180 Challenger SE 255

[rcb]

Hi Guys,

Great forum learning lots.

I've been looking at buying a jet boat for a while. Been doing the Sea doo Yamaha dance, and after much deliberation I think I'm going to go with the 180 which will fit in my garage. Whilst it will be on the boat lift most of the time we do go away for part of the hurricane season (FL) and I think I'll be happier knowing it's out of harms way!

Still looking around for the best deal. Would be interested to know what you guys think is possible at the moment and any extras you would push for.

Also would like to know what would be required to summerize the vehicle, do I still need to fog the engines?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Nice boat....

Hi Guys,

Great forum learning lots.

I've been looking at buying a jet boat for a while. Been doing the Sea doo Yamaha dance, and after much deliberation I think I'm going to go with the 180 which will fit in my garage. Whilst it will be on the boat lift most of the time we do go away for part of the hurricane season (FL) and I think I'll be happier knowing it's out of harms way!

Still looking around for the best deal. Would be interested to know what you guys think is possible at the moment and any extras you would push for.

Also would like to know what would be required to summerize the vehicle, do I still need to fog the engines?

Thats a nice boat. But, if it's your first experience with the supercharged jet boat, I think you might look into the standard N/A 4-TEC motor. You really don't need the supercharged version. The upkeep is for those die hard fans of something that'll get them to top speed in seconds rather than a gradual increase of speed. The supercharger has to be rebuilt whereas a N/A model just have to be greased, oil changed, fluid levels checked, etc.... I would really reconsider the 255 model. In my opinion, it's just not worth all that extra money to get to top speed faster and have to deal with the maintenance schedule. Plus, if your in Florida, riding in the chop, un-hooking from the water isn't nice to your slip washers.

But, it's a nice boat!!!!

 

[Craigmri]

I'm with snipe. The 4-tec is a great engine. Add a supercharger and it makes a ton of power but there is so much that can go wrong if your not on top of maintenance.

Personally I think the best Seadoo power package is the twin 155s(totaling 310hp) found on the Utopia 205, Speedster 200 and Challenger 210 and 230. You get incredible thrust yet the low maintenance of Non-supercharged engines.

Craig

 

[rcb]

My main problem is that I want to be able to store the boat in my garage which is just short of 20 feet. That's is why I was going for the 180. I did have a look at 08 230 which was great and a good price but don't want to have to leave it out all summer and worry about it. With both engine options on the 180 being turbos I had factored in the cost of a rebuild at 100hrs (at least their's only one!). With regards to extra upkeep are you refering to services at the dealer or just general upkeep jobs inbetween

Thanks