a compressed balsa. Definitely check out the transom for issues

I have nerver had any more of a unstable fishing platform than any one the other brands I have owned.

I owned both a 181 and a 193. They do teeter when fishing but you get used to it and it’s no biggee. The ride more than makes up for a little teeter. The skinnier hulls are the deeper V hulls. Ride and decide.....that’s why they say it. The wind will blow you around maybe a tad more, but not a noticeable difference IMO, especially with a 20footer. I bet you’ll be very happy if you purchase.

I have a '92 201DCR Champion. Still one of the best riding boats out there and is very fishable. Yes, the beam is narrower but the length and roominess are awesome.

The 201 that Curtbass owned sat in a barn under a cover from like... 1995-2014. Something ridiculous like that. That transom is solid, he sealed that thing according to Pat Goff’s lore. Haven’t seen the price asked for it now but I’ll vouch for that boat. It’s very, very clean.

I have a shorter skinny Champion. Great smooth ride in rough water and driest boat that I have ever been in. I primarily fish solo so it is very stable. Put someone on the back deck and the person up front will feel it when they move side to side and that takes a little getting used to. Mine sits high and is a dual console so the wind does blow it more but since I put on an Ulterra, that has never been an issue. Overall, I will take the little bit of rocking that it will do in exchange for a smooth ride in the rough stuff. My back sure appreciates it.

That was my 201DCR. It sat inside a climate controlled shop in Amarillo Tx (original owner had shop for his boat & pickup) from 1995 till 2014. It was as sold to him by Plano Marine new in 1992. The 2nd owner (Kevin Wingate in Oklahoma) He had a Mercury dealer check the 200Xri & bring it out of storage phase. That motor was sold to a friend in California for his Champion 191. I bought an 250SHO,Bobs 8" Hydraulic Jackplate, & rigged NEW SeaStar 1500psi Hyd aulic Steering with Pro Tilt Helm & added Hot Foot throttle, New Yamaha Shifter & Yamaha Multifunction gauge, New shift/throttle cables.
Transom was solid & I resealed it & rubrail.
Steve Smith @ Smith Boat Sales in Scotland,Tx has it now. He has rerigged it with a Yamaha 225 I believe. He has most likely sold the SHO, but, anyone looking, feel free to call him if you're looking for a jewel of a 20' Champion OR any boat,repower, equipment, trailer, etc. He can pretty much handle all your needs in North Texas. For those of you in East Texas check out Mallard Marine in Nacogdoches Tx.
Both these guys are sharp & do excellent work at very fair prices. They stand behind their work.

They are GREAT boats for what they are. I had one before I moved to the 206 model. VERY stable, not quite as fast as other boats, but when the big water is blowing, best to be in a champ. Would LOVE to have mine back, but that was a long time ago when I had money. LOL. GREAT starter boats, too. I spent many an hour in one fishing with my friend, liked it so much I bought it off of him when he decided to sell it. Should be pretty reasonable in price now, too. Hope this helps.

Tight lines ,keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

The older Champs were well made boats but I was reminded how bad they are as a fishing platform last Friday. I fished from an old Champ 201 last Friday and ran the TM all day. My partner on the back deck was about 195.

Every time my partner on the back deck moved side to side I noticed it much more than my Legend. I almost went swimming three times just from him moving side to side. I have a 2011 Legend Alpha 211 for comparison. My boat was made the year before they widened the boat. Legends are not the most stable boats compared to a Skeeter or Ranger but DANG!

Also they sit up so high out of the water it blows around like a kite on the TM. The boat I was in last Fri had a 36V 112# Ultrex so it was bearable but still worked the TM over way more than my Legend.

I know the older Champs are known for their great rough water ride but the amount of time you spend riding down the lake is maybe 5-10% of your day. Not bagging on the guys with the Champs but not a fan.

I’ve got a 206. Rides excellent fishes like carp. Tippy and blows all over the place. Forget fishing offshore in the wind.

Yes sir and your 206 is one of the wide-body Champs too I believe?

Its all in what you want to deal with as a boat owner. I don't find mine blows around any worse than the other boats I have ridden in. It does take a minute to get used to the guy in the back switching sides. I don't use a front butt seat so sometimes it can be a thrill on seeing if your going in or not if you take a step and your back seat switches sides. But the ride in Really rough water is worth it to me over a wider A%^ pounding boat. If your on a small lake or not running often I would go with a more stable platform. Plus people are proud of their Champs and the prices show!

I have rode in a bunch of different Champions and they all ride great! The king is still the 201 though when the water gets rough. Every boat has positives and negatives. If you want more stability while fishing you get a wider boat. You get a wider boat you get a rougher ride. That's just how it works. No boat will give you everything you want.