Getting the Champion 196 Ready
![Look at the size of the head on the Minn Kota Fortrex 112# thrust motor. Dang torpedo coming thru the water!](https://southernswimbait.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/196_champion.jpg)
It’s been a busy couple weeks of owning a new used boat. I am a huge fan of the Minn Kota Fortex trollling motor. I used to be a Motorguide guy….not anymore. You get into serious grass fishing, like Okeechobee, nobody runs a Motorguide. It’s literally night and day difference in weedlessness. Also, Motorguide hasn’t exactly been killing it with innovation and R&D. Minn Kota on the other hand is blowing the doors off innovation and blazing new paths. Kudos to Johnson Outdoors. I just put a 112#Thrust, 36v, Minn Kota Fortrex 45″ Shaft on the bow of the Champion 196. Wow, looks good.
![Comfortroll recessed trolling motor pedal are a must have](https://southernswimbait.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/countersunk_tm.jpg)
Comfortroll
Once you’ve had a countersunk foot pedal on the bow of your bass boat, there is no going back. Ergonomics are key for spending hours and hours out hunting big ones (or small ones). Thank goodness for products like Comfortroll. Killer bullet proof aluminum powder coated paint job. This thing was easy to install and the foot pedal of the Minn Kota Fortrex fits perfectly. The new trolling motor and countersunk foot pedal were my #1 and #2 projects with the boat. Check and Check. Get yourself a Comfortroll and get comfortable on the deck of your bass boat.
![Jig saw cuts out your floor without problem. Remove some foam, and you're good to go](https://southernswimbait.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/comfortroll_196.jpg)
![New GoodYear Marathons, move the best to spare, etc. Getting some new shoes on the 196.](https://southernswimbait.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/new_champ_tires.jpg)
I’m still a few weeks away. I got it registered, insured, etc but still need to put some TLC into the boat before I get her wet. Boats are high maintenance, but, I am super stoked to have a boat in my life and enjoy working on her. She is gonna be badass.