[jacktipsy]

hopefully i'll be in the market for a bass boat pretty soon(if my sale goes through) my question is about the ride in some of these 1990-1995 bass boats.i'm seeing some good deals but i dont know how smooth these boats are on in choppy/rough water. so if some of you STRATOS,RANGER,CHAMPION,SKEETER,ETC.....owners would chime in i'd appreciate it.
the size range is 18'to19' maybe 20' if the right deal presents itself but i'd like to stay smaller for storage reasons. i'm sure i'll get alot of "hey don't buy this brand they suck" stuff but i'm just looking for personal experience with what you own/owned.
thanks.

 

[thebigone13]

buy the gambler for 9500.00 and tell us how bad ass it is!!!

 

[Delw]

On 18-19 foot boats
Ranger
Champion
Stratos
Skeeter

for ride in those years on 20-21 foot boats
Champion
Stratos
Ranger
Skeeter


I fished lots of tournys in Novice daves ol 185s skeeter 18 foot boat lots in rough water, it was never a big deal to me as I dont mind rough water.

One boat I was very surprised in how well it did in rough water was the Gambler, the newer ones are even a better ride. there a pretty heavy boat and in my opinion they will ride better than any boat out there as far as a bass boat goes.

 

[Fishermanjonk]

Well there are somes things to consider. If you are considering a fiberglass boat then no matter what the brand look for cracks in the transom and surrounding gel coat as this could be a prob down the road. Next check compression on the motor and have it looked at whatever the brand is and how many hours it has been run. Now its time to look at the brands, Ranger being number one and holding its resale value for a reason. Next maybe skeeter, Champion and so on. A deal is a deal but be careful if its to good to be true then it probably is. Just be thorough.

 

[bass turd]

i may be able to shed some light as far as smaller bass boats go. i've had the pleasure of owning a range of bass boats, none over 19ft long. first was an 85 skeeter ss 80, that one don't count! next was a 2002 skeeter sx 190 with a yamy 150 and no plate. that boat was fun as hell to drive. it was a little light if it was rough and you got tosed around a little, not real bad, but not as good as the next two. next was the 83 ranger 350v 150 merc w/ plate. that boat rode excellent no matter how bad it got. on to the champion. 1995 186 elite single console 150efi merc w/ plate,hot foot and hyd steering. i'd always heard about the champion ride and now i beleive them. this boat rides and handles like a dream. kidneys don't scream, back don't hurt, knuckles don't go numb after a long rough water ride anymore. you owe it to yourself to take a test ride in all of them if you can, decide for yourself. i'm sure the bigger boats ride even better. good luck

 

[stoked]

Good honest post right der

 

[hovcobluewater]

Champion 202 or 203

 

[basman1313]

Ive got a buddy that may be selling his 1999 Champion 203. The ride is unreal and the boat is in EXCELLENT shape.

 

[bass turd]

Ive got a buddy that may be selling his 1999 Champion 203. The ride is unreal and the boat is in EXCELLENT shape.

there you go jack, nuff said.

 

[EdgeXXL]

I have a 92 Sprint 18 foot and so far it seems to ride really nice. I have not had it on anything really rough but once at Rosey we has some mid size chop and it handled it good. Very stable ride and this boat is damn fast with a 150 mariner on it.

 

[browntrout]

i have a 96 896 nitro.it is an awsome ride and real stable.in rough water it is real dry and doesnt beet you up.

 

[MonsterBass]

There's a lot guys on here that swear on the Ranger and Skeeter boats.....and don't get me wrong, they are excellent boats but, if you are looking for a mid 90's, keep your eye out for a Champion 202 hull. IMO they are the Cadillac of bass boats in those years. They may not be the fastest but, they'll handle rough water like a dream.

 

[dryheat]

I run a 1994 stratos 201 pro xl. I'm the second owner on a well cared for boat. Spider cracks in the gel coat around hatch lids and many of the switches/timers used in that era are no longer in production. I have made several calls directly to Stratos when looking for replacement parts. I might as well be looking for parts for a Yugo. Great ride in rough water. I like it for a middle of the road boat. The best part is its paid for.

 

[Skeeter Boy 181]

id would go ranger or champ if your looking at an older boat,