.
I picked up my 203 Hybrid on Saturday and ran it 2.3 hours on Lake Coeur D’Alene in Idaho, elevation 2050 feet. I ordered it with Ghost and Lowrance graphs, Power Pole Charge, Merc 250/23 Fury, removable passenger console, dual Balzout mount on bow, dual Balzout mount on console, fixed jackplate. I had my dealer, Limit Out Marine, add my Garmin 106sv, Livescope on the bow and Humminbird Helix to the console, as well as my 3 50AH Ionics. I filled both tanks. Just me in the boat, 1/4 normal load of tackle
Holeshot is incredible and instant, temp was 65 degrees. The lake was windy and whitecapping, but not really big. The boat lands soft, as others have reported. Handling is outstanding, a little chine at 70, but completely stable and manageable, I left the plate at the factory flush setting. The lake was never smooth, but the boat still went 71 at wide open for short periods. I was impressed that when there was a lot of chop, the 203 does not slow down. When I got down to about 40 gallons remaining, I filled the livewells, the boat still ran 71. I expect the boat will run 73-75 at sea level. At our elevations 2000-2400, I believe it will run 68-70 fully loaded with a passenger. We lose about 5 mph from sea level speeds up here due to the lack of air! The boat handles exactly like what I hoped the 203 would and the speed trade off is what I was looking for, to get the 203 ride. I expect to make it up when it’s rough, which it is most of the time out west.
I looked the boat over closely, the finish is flawless, I love the new design Cougar topcap, rigging by Limit Out was very professionally done. I only fished a little but did manage one smallie on a Cliff Pace Black Label, Little Cliffie. If you’re looking for a versatile, big water / bad weather, tournament rig, the 203 is worth checking out. I came out of a 2018 Lynx, and have owned a gen 1 Jag, PIV, Puma FTD as well.
