When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Champion Boats 186 FH 2008 and the Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006 are modified vee designs with composite construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Champion Boats 186 FH 2008 measures 18,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Champion Boats 186 FH 2008 tips the scales at 195 lbs — 177 lbs more than the Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006 at 18 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Champion Boats 186 FH 2008 has a 85-hp advantage over the Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006 carries 52 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Champion Boats 186 FH 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Champion Boats 186 FH 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: The Champion Boats 186 FH 2008 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Champion Boats 20 Sea Champ 2006 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.