Awesome restore on both boats! I’m an older guy that used to own a 1987 DC 20” Champ. In Feb, drove to Florida and picked up a 1992 Champion 201 DC Elite. Had a custom trailer made, complete rewire, new switches, re-plumb (new bilges, aerators, etc,), new carpet, factor original seats from Dean’s Canvas in Mt Home, AR (can not recommend Craig and the guys enough), Solix 12 and 10, Ultrex 80, and waiting for my paid for Yamaha Vmax SHO 250 to arrive in a couple weeks with new hydraulic steering, gauges and controls. Talons next year. Watching you guys is one of the things I look forward to each week and I could really relate to your restore. Picked up a few good tips in this video on some stuff to add! Hah! I always do... thanks and keep up the great work!
I've watched this video several times. I have a 1997 Champion 202 in excellent condition, love the boat and has all the bells and whistle. Hate to sell her, but running out of room and having to moving more towards a family boat. You guys always have great information that you always pass along. One thing that you are really spot on is the fact of the ride of these hauls, it always amazes me in rough water or cutting across the wakes we have from other boats here on the river skiers and such, how effortlessly they cut though with hardly any upset in the ride. It's really to bad that they are not building these anymore maybe someone has gotten ahold of there molds and will continue with this design. Thanks again for your efforts and keep up the good work. Best Regards, Karl
I can barely afford kayak fishing, but when Winter rolls around, I'm usually wishing I had a bass boat to stay drier. Thank you for the video. Next time I wish for a bass boat, it'll be another reminder of why I don't want one. ;)
Champion was made 30 mins down the road from me . Such awesome boats and the old factory was turned into a lumber yard and is still in operation . Wish Champion would have stuck around
Thank you! I started in a float tube, then to a 12' aluminum, then to a small bass tracker, to a 1997 champion, to now this. It takes some time upgrading but the great thing is you can catch fish in all of them! Tim
Boat restoration videos are some of my favorites. I wish you guys would have went more into some of the smaller details like seats, on board storage, carpeting, audio. Thats all fun stuff to see how it was done. And of course cost vs new, which i could see why you may leave that out. Awesome boats.
Love me some bonus videos! Awesome rigs guys, definitely something to aspire towards! I kinda dig the unedited parts of the video, it was cool to see how you guys film things and how thoughts just roll off your heads so congruently.
Great video! For those of you considering a new boat...Bass Cat is coming out with a "new" hull from the Champion mold...should be a good rough water boat in newer version.
Love the video, both boats are phenomenal!!!! Especially like the remote drain plug, I’m gonna look into that! You guys should come to Delaware and fish the nanticoke River! Lots of wood and lily pads.
Just bought my first used boat (1999 Cobra 188D) a couple weeks ago and although I can’t make the restorations you guys have, ive already been doing things to it every day. Boats look absolutely amazing guys! Good job
Drag um on up to Champlain! Not much to break down, cast, catch, repeat. But the hunt for that trophy is ALWAYS on. Was catching 4.75lb Smallies in July/Aug this summer. Doesn't need to be spring or fall. And yeah i know, those of you just west on the Saint Lawrence or any of the great lakes that's nothing but here it is. The last elite derby was won in my front yard with these 4+ smallies beating out the LMB here. You guys MUST check it out, just came back from Ontario fishing Kings and pound for pound on the lighter tackle, a sideways 4lb smallie is just IT for me. Though planning on heading to the river for kings using a couple of my larger bass casters, so may need to update this ;)
Hi guys I love your bass boats you guys did a excellent job remodeling your boat. I do have 1988 champion TSB need help remodeling my boat first thing I need help with is the rewriting
Austin G 25k for the Yamaha. $800.00 + in batteries. Ultrex 2500.00. 5k in power poles, 10k in Birds. Re wire is an unknown but safe guest of 1k plus or minus. Now add the price of the boat. Of course the guys get the pro discount on some things. In any case they are into those boats around 50 to 55k. A lot of money for an old boat. Having said that it’s what they wanted. New boat would have made more sense.
Guys the boats look AWESOME. Thanks for the video, I was wondering just the other day if you guys were going to do another boat tour video. Tim those wheels on your trailer bring it all together. Matt needs to throw a set on his boat. Matt Awesome idea on the kill switch, I fell out out my boat last summer and severely broke my ankle from the fall. I added a Trick Step trailer step to the front of my 05 Triton and that has been the biggest addition I have done lately. Again thanks for the videos and hopefully I can run into you guys if you ever come back to KY!!!
Great looking boats. It would have been hugely helpful if you did a how-to video on all your upgrades as you went along. Most of the things you did I'd like to do to my boat, but it's a pretty overwhelming process and I'd hate to mess anything up.
Come on down to the mobile tensaw Delta and break this river system down. It will be tough but I think y’all will manage for sure. That’s something I would like to see more videos on. How to break down a river system. You guys have awesome videos on breaking down reservoirs and lakes. Keep up The great work love your videos
Amazing job guys!! Both boats look brand new. I currently have a 1996 16ft 160tf nitro. I'm in the market to go to a bigger boat. not quite a 210 lol,but I'd like to go from a 16ft with very little deck space or storage To a 18 or 19ft. I am limited as my home lake has a 200hp 20ft limit, and I've been torn on whether to buy new or used, glass or aluminum. After seeing what you guys have done, I'm now leaning toward used glass and upgrading/ retrofitting. Thanks again matt and tim for what you guys do
Matt / Tim, I have picked up over the years watching your videos that you guys are megabass fans. I guess my specific question to you guys would be I understand all the Praises that are sung for the vision 110 and how much you guys love them. But have you tried The ito shiner I just bought a few of them, it's basically a vision 110 with a slightly bigger profile and it throws off more flash after the jerk. Paint jobs are so beautiful they literally look like a work of art
New boat 35k to 70k. Crazy,nice used solid boat(Ranger,Bass cat,Bullet,Skeeter,Cajan,Hydra-Sports.)18.5,19,20 platform $3500 -$6000. Modern electronics $300-600 a must, 60lb+ trolling motor $300-600,new deepcycle batteries(2/3) $200+. excellent motor115,125,135,175 hp.$3000-7000. Interior and carpet kits(materials)$300-500.you can do install yourself.your custom installs ( cup,rod holders,bimini top, boat cover,fishing gear.) And so on,boats are not cheap and you need to maintain year around.
Come to Las Vegas please! I'd be honored to help setup a meet and greet here and would be amazing to hear your thoughts on Mead and Mohave here. Great video! I will be implementing some of these on my 2004 champion 188 elite.
Best hull next to the Stratos 201 pro elite. Only problem is finding a Stratos 201 pro elite. Hard to find hulls but one of the very best hulls ever made. Specially for rough water. But anyway great job fellas, much much respect.
I really like the idea that tim has, putting 2 spare tires on his rig! I also travel a lot, tournament fishing and theres always that fear what if I have 2 flats and I'm in the middle of no where? Good idea man and great video
Nice ..I've spent the last 4 months restoring my ranger 372 v .everything is so expensive .I can't believe the money I've got into it already and still haven't even got my ipilot or graphs
Hello, I'm just getting stared with Bass fishing. Wanted to say that I really like your channel and the fact that you provide great information about the sport. I'm currently beginning the search to purchase my first bass boat. If you have any tips please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.
My wife had to convince me to upgrade! I had a 21' Carolina skiff for inshore and near shore fishing but wanted a boat to run much further offshore and still be able to inshore fish. Guess my wife got tired of hearing me say I wanted a bay boat. She asked me if I wanted to go to the boat show to look at boats. I looked around for a few months and she kept saying "I know you want a new boat, treat yourself to something you enjoy instead of working all the time". I ended up getting a loaded out 2019 24' bay boat with hard t-top, Yamaha 300 and hydro jack plate.
I am not married so my girlfriend doesn't really care what I spend my money on, but as a kid my parents had a system I think I will copy. Whenever my Dad, or Mom, wanted to make a big purchase that the other didn't want or care about the other could make a purchase of the same value. If they could not afford both they saved up until they could. When my dad got his boat my mom got to remodel the kitchen. New car for my mom, my dad got a 1972 Camaro like he had in high school. If they both wanted something then they just did it. It always seemed like a fair deal to me. This way neither of them are seen as holding the other back from their hobbies and they both have a clear standard of what they can afford to spend.
Thanks for the video guys. I have a 2008 Champion 210 Elite and it is an awesome boat. Last year I had an explosion from the rear compartment that blew open all of the boxes. People came from all over Guntersville to see who had just died...it was that loud! Fortunately, no major damage was done, and my insurance company stood by me greatly. BUT, since that time, my power will turn itself on. I thought maybe it was a short in the lights, but now it seems it is either a breakdown in one of the power panels, or the Megalink power distributor in back. Please let me know how you rewired with rocker switch panels without a Megalink. Thanks for your input. Good fishing!
Just got my 18’ Falcon 215 wasn’t cheap but man I’m to lazy to go through all that restoration but wow amazing boats perfect custom setups for you guys. I have two Helix 12’s at console. Garmin Livescope and helix 12 at bow with my Ultrex. 250 pro XS Mercury very nice boats
It would be nice if you announced your tour! Let us know what lakes you will be traveling too! Have a small meet and greet! Lake Hartwell here in Anderson, SC would be a good one!!!!!!!
Awesome restorations! I'm now working with my dealer to rig my new boat. I'm having them install an Ultrex, 2 Talons, and 2 Helix 10 Mega SI Gen 3 (on bow, 1 console) - connected with 5 port ethernet switch. From a practical performance point of view are external GPS antenna "pucks" needed for the Helix on the console and/or bow, or are the internal antennas sufficient. The only puck I noticed on Matt's boat looked like it was for the Ultrex. Thanks for your suggestions.
Awesome rebuilds. I have a 2001 201 Cobra Coosa. It is a very good rough water hull as well. I have done alot of upgrades on it as well. Thanks for all the hard work you guys put into the videos for us. I have a youtube channel as well and I have an idea the work involved in editing and such.
Great builds I came close to getting a champion but I got a really good deal on a basscat for my restoration project. I'm in the process of getting a helix but can't make my mind up weather I want down imaging or side imaging. I will be getting the 360 for sure.
I came across a unicorn like you were looking for recently. Bought a 2008 triton tr21x2 which was their big water hull, and it has a 2017 yamaha 250 sho on it, and I got it for a lot less than I should have been listed for. Love the SHO
TacticalBassin thanks guys! If you’re ever in Oklahoma again, should give sooner lake a try. Hot water discharge lake that has state record potential bass in it
Ha! It wasn't easy! You're absolutely right on the parts... we both run two spares and because we go back and forth cross country I actually carry two full hub assemblies as well.
Hey guys, great videos. I’ve learned a lot from you both on how to fish, so much so that I bought my own “Used” 1982 Cajun 18ft, 150 Johnson. Boat looks and runs great. It was maintained pretty well. However, all the wiring needs to be updated. Looks like a birds nest or worse, the live wells aren’t hooked up not to mention a few other components. My question to you is about finding a local boat electrician in SACRAMENTO or closer. Help!
Bring those bad boys up th Lake Washington in Seattle for your next road trip. We’ve got tons of big smallies and largies in this lake and the surrounding lakes.
I'd honestly like to know the difference in price between a restoration and brand new.. I don't need to be in your financial business, but ball park difference would be helpful.
Good question: a new fully rigged Ranger with comparable gear is close to or over $100K, Skeeter, Phoenix, Bass Cat probably $60-80K easy. They have top equipment here in Solixs, Talons and Ultrex. Similar pricing for Garmin or Lowrance stuff. My 1992 201 DCR Elite Champ started at $6K but I had to really work on hull/gelcoat oxidation. Looks great now after 2 weeks of wet sanding 5 times etc. I had to have a custom trailer made ($5K), rewired, new switches, pumps, batteries, new 24oz marine carpet (installed about $2K), new factory seat ( Deans Canvas in Mt Home AR made Champ seats until about 1997 or so: $800) new Ultrex, Solix 12 and 10, and finally new Yamaha VMax 250 SHO with hydraulic steering, new control and gauges ($22,472). So, about $18+K base plu $22K motor comes to about a shade over $40K and tons of work (I’m retired mil so its kind of a hobby now). They paid a lot more for their hulls to start (probably around $20-25K) cause they are newer and in demand (the 210 Elite) but their trailers look good. So add to theirs about $15K for rigging and about $18-23K for the motor plus $5k for both Talons. Math adds up to somewhere between $58-65K for a big Ranger quality, big water boat. Still a big saving from $100K. Also, for me its the nostalgia.
Sorry if I was long winded Reuben. Champs in fair to good shape are in high demand. The guy I bought it from had 6 offers in the week I drove down to get it. Every one of the tried to outbid me but he was a man of his word and didn’t budge. Ive got a few cosmetic gelcoat spider cracks (fairly normal) but otherwise good. When you start looking, choose a solid hull and a decent trailer. My trailer was corroded fairly bad so I ditched it. Good luck!
PJ Jackson I’m not really sure PJ. I bought my first Champ in 1987, basically a 201 DC. It was amazing. My decision was made after an “on water” demo. Champion used to infuriate all the big boys at the time because of the on water demos at boat shows in near by lakes. It was absolutely the driest boat in heavy water I’d every been on. Lived up to their claim. I think it was that deep “V” and transition to the pad coupled with the chine design. Trimmed properly the water just stayed out (except for wind driven splash at certain angles). The 210s (21’) came a bit later but same hull design I understand. Charger Boats bought the hull molds (sometime after Champion went bankrupt in 2008 or so) and are now making 198s and 210s Elites starting at about $65K nicely rigged (I’v only seen pics). Still have the distinctive Champion hull “arrow”. One dealer I know sells them is Jaco Marine in Tenn. see jacomarine.com. They are a huge retailer in Merc outboards too.
Help please. I need the wiring diagram or instruction about how to add motor cutoff switch to the front of the boat. What you did sounded awesome for what I need.
You guys are not kidding new boats get very expensive. The new vexus avx 1980 my wife and I just bought cost almost 39 grand and we dont have near the neat features you guys got going on! Your boats are super sweet!!!
Hey guys, was wanting to ask y’all for a while what is your boat Preference and this video did that thanks! About me, I’ve been fishing for a year now out of a g3 pontoon boat I know you have to work with what you have, happy wife happy life lol. Ready to get into a bass boat and wasn’t sure what to buy I tend to buy used and fix’s them you not sure what to buy but this will put me in the right direction thanks again if y’all every get to Florida let me no Keith
Something about you guys is just…comforting. The effort your guys put into helping us is incredible.
Thank you so much!
Awesome restore on both boats! I’m an older guy that used to own a 1987 DC 20” Champ. In Feb, drove to Florida and picked up a 1992 Champion 201 DC Elite. Had a custom trailer made, complete rewire, new switches, re-plumb (new bilges, aerators, etc,), new carpet, factor original seats from Dean’s Canvas in Mt Home, AR (can not recommend Craig and the guys enough), Solix 12 and 10, Ultrex 80, and waiting for my paid for Yamaha Vmax SHO 250 to arrive in a couple weeks with new hydraulic steering, gauges and controls. Talons next year. Watching you guys is one of the things I look forward to each week and I could really relate to your restore. Picked up a few good tips in this video on some stuff to add! Hah! I always do... thanks and keep up the great work!
I've watched this video several times. I have a 1997 Champion 202 in excellent condition, love the boat and has all the bells and whistle. Hate to sell her, but running out of room and having to moving more towards a family boat. You guys always have great information that you always pass along. One thing that you are really spot on is the fact of the ride of these hauls, it always amazes me in rough water or cutting across the wakes we have from other boats here on the river skiers and such, how effortlessly they cut though with hardly any upset in the ride. It's really to bad that they are not building these anymore maybe someone has gotten ahold of there molds and will continue with this design.
Thanks again for your efforts and keep up the good work.
Best Regards,
Karl
I can barely afford kayak fishing, but when Winter rolls around, I'm usually wishing I had a bass boat to stay drier. Thank you for the video. Next time I wish for a bass boat, it'll be another reminder of why I don't want one. ;)
I have been dreaming about a bass boat since I was a teenager. I can never make enough money 💸😭
Champion was made 30 mins down the road from me . Such awesome boats and the old factory was turned into a lumber yard and is still in operation . Wish Champion would have stuck around
Best fishing channel on CZcams bar none.
Surprised you guys didn't hit a million yet.
You guys are the reason I bought my Champion 186. 👍
Very nice boats only thing missing is a Trick Step! Added one to my trailer & makes getting in & out of boat a breeze.
Yes those are slick
Killer bass fishing rigs Matt and Tim. Makes my little Bass Tracker 175 look like Jon Boat. 😂
Thank you! I started in a float tube, then to a 12' aluminum, then to a small bass tracker, to a 1997 champion, to now this. It takes some time upgrading but the great thing is you can catch fish in all of them!
Tim
Hey man, a lot of money's been won and a lot of teeners have been caught on a little tracker.
So glad you guys chose ChampioN!
Great job! I just bought a Champion 193 in showroom condition. Only 56 hours on it! I love it.
I know these guys have both earned the right to have these monster bass rigs but gotta love having the funds to be able to do this type of a resto!
Thank you! It didnt happen overnight. It took us a few years to get everything we wanted.
i love champion boats , cant imagine running anything else. yes i saw the video when it launched but cant get enough
That's awesome I was thinking about repowering my old Skeeter
Great video. I sold my 98' 203 champ last year after my power head blew. I decided to go new with skeeter and the 250 yamaha as well with no regrets
Boat restoration videos are some of my favorites. I wish you guys would have went more into some of the smaller details like seats, on board storage, carpeting, audio. Thats all fun stuff to see how it was done. And of course cost vs new, which i could see why you may leave that out. Awesome boats.
Love me some bonus videos! Awesome rigs guys, definitely something to aspire towards! I kinda dig the unedited parts of the video, it was cool to see how you guys film things and how thoughts just roll off your heads so congruently.
Great video! For those of you considering a new boat...Bass Cat is coming out with a "new" hull from the Champion mold...should be a good rough water boat in newer version.
Love the video, both boats are phenomenal!!!! Especially like the remote drain plug, I’m gonna look into that! You guys should come to Delaware and fish the nanticoke River! Lots of wood and lily pads.
Bad azz rigs guys!!
Just bought my first used boat (1999 Cobra 188D) a couple weeks ago and although I can’t make the restorations you guys have, ive already been doing things to it every day. Boats look absolutely amazing guys! Good job
Hands down the best and most useful video on CZcams. Well done guys!
Great rigs! You guys gotta be killing it as guides. Thanks for all that info.
Drag um on up to Champlain! Not much to break down, cast, catch, repeat. But the hunt for that trophy is ALWAYS on. Was catching 4.75lb Smallies in July/Aug this summer. Doesn't need to be spring or fall. And yeah i know, those of you just west on the Saint Lawrence or any of the great lakes that's nothing but here it is. The last elite derby was won in my front yard with these 4+ smallies beating out the LMB here.
You guys MUST check it out, just came back from Ontario fishing Kings and pound for pound on the lighter tackle, a sideways 4lb smallie is just IT for me. Though planning on heading to the river for kings using a couple of my larger bass casters, so may need to update this ;)
Boats look amazing guys!Glad to see you guys are finally complete!
Hi guys I love your bass boats you guys did a excellent job remodeling your boat. I do have 1988 champion TSB need help remodeling my boat first thing I need help with is the rewriting
idk if you guys are comfortable sharing but how much was do you think those restorations costed vs so i can compare to a new boat
Austin G Was also wondering this.
I’m wondering the same
Austin G
25k for the Yamaha. $800.00 + in batteries. Ultrex 2500.00. 5k in power poles, 10k in Birds. Re wire is an unknown but safe guest of 1k plus or minus. Now add the price of the boat. Of course the guys get the pro discount on some things. In any case they are into those boats around 50 to 55k. A lot of money for an old boat. Having said that it’s what they wanted. New boat would have made more sense.
Easily 80k all said and done for a fully loaded
But you can easily downgrade many things and spend 40 and buy used electronics from a reputable source
The sho isn’t 25k. I just priced a dealer demo 200 for 14500
Guys the boats look AWESOME. Thanks for the video, I was wondering just the other day if you guys were going to do another boat tour video. Tim those wheels on your trailer bring it all together. Matt needs to throw a set on his boat. Matt Awesome idea on the kill switch, I fell out out my boat last summer and severely broke my ankle from the fall. I added a Trick Step trailer step to the front of my 05 Triton and that has been the biggest addition I have done lately. Again thanks for the videos and hopefully I can run into you guys if you ever come back to KY!!!
Great looking boats. It would have been hugely helpful if you did a how-to video on all your upgrades as you went along. Most of the things you did I'd like to do to my boat, but it's a pretty overwhelming process and I'd hate to mess anything up.
Beautiful boats y’all!! I love old school and that is two awesome rigs!! 💪🏻💪🏻
I love these guys. So much you can learn from them. Super nice boats guys
I love seeing the finished boats, gentlemen! how much do you think you guys saved versus buying new by building out an older boat?
Beautiful pair of champeens 👍
Awesome bass rigs! Love the way you guys express your knowledge
Come on down to the mobile tensaw Delta and break this river system down. It will be tough but I think y’all will manage for sure. That’s something I would like to see more videos on. How to break down a river system. You guys have awesome videos on breaking down reservoirs and lakes. Keep up The great work love your videos
Awesome job guys,that's a lot of work but completely worth it 👍👍❤
Amazing job guys!! Both boats look brand new. I currently have a 1996 16ft 160tf nitro. I'm in the market to go to a bigger boat. not quite a 210 lol,but I'd like to go from a 16ft with very little deck space or storage To a 18 or 19ft. I am limited as my home lake has a 200hp 20ft limit, and I've been torn on whether to buy new or used, glass or aluminum. After seeing what you guys have done, I'm now leaning toward used glass and upgrading/ retrofitting. Thanks again matt and tim for what you guys do
Your Rigs are BADASS. Congrats guys🥳🥳
Great job on the restorations. And thanks for the tour of both of them loved all of the info .god bless guys keep up the great work
I’m looking at a used boat so this is interesting
This is so cool. I wish I had the money to do this to my grandpas swift bass boat.
Matt / Tim, I have picked up over the years watching your videos that you guys are megabass fans. I guess my specific question to you guys would be I understand all the Praises that are sung for the vision 110 and how much you guys love them. But have you tried
The ito shiner
I just bought a few of them, it's basically a vision 110 with a slightly bigger profile and it throws off more flash after the jerk. Paint jobs are so beautiful they literally look like a work of art
props to lining the boats up in that orientation, I can see both of y'all pushing the front of the boat to get it lined up hahaha
i have a 201 viper cobra, which is built by john storie, the guy that engineered and designed champion, he also built a boat called a hawk
I got a hawk damn good boat with a 175 two stroke
New boat 35k to 70k. Crazy,nice used solid boat(Ranger,Bass cat,Bullet,Skeeter,Cajan,Hydra-Sports.)18.5,19,20 platform $3500 -$6000. Modern electronics $300-600 a must, 60lb+ trolling motor $300-600,new deepcycle batteries(2/3) $200+. excellent motor115,125,135,175 hp.$3000-7000. Interior and carpet kits(materials)$300-500.you can do install yourself.your custom installs ( cup,rod holders,bimini top, boat cover,fishing gear.) And so on,boats are not cheap and you need to maintain year around.
Come to Las Vegas please! I'd be honored to help setup a meet and greet here and would be amazing to hear your thoughts on Mead and Mohave here. Great video! I will be implementing some of these on my 2004 champion 188 elite.
I have a Champion 202 DC best boats ever made. Put a Drotto and a Easy step on them.
I love my SHO too!!! You guys are the best hands down
Dude, those boats are sick!
Best hull next to the Stratos 201 pro elite. Only problem is finding a Stratos 201 pro elite. Hard to find hulls but one of the very best hulls ever made. Specially for rough water. But anyway great job fellas, much much respect.
Gorgeous boats boys, been fishing your neck of the woods in a Ranger 388vs for a while but these are beautiful.. cheers
I really like the idea that tim has, putting 2 spare tires on his rig! I also travel a lot, tournament fishing and theres always that fear what if I have 2 flats and I'm in the middle of no where? Good idea man and great video
Thank you!
The exact boat i will buy used for my first boat. Great video.
Great video guys!! Makes me want to go buy a used bass boat and see where I can take it.
Nice ..I've spent the last 4 months restoring my ranger 372 v .everything is so expensive .I can't believe the money I've got into it already and still haven't even got my ipilot or graphs
Awesome boats! I just need to win the lottery
Great Job Gentleman!! Looking good!
Hello, I'm just getting stared with Bass fishing. Wanted to say that I really like your channel and the fact that you provide great information about the sport. I'm currently beginning the search to purchase my first bass boat. If you have any tips please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.
Those old Champions are bombers, man. And that's coming from a guy who builds Bass Cats every day. ✌
Congrats on the new boats. Now bring them to Kentucky!!
Love your enthusiasm
Looking good!! Time well spent to get what you really want.
Thank you!
Can we get a video on how to convince our wives that we need to upgrade to a 4-stroke?
Now that would be one "Unicorn" of a video if it actually worked! LOL
Nate Wilson I have some Patrick Swayze videos you can borrow. You can upgrade from a 4 stroke to 275 strokes.
My wife had to convince me to upgrade! I had a 21' Carolina skiff for inshore and near shore fishing but wanted a boat to run much further offshore and still be able to inshore fish. Guess my wife got tired of hearing me say I wanted a bay boat. She asked me if I wanted to go to the boat show to look at boats. I looked around for a few months and she kept saying "I know you want a new boat, treat yourself to something you enjoy instead of working all the time". I ended up getting a loaded out 2019 24' bay boat with hard t-top, Yamaha 300 and hydro jack plate.
I am not married so my girlfriend doesn't really care what I spend my money on, but as a kid my parents had a system I think I will copy. Whenever my Dad, or Mom, wanted to make a big purchase that the other didn't want or care about the other could make a purchase of the same value. If they could not afford both they saved up until they could. When my dad got his boat my mom got to remodel the kitchen. New car for my mom, my dad got a 1972 Camaro like he had in high school. If they both wanted something then they just did it. It always seemed like a fair deal to me. This way neither of them are seen as holding the other back from their hobbies and they both have a clear standard of what they can afford to spend.
That’s a down grade!
Thanks for the video guys. I have a 2008 Champion 210 Elite and it is an awesome boat. Last year I had an explosion from the rear compartment that blew open all of the boxes. People came from all over Guntersville to see who had just died...it was that loud! Fortunately, no major damage was done, and my insurance company stood by me greatly. BUT, since that time, my power will turn itself on. I thought maybe it was a short in the lights, but now it seems it is either a breakdown in one of the power panels, or the Megalink power distributor in back. Please let me know how you rewired with rocker switch panels without a Megalink. Thanks for your input. Good fishing!
Ya man that guy who helped you rewire that boat sure is an cool dude.....
Well done men an thanks for your service
Nice boats
Just got my 18’ Falcon 215 wasn’t cheap but man I’m to lazy to go through all that restoration but wow amazing boats perfect custom setups for you guys. I have two Helix 12’s at console. Garmin Livescope and helix 12 at bow with my Ultrex. 250 pro XS Mercury very nice boats
It would be nice if you announced your tour! Let us know what lakes you will be traveling too! Have a small meet and greet! Lake Hartwell here in Anderson, SC would be a good one!!!!!!!
My uncle is the one that created the remote drain plug that you added to your boat so cool
I just wish I had a friend like one of you guys who was obsessed and knowledgeable about bass fish as either of you guys jesus lol
Those boats look great!
Awesome restorations! I'm now working with my dealer to rig my new boat. I'm having them install an Ultrex, 2 Talons, and 2 Helix 10 Mega SI Gen 3 (on bow, 1 console) - connected with 5 port ethernet switch. From a practical performance point of view are external GPS antenna "pucks" needed for the Helix on the console and/or bow, or are the internal antennas sufficient. The only puck I noticed on Matt's boat looked like it was for the Ultrex.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Drum roll pleezzze!!!! Ladies and gentlemen we present to you The mighty silent giant........, Champion 210 Elite! Johnny Morris must be vomiting.
Living the dream boys! Congrats!
Hey guys, as always great vid. Do you feel the Charger 210 Elite is a good boat also?
Great work Gents! 👍🏻🎣🏆
Talk about dream boats 🤤
Great video. Killer rigs
Boats look awesome guys!
Awesome rebuilds. I have a 2001 201 Cobra Coosa. It is a very good rough water hull as well. I have done alot of upgrades on it as well. Thanks for all the hard work you guys put into the videos for us. I have a youtube channel as well and I have an idea the work involved in editing and such.
Would love a delta or clear lane trip with both of you !!! Let’s make it happen.
I always look forward to watchin your videos. Thanks
great looking boats
Great builds I came close to getting a champion but I got a really good deal on a basscat for my restoration project.
I'm in the process of getting a helix but can't make my mind up weather I want down imaging or side imaging.
I will be getting the 360 for sure.
I have that motor on my bay boat. Instant plane. Good choice. I assume you haven’t had any issues?
I came across a unicorn like you were looking for recently. Bought a 2008 triton tr21x2 which was their big water hull, and it has a 2017 yamaha 250 sho on it, and I got it for a lot less than I should have been listed for. Love the SHO
Unicorn indeed! Congrats
TacticalBassin thanks guys! If you’re ever in Oklahoma again, should give sooner lake a try. Hot water discharge lake that has state record potential bass in it
Also not sure if I missed it in the video, but two spares! If you're traveling many miles it's very smart. Also a spare hub!
Ha! It wasn't easy! You're absolutely right on the parts... we both run two spares and because we go back and forth cross country I actually carry two full hub assemblies as well.
Nice job guys...
Hey guys, great videos. I’ve learned a lot from you both on how to fish, so much so that I bought my own “Used” 1982 Cajun 18ft, 150 Johnson. Boat looks and runs great. It was maintained pretty well. However, all the wiring needs to be updated. Looks like a birds nest or worse, the live wells aren’t hooked up not to mention a few other components. My question to you is about finding a local boat electrician in SACRAMENTO or closer. Help!
Bring those bad boys up th Lake Washington in Seattle for your next road trip. We’ve got tons of big smallies and largies in this lake and the surrounding lakes.
Let me tell ya bout my beeest friend. Awesome video guys love the rigs
I love y'alls videos and a chance to see yall one day. Need to come fish in arkansas!
I'd honestly like to know the difference in price between a restoration and brand new.. I don't need to be in your financial business, but ball park difference would be helpful.
Good question: a new fully rigged Ranger with comparable gear is close to or over $100K, Skeeter, Phoenix, Bass Cat probably $60-80K easy. They have top equipment here in Solixs, Talons and Ultrex. Similar pricing for Garmin or Lowrance stuff. My 1992 201 DCR Elite Champ started at $6K but I had to really work on hull/gelcoat oxidation. Looks great now after 2 weeks of wet sanding 5 times etc. I had to have a custom trailer made ($5K), rewired, new switches, pumps, batteries, new 24oz marine carpet (installed about $2K), new factory seat ( Deans Canvas in Mt Home AR made Champ seats until about 1997 or so: $800) new Ultrex, Solix 12 and 10, and finally new Yamaha VMax 250 SHO with hydraulic steering, new control and gauges ($22,472). So, about $18+K base plu $22K motor comes to about a shade over $40K and tons of work (I’m retired mil so its kind of a hobby now). They paid a lot more for their hulls to start (probably around $20-25K) cause they are newer and in demand (the 210 Elite) but their trailers look good. So add to theirs about $15K for rigging and about $18-23K for the motor plus $5k for both Talons. Math adds up to somewhere between $58-65K for a big Ranger quality, big water boat. Still a big saving from $100K. Also, for me its the nostalgia.
@@MaxQ2989 Good break down. I'm about 6 years off retiring myself. Maybe ill hold off and do it myself.
Sorry if I was long winded Reuben. Champs in fair to good shape are in high demand. The guy I bought it from had 6 offers in the week I drove down to get it. Every one of the tried to outbid me but he was a man of his word and didn’t budge. Ive got a few cosmetic gelcoat spider cracks (fairly normal) but otherwise good. When you start looking, choose a solid hull and a decent trailer. My trailer was corroded fairly bad so I ditched it. Good luck!
John Bell Hey what makes this champ hull so great? Is anyone making anything new thats comparable?
PJ Jackson I’m not really sure PJ. I bought my first Champ in 1987, basically a 201 DC. It was amazing. My decision was made after an “on water” demo. Champion used to infuriate all the big boys at the time because of the on water demos at boat shows in near by lakes. It was absolutely the driest boat in heavy water I’d every been on. Lived up to their claim. I think it was that deep “V” and transition to the pad coupled with the chine design. Trimmed properly the water just stayed out (except for wind driven splash at certain angles). The 210s (21’) came a bit later but same hull design I understand. Charger Boats bought the hull molds (sometime after Champion went bankrupt in 2008 or so) and are now making 198s and 210s Elites starting at about $65K nicely rigged (I’v only seen pics). Still have the distinctive Champion hull “arrow”. One dealer I know sells them is Jaco Marine in Tenn. see jacomarine.com. They are a huge retailer in Merc outboards too.
Sweet! Im in the market for a boat thanks for the info and tips!
New vid on wiring?? Currently restoring my '98 202. Would love to see how you guys did it!
Help please. I need the wiring diagram or instruction about how to add motor cutoff switch to the front of the boat. What you did sounded awesome for what I need.
Great job guys, one day when I have the time...
You guys are not kidding new boats get very expensive. The new vexus avx 1980 my wife and I just bought cost almost 39 grand and we dont have near the neat features you guys got going on! Your boats are super sweet!!!
Thank you! Congrats on your new boat
Thank you maybe I'll see you guys out there soon 👍
Hey guys, was wanting to ask y’all for a while what is your boat Preference and this video did that thanks! About me, I’ve been fishing for a year now out of a g3 pontoon boat I know you have to work with what you have, happy wife happy life lol. Ready to get into a bass boat and wasn’t sure what to buy I tend to buy used and fix’s them you not sure what to buy but this will put me in the right direction thanks again if y’all every get to Florida let me no Keith