TEAM TALK: TOP 10 ALL TIME BASS BOATS! (WHO'S #1?)

[@mikemilani3991]

Still fishing out of a 1984 Champion 184 with a 150 Mariner. love it! Top speed fully loaded 62mph, nowhere near how fast todays boats are going, but I have not found to many times I needed to go faster. When they pass me in the smooth water I pass them back in the rough water.

[@Tja-oz8bj]

Haha what are you talking about? 60 is plenty

[@jjstierman]

Currently repowering my 85 champion with a 2024 115 pro xs CT im excited. Yes it's rated for 175 but it currently have 115 that blew but was plenty fast for me and my son. Boat is in basically perfect condition.

[@DCmite1]

make a vid on top 5 champion hulls.

[@Josephguestable]

They would all be #1

[@BMWorner]

Charger?

[@joshystenes8284]

We all knew what #1 was gunna be before the video started lol

[@TeamMarineService]

😆👍🏻 #Champion4thewin!

[@CMDAVISs]

We all know it is lol

[@Halfstep2024]

Is it Bullet? I haven’t watched yet but if it isn’t then the video is wrong and I’ll not hear anything contrary 😂

[@Halfstep2024]

Well the video was wrong.. but hey everyone is allowed to have an incorrect opinion 😂

[@erichovatt]

Nitro!

[@theINQBS]

Alas… there is ONE boat missing in your top 3!… The STRATOS 201, which was OMC’s exclusive test boat from the day it was released! I’m a HUGE fan of the old “we still build them one at a time” 19 & 20-21’ Rangers, but the Stratos is on a slightly higher plane, and likely my #1. Excellent content as always! 👍🏼 👌🏼

[@southernbassin]

The 202 is an amazing ride as well! I passed so many people in huge waves they couldn’t handle it but that ole 202 plowed right through them going 55mph.

[@sledfam3659]

Never had a Champion but totally agree. Rode in one on Lake Michigan. So solid.

[@bayareaangling4449]

Absolutely love my 2005 ranger Comanche 185VX with a 175 mercury on it. Almost exactly like the 518 ranger that you described. It’s my first bass boat and I’m in love with it

[@Oouther1]

I had about a 2004 185VX with a 150 VMAX new from a dealer going out of business for $21,000 otd. LOVED that boat and sold it for about what I'd paid for it a few years later.

[@midgebarker4022]

I agree with your #1. That champion was absolutely the best. Others I like on your list is Basscat pantera & the Ranger Z518.

[@edwardcowan7012]

To me the 300 series Ranger is the 1957 Chevy of Bass Boats. My #1 of all time.

[@FinsAndPhotos]

From the little 320 to the "big" 390, a great hull. Good top end, good in rough water, great hole-shot, fantastic cornering, but most of all, a great low profile fishing platform that doesn't easily get blown around by the wind. The Ranger 350 was THE BASS BOAT of the 80's. And in the late 80's, they pioneered the fiberglass transom. I still have my 1988 354V. I wouldn't mind repowering it, but I haven't found another boat that I like better. Unlike today's rigs, these were designed to run with a 150. The 350/354 is only 1050 pounds and it doesn't need a 36 volt troll motor to move it around. Since B.A.S.S. lifted the 150HP limit, it seems all manufactures abandoned the idea of building performance fishing machines for "small" 150HP motors. (And by "performance" I mean more than just top-end. How does it perform when trying to follow a weedline in a strong wind?)

[@Cole-Toone]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Stratos brand!

[@heathpass3708]

My uncle was a sales rep in the late 80's early 90's for a boat sales company on lake guntersville. He had a gambler when not many ppl had seen them yet. Super fast and cool. We had ppl always asking us about it while fishing. Scared the crap out of me as a kid going that fast on the lake even in the wind.

[@Humborg1]

My 1987 Champion 184 fish and ski, super v hull. Got A mercury blackmax 200hp, super fast, well over 70mph. Love it.

[@rogercastle2434]

Champion was the driest ride I was ever in. Great boat

[@TeamMarineService]

Best boats ever made

[@michaelbeaird1566]

Great video! Love my 2000 203 DCX Elite. Just had the Mercury 225 EFI rebuilt. Drives and rides like a dream.

[@WillStorey_]

RIP Legend. My favorite looking bass boat of all time

[@TeamMarineService]

Great Rigs!

[@BMWorner]

Will any relation to John?

[@eugeneschreiner2859]

I have a Ranger 396v in very clean condition with 1987 Suzuki SS. Original owner. It was hit by a pickup truck backing into my driveway 10 years ago. Had a minor gash on the side. Was fixed like new. The Ranger company built a new trailer for it. Ranger built their decks and lids like no other boat. There are no cracks in the hull from the accident. The only other boat I considered was Champion but my Ranger is one of the best.

[@briarmurtlow4999]

2018 era 2 stroke pro Xs or 4 stroke sho?

[@TeamMarineService]

SHO

[@nickfountain8420]

Same HP rating, that 2 stroke will outrun it. Unfortunately, probably one of the only benefits. Well, if you can repair them, two strokes of the past, 80's-90's-&early 00's carb motors are easy to rebuild. Never took apart one of those pro xs 2 strokes.

[@hle3740]

Great stuff. Nice to see you have Bullet, Bass Cat and Legend on that list. I would put all Allison's and Champion 201 on the list

[@burneraccount9253]

Legend Alpha's were great boats

[@MrMynameisozzy]

Legend boats had the best designer of bass boats. “ John Storie” Why are good old buddy Johnny Morris had to make it disappear

[@andyhauser9327]

Champion...hands down!

[@Tja-oz8bj]

Year??

[@kylemullinskpmoutdoors3816]

Andy, I know your favorite is the champion 203. So my question to you is have you rode in the Bass Cat Cougar FTD Hybrid which is the bass cat cougar with the champion 203 hull?

[@terrypicou6734]

Had a 201 Champion years ago. Best Bass Boat I ever owned. No surprise with Andy's top pick. Champion were the safest, best rough water, handling boat ever made. Sorry that they are no longer available. Are the present Charger boats a similar design?

[@TeamMarineService]

We couldn't agree more Terry! The 210 Elite Charger is the exact same hull as the Champ 210

[@andrewchilders6320]

I want a dedicated video on mid range boat reviews like Javelin, Stratos, and HyrdaSport, etc....

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

I had a 2000 Champion. Great, great boat. Rode like no other!

[@1EVILZ06]

I’m looking to pull the trigger on a FX20 Skeeter. So I’ve been doing my homework on what everyone’s opinions are on a quality vessel.

[@andyluna2476]

whats your rating on a 1990 trac marine bass boat

[@anthonyray773]

Have you ever considered the charger bass boat? Charger and Champion collaborated together using Champion hulls. They produce the 198 and 210 Elite boats. I've heard they ride like a Champion. Marty's marine at the lake of the Ozarks sells them.

[@TeamMarineService]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3OziGiCgp6Umpo

[@offgridwhitetails8768]

My best friend has that champion sitting uncovered in his yard. . I flip bass bats and been trying to get it for years. But it was his late brothers boat and he just can’t make his self get rid of her. Sad. I want it for my personal build. Still hoping I get it. I’d go on to promise to never get rid of her. These boats are the best of all worlds.

[@bigbeef8935]

Any of the top names built pre Covid

[@riccochet704]

I don't own one, but I've ridden in and driven several, but top of my list is the Falcon F250 / F20 Predator. I thought Phoenix 919/920 was the best riding and handling boat, but man. Falcon has something. Those boats ride and handle like nothing I've ever driven. They're built extremely well as well. Very solid.

[@clintonmclimore8370]

1988 shadow 20ft tunnel hull Jay Cox build. With a 2.4 Bridgeport

[@quinnhoyer6739]

With ya on the champs!!

[@lydiapawlak8564]

My Favorite Bass Boat is a 21' Stroker. I also like the 2012 Bass Cat Puma-225hp Mercury ProXs. Fish-ability Fav: Ranger Z520.

[@chancellorofchinense]

We have a 1989 Gambler GT-183. Love it. Huge front deck, so fast and solid!

[@TeamMarineService]

Awesome!!!!

[@stevemolina8801]

Loved my two Champions, great boats not the fastest but I could go out in anything.!

[@timkennedy4581]

Had a 98 Champion 202 225 Mercury & a 04 Champion 198 225 Yamaha, loved them both for different reasons. 202 ride & turning. 198 fishing platform & storage. The 202 had much nicer glass work & trailer. No stress cracks on either one!

[@jamesbarron1202]

I have a 98 202 Champ and it rides way better than my older Skeeter I replaced it with. Still own both. Bank repo and it was a steal I couldn’t pass up because I’ve always wanted one. I figured Triton would be on this list.

[@ralo4265]

Good stuff Andy! 👊🏼💯🇺🇸 Appreciate the information my friend!

[@TeamMarineService]

No problem buddy! 👍🏻

[@ezralayton6819]

i realize I am kinda off topic but do anyone know a good website to stream new movies online ?

[@abdielyosef4896]

@Ezra Layton ehh try flixportal. just google after it :P -abdiel

[@ezralayton6819]

@Abdiel Yosef Thank you, I signed up and it seems to work :D Appreciate it!

[@abdielyosef4896]

@Ezra Layton No problem xD

[@brianforshaw3889]

What would your review be on a new bass cat pantera ll SP package with a 200 SHO not a pos mercury.

[@scottkellogg8145]

What's your opinion on the Panther bass boat

[@richbarraco1307]

What do you think about the champion sea champ?

[@darrylsmith6727]

Do a review on outboards motors..Evinrude .Yamaha .Suzuki. Honda ,Mercury...

[@favehazzard9451]

LETS GO just bought a 518vx Comanche. love to see it on the list

[@johnyi3452]

When I saw this video when it was released I found a 1999 203 and bought it. Love the ride! Unfortunately having issues with the Optimax and finding parts. I’d love to ask this team a couple questions for direction.

[@tnbass2833]

Hows that champion rebuild going?

[@dudeonthebass]

Love my old gt183 gambler 1988 that’s my best ride

[@life_of_riley88]

Yeah, my 96' 209 Gambler still looks like 100mph just sitting there. Hell yeah.

[@billwalker4158]

That champion was built in the javelin plant in Murfreesboro TN along side the javelin that u don't seem to like however the javelin was one of the best hulls out there and still is just under a different name

[@KingDogRescue]

Only after they left mountain home in 03. The mountain home champions are the battleships of champion. The 99 was built in mountain home.

[@haroldrogers6566]

I’ve got a 1999 193 elite. Repowering now. Even it rides great in rough water for a 19 foot boat. I can see where the 203 would be really sweet though.

[@danielshoemaker9862]

Hell yeah!! Your picks are spot on, especially the Champion!!

[@TeamMarineService]

Yeah buddy!!!!

[@MrMynameisozzy]

My 08’ 210 Elite is the god father of bass boats. The Stairway to Heaven prestige. Untouchable

[@chrissmith2305]

I have a 2017 Legend V20. It was custom designed and I love it. I wish they were still in business.

[@michaelgrant2434]

Thanks for the kudos for the Ranger, I own the 1998 R-91 which I believe is the same 500 series hull as the 518 Just not the fancy comanchee boat and it is the Forrest Wood boat,original carpet,trailer.still a great boat today 22 years later..

[@TeamMarineService]

Comment below on what your favorite boat or boats are!

[@jasonboose9486]

I've owed champion and gambler its hard

[@brandonpatterson5705]

Stratos all day

[@davidegeland2380]

Gator Trax!

[@cjr4497]

1. Champion 2. Bass Cat 3. Progator

[@bwspacity]

Javelin 409t

[@ddm62571]

Didn't fant at number three because it is a good bass boat was in one a couple of years ago in a tournament. Just awesome!

[@jtrguitar6294]

Charger boats? Have you had the chance to see/drive one? Are they using Champion's hull?

[@rawblow4512]

Whith me starting to look around at new and used boats, would you guys recommend choosing a Legend if i happened to run across one? Ive seen a few for sale here & their.

[@dlaird8]

The problem with champions is the wood transom and wood stringers in the hull. Most at this point will have wood rot. Im pretty sure champion didnt go to a no wood boat until 02 or 03. Its a shame champion didnt go to a no wood boat like ranger did.

[@SpookyRedz]

Why one of the boat company’s don’t copy the bottom 1/2 of the Champion , mine road so good ?

[@davidbeining6638]

I am in on the Jonnie ruining stuff 10 4 Never owned bass boat just deep Vees would love to find a Champion ever hear of 1 let me know and oh great vid

[@TeamMarineService]

Wish it weren't the case!

[@mediaspeedfilms1334]

Oh no Nitro didn't make the list! Haha

[@carsonisfishing5757]

Not a nitro they run like crap

[@MrMynameisozzy]

The Nitros are the new Cajun boat replacements .

[@JimbobZ17]

@@carsonisfishing5757 Nitros have mercury engine’s . They run just fine. You probably mad because you can’t afford one.

[@6to8john]

Champion, end of story. If you knew you knew. If you’re new, you now know. CHAMPION BOATS!!!!!

[@TexasAirGunner]

I have a 1996 ranger xt361 completely redone. Front deck extension. 2020 mercury pro xs 150. 10" jackplate. 3 g3n helixs, ultrex and mega 360... boat is amazing. Rides awesome and u stay dry... wish I could post pics...

[@Jrod1702]

What about the superhawk bass boats?

[@ronfussell8244]

My nephew had that champion in blue flake,250 Yamaha, it would set you back,my no.1 choice also.

[@jjstierman]

Tell you what man. I know it's not the year you say but i just bought an 85 champion 18'4 super v near perfect condition garage kept its entire life. All original SOLID floor and carpet and only paid 3200 for it with original champion trailer also. Only thing iredid on the boat was new fuel gauge and fue sender and all new livewell hoses and valves. The 115hp mercury motor on it blew in the first month ihad it but it's literally in the shop as i right this getting repowered with a brand new 115 pro xs ct which is plenty fast for me amd my son one of the smoothest riding boats I've been in and i only fish the Mississippi River at its widest points which can get some pretty big waves and it handles like a champion (pun intended😂)

[@jasonlangosch2201]

I dont understand why people dont like nitros, the new nitros are a completely different boat.

[@TeamMarineService]

We don't like them because in our opinion they are built with cheap materials and their quality control just isn't up to par.

[@erichovatt]

My top Not in order Triton TR-20 earl bentz era Skeeter zx202 Legend alpha Bass cat eyra Champion 193 Ranger commanche 203 champ Of course the bayliner capri #1 seed

[@mikedaley2882]

My first new boat was a 96 champion 221 , i still have it to this day. Its been repowered with a 250 sho , and obviously all electronics and trolling motor upgraded. But it is still as beautiful and smooth of a ride as youll ever find. Ive never been in a 203 but i dont know how it could beat the 221. Good video

[@alphacapo]

That 22 is a massive boat. Lots of guys don't need that big of boat. Specially if they river fish. That 22 is for big lakes

[@johnwolff1043]

Allison XB21 for my favorite. I also had a Champion and the fit and finish, not to mention the ride, on the Allison was so much better.

[@TeamMarineService]

Interesting, what model Champ did ya have John?

[@johnwolff1043]

1995 186. Maybe the Allison being bigger is the reason for the better ride.

[@craigjohnson8217]

John this guy needs to book a trip to Kentucky Lake and see fastbass marine. Bet 1 ride and that top 10 will change really quick lol.

[@lestermiller8415]

I own from new a 1986 champion 186 and it runs to 68 mph on rough water my livewell pump died and a seat problem in 17 years .175 mariner That's why champion is number 1 30 plus years fishing bass tournaments thanks to champion company.les Miller 75 plus years old.

[@ronaldthompson9309]

I owned a 1992 Champion 190 DCR loved that boat. Do you think anyone can come close to making another boat like that? Would love to see someone buy the Patten and start building them again? Love your channel keep it up.

[@raypeals4627]

Any info on Thruster S by Performance Plus

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

I always felt my 01 cobra 🐍 dc rode and fished like 203🤷 My hull has surprised many in rough water.

[@MrMynameisozzy]

The Cobra is a John Storie designed boat. He started Cobra after he decided to leave Champion after he sold it.

[@jimmurphy834]

I still have my 98 Viper Cobra 201DC. Best rough water boat I've ever owned. Love the Yellow Coast Guard Specs placard. H.P. Rating : Unlimited

[@glenndaugherity6187]

I don’t run a bass boat but I run a Forrest Wood family Ranger 620 and I always heard great things about the first 520s guys said they were the best bass boat they built. Granted that 518 is a rocket but as far as taking on anything you want to throw at it the original 520 I’ve heard is king. Great vid as usual Andy !

[@mikeolson7188]

What about the Charger boats?they were pretty decent riding,and I've heard they purchased Champions 201 an 203 molds after the plant burned so I'm assuming that should be a sweet rig,thoughts???

[@aaronrobinson6161]

How do you feel about a 2011 210 elite Champ? Does the half champion half Stratos stuff bug you?? I own one and I think it’s kinda neat can definitely tell it was a transition time, like the hull have already built and then Stratos put all their badging on.

[@cjr4497]

Great number one! Charger is supposed to be building one. I can't wait to see what they do to it.

[@nope6770]

They've already been building them

[@michaelstrange1519]

Just found your channel. Outstanding commentary. I look forward to your future postings!

[@samuelhaines]

What do you think about the Bass Cats putting the 203 hull on their boats?

[@harryestep2488]

Thanks for doing the work you do on these. Rocking a 1996 461vs that I have had since 2000 and redid seats, carpet, trim. 10inch birds and talons (I know you prefer poles) with the original 2 stroke 150 EFI (lets others know I am there, lol).

[@tommascari8298]

Very curious to know what you think of the BassCat 203 Hybrids. Also when is the "over / under" coming out for the Chargers?

[@scottrocher1388]

I was suprised not to see an old Ranger 361/363?

[@jeffreysmith350]

What do you think about the old Sprint bass boats. I've got my little 286 pro that I like alright. Just curious of your honest opinion on them as a whole.

[@Bryanbobber]

As someone who is looking to buy an 88 Hydra-sports vs150 I was surprised to not see it on the list 😅

[@brian_carson_525]

Can you make a video on Tritons

[@Tja-oz8bj]

1988 champion 184 with a mercury 175??

[@markclaerhout8844]

You should check out the Basscat Puma Hybrid, it has the Champion 203/204 hull on it. And Charger took the Champion 210 Elite hull. How about a review on those 2 boats.

[@colemitchell5345]

Opinion on John stories Hawk bass boats

[@zacpearson1878]

I have a 97 18 ft champion and love the ride wish I had the 20 ft

[@nathangibson3264]

What do you think about the mid to late 90's 487 and 488VS models from ranger? Just curious.

[@715basser]

That 99 Champion 203 is nice! Had the pleasure to ride when Patterson owned one.

[@MrWeezy-zz6ou]

My 1rst bass boat was a '99 Champion 202... not the wider 203 but that girl was a peach... diamond in the rough!!! Great video, can't wait for the WORST list

[@MrMynameisozzy]

The Champion 210 Elite. Game over

[@yakattack_fishing8542]

I’m thinking about getting a javelin 19 1/2 foot with a 225 horse evinrude

[@TeamMarineService]

Any service records on that Evinrude?

[@mattlord2906]

Just pick up the Comanche, 200hp blue and silver, matching trailer

[@pelagicprincesses6123]

Yeah buddy!

[@TeamMarineService]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@jamssosv]

I know you specified Alpha in the Legend but I have a2017 V20 with the Yamaha 250 SHO and love it.

[@blakeboling8099]

What boat do you own Andy? Can you do the same ranking for walleye boats? Ie Lund, Crestliner, Etc. Love the vids!

[@johnhigginbotham253]

I run a 96 Allan Stinson Procraft Super Pro 200. It took me a year to learn how to drive it. It’s incredible fast.

[@johnhigginbotham253]

It’s got a 6800 rpm Optimax 225 L swings a 30 pitch prop. 2:1 gears fat shaft on a 3 liter lower. I live where skeeter is made. FXR is nice, great ride, not really belongs on the list. Imho

[@TeamMarineService]

Wow send us over a picture of it to [e-mail].

[@johnhigginbotham253]

I’m going to get some pics up soon!

[@JonGunnerOutdoors]

Champion Boats were and still are the best! Wish I still had mine! Even my kids miss it. They felt safe no matter how fast you could go or how rough the water was.

[@karlmarx4397]

Just bought a 1997 Champion 202 Really glade to here your high praise on Champion Bass boats I can't imagine there would be that much difference between the 202 and the 203 if so can you elaborate? Mine was always garaged and appears to have been well taken care. Only had it out once last week seems to get on plane fast rides nice and flat and I see you are restoring a 1998 202. Any difference between the 97 and 98? Do you know why they went out of business? To be #1 in your they must have been doing something right! Thanks, Karl

[@chadgriffith5819]

I think the only difference is the 203 had wash well delete other than that same exact hull.