Ranger fans chime in

[Bigs]

to be honest, I think skeeters are ugly boats in general, probably the ugliest bass boats made imo. My taste is different then yours tho.I just cant stand the way they look. I will be takin a ride in a 20 foot skeeter soon tho just to use as a reference point. Maybe I would like the ride of the skeeter but honestly couldnt stand to look at it every day, sorry. The newer skeeters might ride real nice but for the money I wouldnt even think of buying one when I can get a 20 foot champ or bass cat for under 20 grand with less then 70 hours on it.

Everyone is gonna say their boat is the best right, well the guy I spoke with today owns a newer ranger and said honestly it couldnt even compete with a champion 203 on tidal waters. I first talked to him last week about a blazer I was interested in and he said it was the wrong boat for me like everyone else said too. He works on boats for a living and sometimes has to test drive them when the work is done or to diagnose issues so I trust what he says to an extent. He has nothing to gain by telling me what he told me. He spent over a decade fishing the potomac river tournaments which is where I fish usually.

The flip side is alot of ppl tell me champs are a lil tipsy compared to a ranger or basscat. But my number one objective is to get the best possible rough water ride, fishabilty is second on my list actually, then looks and then speed. Im coming from a 16 foot tracker where all I did was tip back and forth every time my friend even sneezed on that thing. So I can live with a second or third best platform if Im gettin a great ride.

The way I look at it is like this, what good is it to have the fastest boat when u have to lay off the throttle half the time, I rather have a slower boat that can actually pass the tritons and nitros when the rough water hits. I will still end up in my spot before they do . Its like wanting a car thats faster but with all the additional power u lose traction, so the "slower" less powerful car actually passes u cuz ur too busy goin sideways. Same principle applies imo. So thats where I am right now, Im gettin closer and closer to makin the right choice. If these antibiotics would work then I could feel good enough to go and actually test a few boats out ont he same body of water. Sick as a dog here

[Bigs]

Oh and robby, I love my nittany lions....This is our year

[boneil]

sounds like you just about made up your.  Good luck on getting your boat and keep us updated

[cart7t]

The 203 Champion was the last of the 92" beam 20 footers Champion made that started with the first 20 foot boat in the bass boat business, the 201. The 203 is a rear gas tank model. The 206, which replaced it, gained 3" in the beam and the tank was moved midship as the 4 strokes came onto the scene.

If you want to see the 203 hull in action and what it's capable of, take a look at this redone video of old Champion sales tapes they used to show at boat shows in the late 80's.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5689956774383453452&hl=en#

The boats featured are the 184 and the 201. The 201 is shown primarily in the 2nd half of this video. The hull on the 203 had only some tweaking done to it along with the addition of 2 extra inches of beam width. It's very capable of handling every bit as well, or better than the boat in the video.

BTW, those breech stops are no joke nor staged. I did a couple of those twice in my old 168 Super V. A very violent maneuver and not one I'd suggest doing on purpose.

[Bigbub]

Ranger all the way!!!

[SkeeterZX225]

You say Skeeters are ugly boats, but you're looking for a Bass Cat  : : ;D

It doesn't matter what kind of boat you get, if you can't drive it properly in rough water its going to be a rough, wet ride.

[Bigs]

Thats what I said. I think Skeeters are ugly, simple as that. I also think Angelina Jolie is average lookin at best but opinions vary. I think Bass Cats are the most beautiful boat next to a legend with champion right behind. They all look so timeless and classic to me, love it. At this point Im lookin for the closest champion 203/206 or basscat cougar or puma that I can test drive and walk around some to see how tipsy or stable they are. The closest one is in richmond which is an hour and a half away, thats the 06 puma . Soon as I feel better Im gonna go check it out, Im still extremely sick right now tho. I have been told by more then one person that champions are tipsy when sitting still and bass cats arent at all. The ride is neck and neck between them, 6 one way, half dozen the other. But champions are easier for me to find for good deals right now then bass cats. No one wants to let go of their basscat for a good price unless its a pantera or sabre. Ranger and everything else is out of the picture now, I should probably change the name of this thread  ;D

[done]

And keep in mind a large oil drum with a 12# TM, and a lawn chair glued to it still beat fishing from shore.

It was not so long ago I was at the shore only so if it floats...it is good!! Ride smooth, runs fast, that's just gravy.

I get constantly reminded of that by the dude I see everyday just about at the launch I go to. He pulls up in a beat up old explorer, pulls an inflatable raft with 900 patches on it out, inflated it and attaches an OB that looks older than my father to it. Thing sounds horrible , barely moves, and take 9,000 pulls to start but the dude enjoy every freaking moment of it and catches the crap out of the fish.

Helps to keep perspective...good luck man!!

[cart7t]

Considering you're wanting to switch from an aluminum boat to fiberglass,  I think the term "tipsy" is a pretty subjective term.    

[Bigs]

exactly why I sold my tracker. And why upgrade if Im not gonna get exactly what I want. Have a few test rides setup on basscats already as well as a champ. What scares me is that champ is gone after this year where as basscat aint goin nowhere. Bass cats service is top notch from every cat owner I speak with and I have talked to over a dozen in the last few days. Bass cat owners are also by far the nicest I have spoken to, very tight knit. I think its 6 one way and half dozen the other. Both have top notch rides and are built well. Something bout the basscat tho, its sexy . Might be slow and guzzle gas but I can deal with that as long as my back isnt gettin broken every time I go out. If I dont like how this cougar rides then Im gonna try a puma. If I could find a 203/206 or 210 somewhere closer then that would help me out. They are few and far between around here. Gonna have to travel a lil to try one. Wont be an issue tho if I fall in love with the bass cat. I know of a few pumas local that look tempting.

[cart7t]

.......What scares me is that champ is gone after this year where as basscat aint goin nowhere. .....

Come again?   :-?

[Glenn]

Champion boats aren't going anywhere.  Their parent company, Genmar, filed for Bankruptcy, but doesn't mean they're closing - just re-orging.  A smart move in this economy.

As for Bass Cat - I've been in both of Iaconelli's Bass Cat boats and I have to tell you, his current one is head and shoulders above his old one.  I don't recall what the models were, but the difference was night and day.

I don't know if that's good or bad, really.  I mean, if you buy a Champion or Ranger, you'll get the same quality ride and craftmanship regardless of model.  Not sure if I'd want to purchase from a company that can't carry its quality and engineering across all models.

Just a thought.

[Bigs]

What I meant is that champion is at best gonna be on hold for a while. Doesnt look like they are gonna put out any new boats as far as I know.  Their future is questionable right now.  And I just cant get over wood in the transom, it worries me. I have read countless stories bout new or newer champs having water in the transom. I know that's not always their fault but that doesnt change the fact that it happens regardless of whos fault it is. So when I buy a used champ I have to make 100 percent sure that there is no rot or moisture in the transom. Just one more thing to worry bout.

As far as Ike's boat goes he is still in a puma as far as I know unless he;s in a new Jaguar. His 2007 Puma is for sale in jersey at a dealership for 34 grand. probably has a thousand hours on it too Im not aware of any changes between an 07 puma and a new one, I think there were differences prior to 07 tho. Could be alot of things, different motor and setup or maybe his driving skills improved  ;D

[cart7t]

Champion isn't going anywhere.  New financing is in place for the company and they are up and running, business as usual. 

There aren't a whole lot of manufacturers right now selling many new bass boats in todays economy.  

I think if you're this worried about problems with a used boat you ought to think about taking the plunge and buying new.  They come with warranties and the repair of hull problems is the factories responsibility and not yours.  As for buying used,  you've just about found negatives about every brand out there.  This coming from a person who's previous experience is with an aluminum boat.  

Good luck.  I'm out of here.  

[Tin]

Ok I have been very fortunate in the past few years to really see and test all the big boats in big water. I'm talking each companies gem in tough 3-6 foot stuff on Champlain. It is a great thing about having to be a non-boater as a poor college student...

Bass Cat Puma/Cougar: Great boats but you pay for it. They are fast, handle the brutal stuff well but every time you come down off a big wave you feel your spine compress and the sound of the boat wanting to crack in half. Their seats are almost as bad as Tritons and are not comfy at all. But they are very fast and up until about the 4 footers they give a great ride. My favorite feature is the net compartment in the front deck. But it seems all of them have livewell issues after a couple years.

Champion: A lot like the Cat's but the seats are comfortable. I feel like there isn't much space in the between the seats and console and that was my only real issue. The reason I will never own one is because of the crappy Champion dealers around here. My favorite thing about them is their look. They look stealthy and mean.

Nitro 929CDC: My least favorite boat. Good in the real stuff from 4-6 foot waves but in the slick water it is a sled compared to a Cat or Skeeter. Love the storage and the room, but just not enough coconuts for me. In the flat calm stuff, with 2 guys, a tank of gas, and a 250 Pro XS we hit 64 mph on the gps WOT. He had a Tempest on the dam thing for a prop as well.

Ranger 21z: Are the second best boats I have been in in rough stuff but they really seem to lack in that 0-30mph excelleration area. I love compartment hatches and storage. They are laid out better than any boat around.

Skeeter ZX250: The best boat I have been in in rough water and the fastest. These things are 78-80mph air craft carriers. Not the best with storage but they make up for it with all cool little things like the handle that pops up from the middle seat to hang on to.

Stratos 201 pro or whatever the big 21' one is: Very fast out of the hole until it peaks in the mid 70's and good in the big water. But....it seems like as soon as these things see big aves they fall apart. The shocks and springs that hold the copartments open love to break and their idea of storage organization is just awful. Plus....I have seen a lot of twisted hulls on these things.

Triton 21x2/3: An aircraft carrier like the ZX250 but as slow as the Nitro. With a full tank and two guys with a 225 Pro XS it is a low 60's boat. With the 250 you are looking at 66-68 tops. Super stable but you are paying for the Triton name and it is like sitting on a milk crate.

So their is my 2 cents on all the "great ones" in rough water....

[5bass]

Ok I have been very fortunate in the past few years to really see and test all the big boats in big water. I'm talking each companies gem in tough 3-6 foot stuff on Champlain. It is a great thing about having to be a non-boater as a poor college student...

Bass Cat Puma/Cougar: Great boats but you pay for it. They are fast, handle the brutal stuff well but every time you come down off a big wave you feel your spine compress and the sound of the boat wanting to crack in half. Their seats are almost as bad as Tritons and are not comfy at all. But they are very fast and up until about the 4 footers they give a great ride. My favorite feature is the net compartment in the front deck. But it seems all of them have livewell issues after a couple years.

Champion: A lot like the Cat's but the seats are comfortable. I feel like there isn't much space in the between the seats and console and that was my only real issue. The reason I will never own one is because of the crappy Champion dealers around here. My favorite thing about them is their look. They look stealthy and mean.

Nitro 929CDC: My least favorite boat. Good in the real stuff from 4-6 foot waves but in the slick water it is a sled compared to a Cat or Skeeter. Love the storage and the room, but just not enough coconuts for me. In the flat calm stuff, with 2 guys, a tank of gas, and a 250 Pro XS we hit 64 mph on the gps WOT. He had a Tempest on the dam thing for a prop as well.

Ranger 21z: Are the second best boats I have been in in rough stuff but they really seem to lack in that 0-30mph excelleration area. I love compartment hatches and storage. They are laid out better than any boat around.

Skeeter ZX250: The best boat I have been in in rough water and the fastest. These things are 78-80mph air craft carriers. Not the best with storage but they make up for it with all cool little things like the handle that pops up from the middle seat to hang on to.

Stratos 201 pro or whatever the big 21' one is: Very fast out of the hole until it peaks in the mid 70's and good in the big water. But....it seems like as soon as these things see big aves they fall apart. The shocks and springs that hold the copartments open love to break and their idea of storage organization is just awful. Plus....I have seen a lot of twisted hulls on these things.

Triton 21x2/3: An aircraft carrier like the ZX250 but as slow as the Nitro. With a full tank and two guys with a 225 Pro XS it is a low 60's boat. With the 250 you are looking at 66-68 tops. Super stable but you are paying for the Triton name and it is like sitting on a milk crate.

So their is my 2 cents on all the "great ones" in rough water....

Excellent report Mike  

[Bigs]

very good report indeed but u left out the big daddy of them all , the basscat Jaguar . Im test driving this one tommorow.

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/9566

He's bringin it to me since he's only 25 minutes away plus he fishes out of leesylvania which is 3 miles from me. So I have nothing to lose. If I love it then Im gonna make an offer, he said he will accept a reasonable offer so we shall see. If I dont like it then I'll move on with nothing lost. I am apprehensive about a 2000 optimax tho as that was a bad year for them but he said the original owner had the recall work done. Keepin my fingers crossed on this one. Im still a little sick so I havent been able to go out and shop at all.

I'm curious tho what u mean when u say u feel ur spine compress ? Please elaborate for me. Keep in mind the jaguar is alot heavier then a cougar or puma, similar hull tho. I know its slow , he said high 60's on GPS with one person and a light load. I'm fine with that, I just dont like the part about my spine :-?

[I Love BassResource]

"Bass Cat Puma/Cougar: Great boats but you pay for it. They are fast, handle the brutal stuff well but every time you come down off a big wave you feel your spine compress and the sound of the boat wanting to crack in half. Their seats are almost as bad as Tritons and are not comfy at all. But they are very fast and up until about the 4 footers they give a great ride. My favorite feature is the net compartment in the front deck. But it seems all of them have livewell issues after a couple years."

 Only the Puma's have net storage up front, the cougars do not.

[Tin]

I'm curious tho what u mean when u say u feel ur spine compress ? Please elaborate for me. Keep in mind the jaguar is alot heavier then a cougar or puma, similar hull tho. I know its slow , he said high 60's on GPS with one person and a light load. I'm fine with that, I just dont like the part about my spine :-?

They just have zero support. When you go up on a big wave and come down the seat doesn't absorb anything. And your lower back and butt take it all. Their seats are like milk crates, just nothing to them. Like I said, they give a great ride up until 4 footers. I was in one in 6's and it was just awful. Just doing 5-10mph you would come down off one and feel like you went to sit down and someone pulled the chair out from under you.

I have been in the real big water and I don't think most guys realize how big a even a 4 foot wave is. If you are talking about whitecaps and 1-2 foot waves any boat will really do.  :

[I Love BassResource]

That sells it for me, anything over 4ft and I'm off the lake any how.  6ft rollers are enough to surf on....

[Tin]

That sells it for me, anything over 4ft and I'm off the lake any how. 6ft rollers are enough to surf on....

The best is when you practice all week on a slick lake and then a nice 15-20mph wind from the straight south or north kicks up and you are fishing in 4-5 footers. Sometimes they need to cancel tournies but won't because everyone already paid and put in their practice time. Their are too many guys who don't know how to drive and it is only a matter of time before someone gets killed in a BFL event or something.