Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

[KandEinc]

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a 1997 Champion 202 with an Evinrude 150hp motor. My question is this, will the Evinrude be "big enough" to push the boat? I am completely new to boating so any help would be greatly appreciated. The price of the boat is $8K.
Thanks in advance!

 

[haskindm]

Re: Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

That should be plenty of motor to get the boat on "plane" and give you speeds in the mid to upper 30's. It may not "pop" up on plane the way a bigger motor would, but it will get there. The good news is it will use less gas (at $4+ per gallon) than a bigger motor. Never buy a boat without a "sea-trial". That will give you the opportunity to evaluate the power available. If the seller will not agree to a "sea-trial", run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. There are way too many boats on the market to take a chance.

 

[KandEinc]

Re: Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

That should be plenty of motor to get the boat on "plane" and give you speeds in the mid to upper 30's. It may not "pop" up on plane the way a bigger motor would, but it will get there. The good news is it will use less gas (at $4+ per gallon) than a bigger motor. Never buy a boat without a "sea-trial". That will give you the opportunity to evaluate the power available. If the seller will not agree to a "sea-trial", run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. There are way too many boats on the market to take a chance.

Thank you. By sea trial do you mean go to the coast or is a lake ok?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

I think you'll be plesantly surprised. That boat should do well over 30 mph. Let us know what you think after the test ride.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

By sea trial do you mean go to the coast or is a lake ok?

"sea" trial is just a term. It doesn't literally mean sea

 

[KandEinc]

Re: Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

"sea" trial is just a term. It doesn't literally mean sea

Thanks. I guess I should change my name to Noob.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Champion 202 & an Evinrude 150hp

It sounds as if you need to hire a marine surveyor to look at the boat for you. A marine surveyor is a professional that looks for damage in all the systems of a boat and it's overall condition. Since they have no interest in the boat you will get an unbiased opinion from them. Your insurance agent should be able to locate one for you. If you live in a boating community you might be able to find one in the yellow pages. One suggested by the seller of the boat or a competing dealer might not be a good choice.

The fee the surveyor charges is well worth the effort, especially if you decide not to purchase the boat. I play with used and abused boats for fun, but on a large purchase I would hire a surveyor and take a dissintrested, knowledgeable friend along. There are a lot of things that emotions can overlook.