Genmar Buys Champion Boats

[Fishoil]

Here is a link to the story:

http://www.boating-industry.com/news.asp?mode=4&N_ID=28572

[Muleskinner]

Maybe next year it will be the RCCL Wal-Mart Tournament series.

[Fish-on]

Or RCLC? RLCC? As long as the R stays in first place, I'm okay with it! In my opinion, Champion does not yet build a worthy walleye boat for a pro-am event like the RCL. At least not competitive with the present line-up of RCLs. It'll be interesting to see what Genmar does with it, I wonder if they will even go after the walleye market. Hmmm...

[walleyeman]

I can tell by your post that you know nothing about a quallity walleye boat.

[Fish-on]

There's a Ranger 619 sitting in my machine shed right now. Nuff said.
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Look, I'm not slamming Champion as a boat, but they do not produce a boat that's laid out well for walleye fishing in a pro-am environment. That's all. Not trying to start a fight here.

[Gilligan]

I rode in both a Ranger and Champion at the Erie PWT in 2001. Can't say the Ranger impressed me. The Champion owned by Dave Hanson that I rode in did. We ran 20 miles with 4-6'ers and drove back 20 miles in 5-7'ers. The boat handled the big water well and was very dry. The storage space was large, with hydraulic arms holding doors/lockers open so you had both hands free to dig for stuff or put gear away.

With Champions status I'm not sure what Dave's ride is for next year but if Champion gets taken over and the line continued I just hope they have enough sense to keep a guy like that on board.. great fisherman, laid back and tons of fun to share a ride with.

[Fishoil]

Fish-on, What do you think Champion needs to change to make their boat a better walleye boat?

[Jim Ordway]

Champion should have changed the layout to be similar to the Triton and Ranger regarding the center rod storage. Aft it is a little tight. Two people are ok but three is a cluster when you are trolling and things get hot. The integral sets for driver and passenger do not allow variety in seating options, such as the glyde ryde genre. It is a solid boat and good in big water. It does have great locker space and 2 huge livewells. I have been running a 190 since 97 and love the boat. It just could use some updating.
My 2 cents