Champion vs. BassCat

WildDog3 · Post by **WildDog3** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:11 pm

I'm looking at two boats right now. Both are 18'3" and both have 150 horse Optimax on em. They have similiar features. Any opinions on which is the better boat?

MIKE TREMONT · Post by **MIKE TREMONT** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:14 pm

They are both great boats, you won't be sorry with either one of them.

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:05 pm

I see the lock hammer coming.

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:15 am

now i do not know for sure of anything...........but only my own fact finding from looking for what the perfect "next" boat for me is............

from what i have been told the champion 183 rated for a 150hp max. is a little under rated.

fishing wise great rig..

the basscat sabre great boat, fast, hull is little light if you look at the specs. might have a litttle issue with those 4 ft. swell on berryessa or clear lake, but everyone does..................... trolling motor is all the way on top of the bow...

i like both boats can not decide. i added the ranger 188 along with the top two boats to my list of choices.

good luck! keep us or me informed. i would like to know what you find out on any research you you discover!

steven

BIG DADDY BLUE RANGER · Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:52 am

in 2000, when I was in the boat market, the smaller Champions had very limited rear deack storage.... the 187 had compartments barely big enough for a six pack..... just something to consider.. i really have no idea if that has changed on the newer models or not........ but I do use every bit of storage space on my boat and could use more (mostly for all my non swimbait lures

)

ash · Post by **ash** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:08 am

MIKE TREMONT wrote:They are both great boats, you won't be sorry with either one of them.

What model BassCat are you looking at? I have a BassCat Classic with a 150 and it does well. I can see 60 on a good day but typically I am cruising at 55.

Being a BassCat owner you know that I am a bit biased, however I agree with Mike; you cant go wrong with either boat. I have the flippin deck on my Classic which really opens up the bow and gives me added storage. If both of these boats are on your short list I would spend more energy finding out about the motors, go to BBC and post the Serial Number of each motor to get a history and ask the owners for the engine history.

Good Luck on your purchase, they are both great boats and will serve you well.

Rod Martin · Post by **Rod Martin** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:36 am

Which is best is not the question. Which fits you is. I have owned 5 Champions, from a Mean 15 to a 202. They are a great boat, I'm sure BassCats are also. That being said I pick up my new Ranger today down at C&C in Modesto. In my Champion I was no longer able to move around as well with my bad knees. Getting up from behind the console had become a real chore. stepping up to the front deck many times a day, left me in pain the day after. So now I will own a Ranger. Dont look for the best boat, look for the best fit. Get rides in both if you can , or spend as much time as possible inside one doing what you would on the water.
Good luck with your boat whatever you pick

Dan Stahlman · Post by **Dan Stahlman** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:02 am

I have a 191 Champion and really like it. It is a great rough water boat with a really smooth ride. I have a 200 on it and it is very quick. The only issue I have with it is lack of storage and I wish it had a bit wider deck although it allows me to get into places bigger units can't go. Storage is my main problem but other than that its a great boat as is the Bass Cat,
Dan

Tony Lain · Post by **Tony Lain** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:38 am

Both boat brands have good features. If you are talking 2008 models, especially the Champion 183 Elite, your choice may have gotten easier. Wide beams, smooth in rough water, fast, and the storage compartments are almost too deep. Another incentive is if you are a tournament angler the Diamond Program pays very well. Plus, just owning a Champion means you qualify for the Champion Boat owners tournament and have a chance to win a boat raffle just for attending. If you live anywhere near DVL I can set you up with a demo ride, just PM me. Good luck! TL

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:21 am

I love my Sabre.......Its a safe boat and I have had ZERO problems dealing with basscat (you can even get the owners on the horn if needed). Maybe you should see Steve over at Mossdale for a little test ride. Look him up on the banner. Their willing to back up their products against any other maker with a simple ride test.

MIKE VAN WAGNER · Post by **MIKE VAN WAGNER** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:40 am

Do your self a favor and look at the Ranger 188 VX. Great boat for the money.

Mike Van Wagner
Capitol City Marine
7812 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights Ca. 95610
916-729-0590

Terry Smith · Post by **Terry Smith** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:32 am

I own A 04 sabre 150 Opti on it. The only thing I don't like is that where the passenger rods sit if you open the back locker you can crush the rod tips. Other than that SWEET RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!

I have only been in A 19' Champion and it is A nice boat as well. Look at both boats to see what meets your needs. Oh and by the way 4' rollers are NO PROBLEM in the BassCat Sabre.

Good Luck in your choice, Terry

Raingear should come standard with A Ranger

J/Khehehehehe

lunker punker · Post by **lunker punker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:28 am

I would have to say roll with a champ hands down. Not a better rough water ride on the market period. Basscats are nice boats but in my opinion just dont handle like a champ and they have tiny livewells. The Champ will steer around corners like no other and not destroy yer back in the big rollers. The livewells accomodate 10lbers with ease and even midsize stripers as well. The newer Champs have great storage and are a bit wider and much more stable than the older models. I am not a sponsored guy and rode in all the boats out there and decided on the Champ. The ride and setup fit me perfectly. There is always a preference involved in this decision but the handling and rough water ride were my biggest selling factors. I will run a champ forever. Enjoy your new boat and fill that livewell with some hawgs!
Jeremy

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:45 am

Greg_Cornish wrote:I see the lock hammer coming.

another wasted post......

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:49 am

RipnRog wrote:
Greg_Cornish wrote:I see the lock hammer coming.
another wasted post......

And yet another.

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:07 pm

Greg_Cornish wrote:
RipnRog wrote:
Greg_Cornish wrote:I see the lock hammer coming.
another wasted post......
And yet another.

SIGH................

Seriously Greg you post a lot of one liners that have nothing to do with the post.... it would be funny once in a while but just about every thread and it gets old.........

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:29 pm

RipnRog wrote: SIGH................

Seriously Greg you post a lot of one liners that have nothing to do with the post.... it would be funny once in a while but just about every thread and it gets old.........

I'm out of control.

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:42 pm

Greg_Cornish wrote:
RipnRog wrote: SIGH................

Seriously Greg you post a lot of one liners that have nothing to do with the post.... it would be funny once in a while but just about every thread and it gets old.........
I'm out of control.

that is one way to put it....... maybe someday you will actully have a thought and post something worth reading...... until then keep with your weak one liners that mean absolutely nothin whatsoever....

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:50 pm

RipnRog wrote:
Greg_Cornish wrote:
RipnRog wrote: SIGH................

Seriously Greg you post a lot of one liners that have nothing to do with the post.... it would be funny once in a while but just about every thread and it gets old.........
I'm out of control.
until then keep with your weak one liners that mean absolutely nothin whatsoever....

Okay that's what I had planned. Glad I have your permission. You're a sweetheart.

lunker punker · Post by **lunker punker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:51 pm

Ban both of these thread hijackers.

Iafrate94505 · Post by **Iafrate94505** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:55 pm

Greg_Cornish wrote:I see the lock hammer coming.

heee-haw heee-haw heee-haw

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:56 pm

Greg_Cornish wrote:
RipnRog wrote:
Greg_Cornish wrote: I'm out of control.
until then keep with your weak one liners that mean absolutely nothin whatsoever....
Okay that's what I had planned. Glad I have your permission. You're a sweetheart.

Look Geg I can get nasty if you want...... not a problem..... I simply asked you to post something that helps rather than the stuff you usually post...... if that is a problem for you I am sorry..... the crap gets old.......

lunker punker · Post by **lunker punker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:58 pm

Ban them.

RipnRog · Post by **RipnRog** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:59 pm

lunker punker wrote:Ban them.

I would buy the champion it is by far the best rough water boat....

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:01 pm

lunker punker wrote:Ban them.

Make a poll.

sTony wrote: There's to be no more Powell Vs. Dobyns, Powell Or Dobyns or whatever threads in the forums anymore

When I said, "I see the lock hammer coming," it was because of this kind of post. Comparison quotes start fights. But it seems as though a lot of you guys like that. In fact, because a guy doesn't like my take on things, he tried to start a fight. I refused to fall for it. The more I refused to fall for it, the angrier he got.

I've been getting 100% positive PMs. People who like my posting style and people asking questions about Clear Lake, which I always respond to. Such Curmudgeons.

Iafrate94505 · Post by **Iafrate94505** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:28 pm

Greg_Cornish wrote:
lunker punker wrote:Ban them.
Make a poll.
sTony wrote: There's to be no more Powell Vs. Dobyns, Powell Or Dobyns or whatever threads in the forums anymore
When I said, "I see the lock hammer coming," it was because of this kind of post. Comparison quotes start fights. But it seems as though a lot of you guys like that. In fact, because a guy doesn't like my take on things, he tried to start a fight. I refused to fall for it. The more I refused to fall for it, the angrier he got.

I've been getting 100% positive PMs. People who like my posting style and people asking questions about Clear Lake, which I always respond to. Such Curmudgeons.

nobody is getting angry..........

your replies are what we call...Blowwing air up the managements A$$.

lunker punker · Post by **lunker punker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:30 pm

Start a new thread about rods and argue away.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:54 pm

Both are killer boats.
Bass Cat - JD POWER Winner for the 2nd year
Champion - Best rough water boat out there.

ppickerell · Post by **ppickerell** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:13 pm

lunker punker wrote:I would have to say roll with a champ hands down. Not a better rough water ride on the market period. Basscats are nice boats but in my opinion just dont handle like a champ and they have tiny livewells. The Champ will steer around corners like no other and not destroy yer back in the big rollers. The livewells accomodate 10lbers with ease and even midsize stripers as well. The newer Champs have great storage and are a bit wider and much more stable than the older models. I am not a sponsored guy and rode in all the boats out there and decided on the Champ. The ride and setup fit me perfectly. There is always a preference involved in this decision but the handling and rough water ride were my biggest selling factors. I will run a champ forever. Enjoy your new boat and fill that livewell with some hawgs!
Jeremy

I pound my Champ hard and constantly do things to it most boat owners have the good sense not to do and it takes the punishment.

ash · Post by **ash** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:17 pm

Actually,

The only fight in this post was between the two of you's as you can see the Champ and Bass Kitty owners get along fine, as they understand that both boats are quality, great handling boats.

I do have to say to PUNKER though, man my 97' kitty has TONS of livewell space, but the damn lids are too small. I got nothing bad to say about the champ they are a great boat.

Again to bring this back around, if this is a used deal the engines would be my concern.

BassCatPuma · Post by **BassCatPuma** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:26 pm

Well my screen name will tell you my pick. But lets get some facts straight.

1. I have had numerous 10 # fish in my basscat livewell and have never lost a fish. The openings are a little smaller but the wells are not.

2. JD Power award 4 years in a row not 2

3. I am always available for Demo rides in any model you would like to try.

4. Champion does make a nice boat. But I will stay in a Cat as it is the best rough water boat I have been in. ( I used to have a Champion ) and they are fast too.

5. What ever you pick it will need to fit you not anyone else. So try them all and do your research and enjoy what ever boat you get.

photon · Post by **photon** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:26 pm

As a Basscat Owner, I can honestly say....you'd probably be happy with either. BUT, I garantee you'll wish you bought a bigger version to begin with.....depending on where you fish, of course!

FISH2WIN55 · Post by **FISH2WIN55** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:36 pm

If you are undecided go with which dealer you think is best. I will always buy my boats from Marine Unlimited. You know when you buy something from them you are going to get service after the sell.

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:28 pm

I've had 2 around 10 in the livewells at the same time....can't be to small.

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:50 pm

I'll take a Skeeter

Outcast · Post by **Outcast** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:20 pm

I have a custom built 198 Elite Champion With a 225 Opt. as a rough water boat it's great and just loves those white caps thier alot of storage space also. What ever boat you buy make sure you get the duel console it's worth it.
If you want seed I top out at about 79 to 82 MPG on the GPS

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:33 pm

What Rod said....

If those are the two you have narrowed it down to you owe it to yourself to spend as much time as possible in both and go with what works best for YOU. Make yourself a list of what features are most important to you, which are less important and those that are even less important and try to stay as unbiased as you can when comparing. See how each one fits your personal preferences for layout and operation.

Also, remember that you want to compare them in the same conditions. A rough-water, windy day would be best, since they'll all perform well on flat water. Remember too that the driver can make a huge difference in your perception of the ride.

Most importantly is the big motor if you are buying used. You'd be best served by having any used motor checked out for a least compression and leak-down and a computer printout. More in-depth checks would be prop shaft & seals, checking the lower unit oil for water, etc. The boat itself will last forever with little more money involved, but the motor can suck your wallet dry in a minute!

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