I have a good opportunity to get into a Champ boat as co-owner/driver. My partner has raced them for years and basically needs some $$$ to get this new boat. I have zero experience and he would do the vast majority of racing the first year and he is also a very experienced mechanic. What is the deal with them? anyone raced them before? Costs? Fun? I would get to learn the boat the first year then maybe bust my cherry next year in a few races. We would primarily hit races within a days drive from Dallas. Thanks!

Are you getting into a Champ boat or the Champ series? When you say Champ boat are you referring to an efi 2.5 boat? I still call them F1's.

Yes an ex- Seebold boat.

I have driven them for over 10 years. Built them and raced them for 5 years. I quit after a serious accident I had in 2002. I ran some in 2003, but was very difficult.
I would keep it on a fun level at first and see if you like it. I raced in the Formula 2 class mostly, but had a Formula 1 I ran at a few events. The F1 (Champ) boat is where it is at, but the expense to run up front is unreal. I spent over $50,000 a year to run F2 and to run F1 competitively will cost $100,000 and up.
It is a great sport and a great bunch of guys. I think until the outboard manufactures step in, it will not grow much. It has been losing boats for the last 5 years.
There are several organizations out there that run these type boats. I had just as much fun with some of the smaller organizations races than the big ones.
Good luck!