After 10 years of dreaming, 2 years of sharking the classifieds, and a month of serious looking I found the boat I want to buy. It's a 2006 Champion 198 Elite with a Merc 225 Pro XS. The boat is located in Missouri.

Nico and I are going to be driving out Wednesday to pick her up and bring her home. The out of state transaction is pretty complex but I have a good feeling about things. I plan to do a full writeup on the out of state boat buying process when I get back (after I sleep for an entire day).

Here's a pic of the rig and some specs. Wish us luck!

2006 Champion 198 Elite
Mercury Optimax 225 ProXS - 118 hours
Motor warranty until 4/11
24v Minn Kota 80lb, lift assist
Rod Organizer (left compartment)
Hamby's keel guard
LMS 520 front and back
Champion boat cover
3-bank charger
Flasher in dash
Manual 10" jack plate
Swing away tongue / tandem axle

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/7815-198elite.jpg