2006 Challenger 18'

[devous]

Hello,

Quick question for anyone out there who owns a 2006 18' Challenger.

Q: How do you find it rides in light chop?

I find for a 18' boat it bounces/pounds far to much. Even when it is completely calm the boat will porpoise at certain speeds.

I'm hoping someone out there has a solution as the seadoo dealer near me has not been much help.

I would be interested to know if the nozzle can be adjusted as I find it sprays an excess amount of water when turning and even going straight.

Thanks in advance.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Bouncing!...

I just looked up your boat and although you don't specify which model you have (there are about 5 or 6), I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. I have a 1997 Challenger that I woudn't trade for the world. I can zip across Mobile Bay in about 15 minutes at about 50 mph and very smooth. My boat is equipped with VTS....variable trim system. It changes the nozzle's position up or down as needed to adjust the ride. If I start to porpoise, I pull the lever back a little till it stops. Aiming the nozzle down a little, takes away a mile or two of my speed, but when it comes to ride, it's worth it.
I looked at the exploded view of your control system and I don't see it on there and it makes me wonder why?....I think it's something that would be very necessary in a jet boat......as far as going airborne!.....when I hit the waves of an oncoming boat, OH YEAH, ...she catches alot of air then pounds my butt right back down on the water.....oh, how bone wretching that is!....
If this boat isn't equipped with the VTS, maybe you can look into putting on trim tabs.......just an afterthought.........really weird that my boat is older and I have the VTS.......hope you find a solution to your problem, because these boats, for me, do have a very comfortable seat and ride!

 

[Paolo]

Hello,
I have the probleem; I own a 2005 Challenger 180 and it bounces/poundes also; It's like riding a horse on the water. Did you find an solution for this problem? Can you please let me know!!
Paolo (Paolo@sr.net)

 

[rexsteiner]

Was this problem ever solved? Follow up anyone?

 

[devous]

2005/2006 challenger 18' rough ride.

Update.

I finally did resolve the problem with my 2005/2006 challenger 18'.

The dealership installed trim tab like parts at the back.

It seems that Seadoo knew of this problem (something to do with the hull design) they where installed free of charge.

 

[texasmojo]

Update.

I finally did resolve the problem with my 2005/2006 challenger 18'.

The dealership installed trim tab like parts at the back.

It seems that Seadoo knew of this problem (something to do with the hull design) they where installed free of charge.

Is there any way you can take a picture and upload it here so that we can see how it looks. I have the same bouncing problem everytime i go over 28mph in choppy waters.

 

[devous]

pic

Will try and take a pic for you today.

How is your challenger on take off?

I have the 215hp engine and it still seem to be lacking power out of the hole.

Let me know,


Thanks,

 

[texasmojo]

I really cant say how it is on take off since my boat is the only boat i have ever been in. I just did new ngk plugs, oil change, and filled her up with 93 octane. She runs a whole lot smoother and much better throttle response. The difference in acceleration feels like i removed 500 pounds of weight!! I've only had my used boat for about 1 1/2 months so i did the tuneup. The old plugs were gapped at .026 when they are supposed to be .030. When i take off the bow just rises up fast then seconds later it gets on plane. I also added more silicone under the jet area to make sure it was sealed. I think its called the "cooling plate". I have read that adjusting the tension on the throttle cable could also help if its too loose at the throttle body.

 

[Paolo]

Hello devous,
Do you have the part number of the trim tabs and some pictures? Do you think the smarttabs will help? Due taking off; mine takes very well off (215HP supercharged).

 

[devous]

Hi Paolo,

Sorry... was not able to take any pictures as of yet.

I should be able to next weekend. I will also see if there are any serial #'s on the trim tabs.

They did make a big difference.

Will keep you posted.

 

[texasmojo]

Looking forward to more info devous. Do you know who makes them, brand?

 

[Paolo]

You could try Bennett Trim Tabs, http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/ or Smart Tabs, http://www.nauticusinc.com/.

Already purchased and tried to install the smarttabs, but did not succeed. There isn't enough space (transom) to mount the bracket.

 

[devous]

Tabs

Sorry for the delay please see attached pics.

The tabS did not have any part numbers or markings on them.

Good luck

 

[sporsterjoel]

for small boats like the seadoo id say the smart tab sx one would be the best option, and there self ajusting so no wires or lines to run...

 

[Dans97challenger]

That is weird I have the same boat as Seadoosnipe and mine has the VTS also. I am shocked other models don't have it as well. Mine is about to get winterized this weekend so I won't be using it until next spring/summer. I can't wait though I only used it twice this year because I just got it a month ago or so.

 

[vilord]

One reason I could see why they didn't bother with VTS on the other boats, is that at least on my challenger (96), the VTS only works just a little bit.

With moderate chop, and with the VTS lever pulled all the way back, running around 25-30 it still porpoises enough that it hurts. I've found that wide steering arcs calm it down better than VTS.

Especially on bigger boats, I think trim tabs would work better, and would not adversely affect speed as much as VTS.

 

[Paolo]

Hello Devous,
Thanks for the pics; but in the meantime I've already purchased the tabs at PPG. They are BRP oem parts # 296000244 and they helped. The tabs coas app.$500.

 

[wayne99]

Sorry for the delay please see attached pics.

The tabS did not have any part numbers or markings on them.

Good luck

Hey do you think those tabs would work on my 00 Challenger 20ft ? I also have the same problem especially when its just me and the kids. The front end is all over the place bouncing. Other boaters are staring at me wondering what I am doing. I don't want to fork out all the cash for wired trim tabs. How much do those manual trim tabs cost cost ?

I think Seadoo should have the VTS system on all boats. This is the biggest thing I miss from going from an outboard to a jetboat. Trim !!!

Thanks

Wayne

 

[kustomkarl]

My 2008 200speedster doesn't have them or need them it only bounces when I try to bounce it.

Karl

 

[Paolo]

Hello Wayne,
These manual trimtabs will not fit your Challenger 2000.
Try to google "Bennet trimtabs". I've seen some pics where these tabs fits perfectly on the transom. I can't see to find the site where I saw the pic.

Paolo