2001 Challenger: purchase advice 210 Merc

[newfiedoo]

So the boat is in reasonably good shape; nothing that TLC can't fix.
I'm more interested in the 210hp Merc.

I've read this forum extensively (thanks for an awesome forum, BTW!) I had a 1999 Speedster with the two 787s years ago.

People here seem to be divided on the Mercs. Many say to run away.
Others say that that they're in fact more more reliable than the Rotax, but more expensive to fix when parts are needed.

So. Is the issue with the Mercs the fact that parts are difficult to find? Or just too expensive relative to Rotax?
Or possibly both?

I don't mind paying for parts if they're available. The boat is reasonably priced so repairs are within the budget.
Cheers! TIA.

 

[Michael Dowd]

I have a 2000 Challenger with the 210 sportjet and have been happy with it. Most of my usage is in saltwater.

You are correct that parts are more expensive than the Rotax but I have not had any problems finding parts for mine online to date. Some of them have taken some time to get, but I have not hit any dead ends and I have replaced a significant amount of components including recently the powerhead itself.

The Mercury engine is designed specifically for marine applications and the materials used are as well. My understanding is that the Rotax engine concept was originally used in snowmobiles and modified for use in watercraft. For this reason the materials used are not of the same caliber and do deteriorate faster when introduced to salt.

Finding someone to work on it is going to be difficult to impossible. If you are handy and can do the work yourself, get yourself the shop manual and use this forum and you will be able to perform any maintenance/service required.

The down side is that you are going from a dual engine setup to a single. With a dual set up if an engine fails you can still limp back to shore. If the mercury goes, mine did last year, you become a big raft and are at the mercy of fellow boaters or SeaTow.

Ultimately the decision is yours, but I did not nor would I run away if the price is right.
Mike

 

[newfiedoo]

I have a 2000 Challenger with the 210 sportjet and have been happy with it. Most of my usage is in saltwater.


Ultimately the decision is yours, but I did not nor would I run away if the price is right.
Mike

Thanks, Mike. That's really helpful. We're used to Merc here in Newfoundland, but generally in terms of outboards. The province was settled by fishermen. Jetboats are still relatively uncommon. I've done a lot of mechanic work over the years, and would be happy to do some on this boat.

 

[henryb]

Hey there, I own a 2000 Challenger 1800 with a Mercury 210HP carberated. Once you get it running good, it is exceptionally reliable... have not had an issue with it for over 6 years. Last repair I made to it was a stator replacement.

I installed a volt meter and a water temperature meter. My tach and speedometer both had issues and needed to be repaired a few years back.

Regarding performance, the engine should rev up about 5500-5600rpm and you should get about 50mph.

These boats also have a porpoising issue... that can easily be fixed with an extended ride plate.

Take a look underneath and see which intake grate it has... originally they came with a weed grate, which pivots on a hinge, great for letting weeds pass through and get chipped up by the impeller, but not great for letting sticks and rocks in! I’ve changed mine to a rock grate (no hinge and more smaller fingers on the grate).

Otherwise, check everything on the interior for condition, seats, Bimini, etc.

 

[newfiedoo]

Thanks, Henry, great info!