Hey guys, I found a champion 187 for sale locally for 11 grand. It's a 2004 model with a xr6 150 mercury. It's got a lowrance on the bow but the screen looks pretty bad and it's missing the graph at the console. Other than that it's in really good shape with a minn kota 65# trolling motor, dual console, two coolers, plenty of rod and bait storage and a big livewell. The seller says everything works great even the graph up front and he says it'll run around 70 mph. The boat is red and black with the factory trailer with good tires and everything. Only thing is he does not know the hours. Does this sound like a good deal? I'm using a older 17ft bass tracker now but I want something a little more stable. Can you guys give me any info you know on champion boats or this model? Oh yea, it's also got a tempest stainless prop in perfect shape.  thanks

70mph? Doubtful. That boat is actually rated for a 175, 70mph is possible with a 175, not with an 150 XR6. Great handling boat. Rear storage is a little skimpy but otherwise a great boat and 11k sounds about right in the ballpark. Champions been in the bassboat business for close to 35 years, they have always built a quality machine and are well known for having the best rough water ride available.   Have the engine checked by a pro though and definitely take it for a test run. Good luck. If you buy it welcome to the Champion family.

One of my buddies had one for a while it was the smoothest ride of any boat I have ever rode in before or since. They make a great boat. Might be a little expensive for a 5 year old boat but there are not alot of Champions in my area to compare too.

I'd be sure to have the motor checked out by a mechanic, atleast a compression test, but a leakdown test is better. You really don't want to buy someone elses problem.

Champions been in the bassboat business for close to 35 years, they have always built a quality machine and are well known for having the best rough water ride available.

Yup. When I bought mine (a 190) in 1994 I tested about 2 dozen boats at the lake... by far the best handling and best and driest rough water ride was the Champion.

15 hard years later- it's still solid.

Be sure to have the motor checked out.  A great hull with a bum motor, sits on the trailer while everyone else fishes.  ...lol

If the boat in question is a 2004 187 CXL it is 18.58' in length, weight of 1400 lbs and has a maximum rating of 150 hp; it came rigged with the 150XR6.

If the boat in question is a 2004 187 CX it is 18.58' in length, 90 inches wide, weight of 1400 lbs and has a maximum rating of 175 hp.

If the boat in question is a 2004 187 CXL it is 18.58' in length, weight of 1400 lbs and has a maximum rating of 150 hp; it came rigged with the 150XR6.

If the boat in question is a 2004 187 CX it is 18.58' in length, 90 inches wide, weight of 1400 lbs and has a maximum rating of 175 hp.

Same boat, just different trim versions.  Similar to the latest model, the 183.  CX version is rated at 150hp, the Elite at 175 even though it's the same identical hull.  If you want the higher HP plate on the boat you gotta spend the extra money for goodies you may or may not need.

    Definately get an inspection done. I was just about to buy a $20,000 boat and paid $100 for an inspection...Thankfully I did. The compression numbers were at the bottom end of the limits and those motors aren't cheap to rebuild. On top of that, the marina found many other things wrong with it that I would've never even think about. The next boat I was interested in I gave the seller $100 deposit and they took it into my marine mechanic for me. Sure I had to pay another $100 for another inspection, but there's no doubt in my mind it paid off in the long run.