1980 Champion Swift

[rock]

Anyone have any set-up experience on a 1980 16' Champion Swift. All help appreciated. Installed 2 new steering cables. 4" jack plate, coned lower, 2.4. Have several props to choose from. Thanks

Rock

[1FASTLASER]

Got any pics to post?

[Galveston340]

Rock, is this the v-hull or is it one of the tunnels? Found some pics here: http://www.bbcboards.net/champion-boats/63612-pictures-older-rare-different-odd-collectable-champions.html

[rock]

Looks like the teal and blue one in the link. Is that a bridgeport on the back? This boat with a different motor, controls, steering, etc.

Rock

[1FASTLASER]

Sorry not familar with that one. The one in the Link thats 16'8" and a vpad hull bassboat I am very familar with

[rock]

I have owned 3 Champions over the years. A 17' basser, a 20' basser (DCX20 I think), and now the Swift. It's the same as the pictured boat but with a windshield. The pic of mine is distorted due to the angle it was taken from. Back in the very early 80's I got to meet Bill Pace who was at that time Champions national sales manager. The popular basser of the time was the 18'4" super vee. Bill told me the Swift had the same basic bottom just shorter and much lighter.

Rock

[1FASTLASER]

If the Swift is essentially same boat as the 16'8" basser it should setup similar. All the bassers I have dealt with liked 4" j/p and sternlifting props that had been worked slightly to help with bowlift. There wasnt awhole lot of difference using a 6" jp. Just slightly higher topends when light. The also where a little touchy when loading the boat. Too get the better runs had to keep weight out of nose and let engine and prop work together

[Sonik]

Let me know when you're ready to do some testing Randy. I'll drag my canoe over and run chase boat for ya. Been a while my friend....need to link up soon.

[rock]

I am just about done. Was going to channel and cone a lower but think I will just use a cle and be done with it. Foot throttle and clean it up. Got Nick's boat off his trailer yesterday and put it on my v cart. That's a big boat compared to what we are used to. Talk to you soon.

Rock

[TexomaB]

316820
I am curious about what props you are trying and the rest of your set up. I just got an 88 Champion swift that I have been getting set up and I am new to the world of outboards. Should have it together for this weekend. I wanted to start with an all around prop that I can ski, fish, etc. Hopefully 27 renegade prop gives me an awesome holeshot and 70 mph on this.
88 swift 168
89 Johnson GT150 short shaft, stock gearing
6" jack plate, 3.5" prop to pad dim.
27 renegade prop

Hopefully this gives me correct engine rpm at WOT. Once I get it dialed in I would like to get a speed prop but dont know what.


A guy that I knew in the '80s had a new swift with Mercury 200, no jack plate, 28 chopper prop. Reportedly 85.7mph or 98.5 depending on who I talk to. Hahaha
There is a Champion forum on Bass boat central with some very knowledgable folks including one of the Champion test driver/pro angler's from back then.

[rock]

I have a 2.4 modified 225 on mine. When I bought the motors, 3 of them on a 29' boat, they came with 32 hump back cleavers. Plan to run a cle and hoping to swing a 28 chopper. Probably set prop shaft just under the pad. I have ran a lot of different boats and choppers work decent on all of them. Once I find out how well it will run I plan to remove motor and replace it with a very nice fresh Merc 90 then put it up for sale. The last thing I need is another 90 mph boat as I currently have several of them. I will post some results after I get it wet.

Rock

[TexomaB]

I know someone in Carbondale that wants that swift. Let me know when it's for sale.
I had mine out last weekend for the first time. It is a blast to drive. What color is yours?

[rock]

I will send you a private message with some details. My boat is blue and pictured in post #4. Boat is a 1980 and 100% original with a perfect interior and virtually no stress cracks I could find and I have been all over that transom area cuz that is where my first one failed. This is my 3rd Champion and you are correct, they are fun to drive. My guess is this one set up like it is should run pretty well.

Rock