Thread: 20 Foot Champion?

Originally Posted by CrappieThumperMK

Used boats kind of bottom out after a while. It seems like you'll see everything from a 88 to a 98 in that price range. Watch the older Champs transoms. Any older boat you need to make sure it doesn't have any transom issues. I just sold a really good 98 187 champ for not much more than that. Also, make sure that it hasn't been painted with automotive paint. Good luck with your search.

Transom seems to be solid and the boat was re gel coated in springfield mo where champion recommended he take it. It was at kentucky lake in a wind storm in a covered boat slip and it rubbed on both sides and scratched them so insurance pd for it. It cost 5000.00 to be re gel coated. He has receipt for it.

IMO any boat older than 5-7 years you are pretty much just buying the motor. 7K for an 87 motor. you can buy hundreds of boats with no motor around the mid 90's mark for a grand or 2 so most of the money is based on the motor. That being said buying a boat is a much more personal experience than a car/truck. Just keep calm and patient. if he is DEAD set on 7K I would keep looking. He's probably basing his value on the new gel the insurance company just put on the boat. thats a nice thing, but not near as important as the years on that transom, floor (exposed wood on underside of the floor in those years), and motor.

Also without pictures and lots more info everyone on here is just "guessing" with their past experience and knowledge. Your the one standing in front of it,

For 7K you should be seeing boats in the 18-20' mark from 93-99. Condition and care vary though so good luck! Please just have the motor checked out by someone you trust! repowering a 7k boat you just bough less than a year ago would be a horrible experience!

If insurance paid for the refurbish. He doesn't have too much into the repair. 7K is way too high for an 87. .
I agree with stratos. Patience is a virtue. Spring is a good time to buy. Fellers get into a tax pinch and need to unload their boat to pay the bill. Good deals to be had in April most years.

I know a guy who has a stratos, maybe an 85, with a 175hp that he needs (not wants) to sell. He mentioned that he wants$4000. I also believe that he told me the top side was re gelled. He is a buddy of mine so hopefully he wouldn't try to sell me a bad boat. Im not in the market so thought I'd throw it out there if you're looking at other options gofish. He's in Independence

Originally Posted by parratt1

I know a guy who has a stratos, maybe an 85, with a 175hp that he needs (not wants) to sell. He mentioned that he wants$4000. I also believe that he told me the top side was re gelled. He is a buddy of mine so hopefully he wouldn't try to sell me a bad boat. Im not in the market so thought I'd throw it out there if you're looking at other options gofish. He's in Independence

How is it set up. what length, electronics, single or dual console, single or double axle and what kind of shape is the carpet, seats and motor in. Also what trolling motor does it have. I might be interested. Thanks parratt1.

Originally Posted by gofish

How is it set up. what length, electronics, single or dual console, single or double axle and what kind of shape is the carpet, seats and motor in. Also what trolling motor does it have. I might be interested. Thanks parratt1.

I'll actually be picking him up here in about half an hour. Ill get all the info. I think he said that the electronics were older. Ill post back up here in a bit.

Gofish here is the details per Eric. 1988 Stratos 18'6" single console. Single axle trailer. 55lb thrust trolling motor, he thinks is a Minn Kota. Older electronics that he says you will want to replace. 175 Merc oil injected but the oil injection has been disconnected, should be able to be reconnected if you want to go that route. He says it runs excellent. Carpet is in great shape as well as the seats, no holes or tears. Has 2 butt seats and the hydraulic poles for them also. Sits outside with a cover on it. Gel coating on the topside redone 2 years ago. He wants $4000 cash. If you are interested PM me and I can give you his number.

Originally Posted by parratt1

Gofish here is the details per Eric. 1988 Stratos 18'6" single console. Single axle trailer. 55lb thrust trolling motor, he thinks is a Minn Kota. Older electronics that he says you will want to replace. 175 Merc oil injected but the oil injection has been disconnected, should be able to be reconnected if you want to go that route. He says it runs excellent. Carpet is in great shape as well as the seats, no holes or tears. Has 2 butt seats and the hydraulic poles for them also. Sits outside with a cover on it. Gel coating on the topside redone 2 years ago. He wants $4000 cash. If you are interested PM me and I can give you his number.

Thanks for the reply and doing this for me, but I think I will keep waiting to find something closer. I really like the way this champion is made. I didn't know until friday that even the deck is all fiberglass. I really cant find any wood on this boat. Again thanks for your help and if anybody has any more input I would appreciate it. Thanks Rodney.