2007 Challenger 180 top speed

[Asecilop]

I bought my boat last year and found it not hitting the expected top speed. I've done a lot of work on it:

New OEM impeller
Replaced wear ring
Spark plugs changed out
Supercharger rebuilt
Reverse gate inspected and adjusted (it was not locking in place when in forward position)

The top speed I get is about 37. I've read about re-sealing the ride plate. Is that something that can cause loss of top end speed? Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Nike12000]

Ride plate deff can cause issues if its not right

 

[Pirana]

I can't remember if I'm hitting 42 or 46 with 2 people on board. Nice to see another 180 in the area!

 

[rcguy]

Are you using the SeaDoo speedometer or GPS? GPS is accurate. Don't trust the Seadoo speedometer. My GPS reads 47 mph and the Seadoo speedometer shows 8/10 mph less.

All speeds and water temperature done with a Lowrance Elite-5HDI Hybrid Dual Imaging Fishfinder + Chart-plotter. Yes, I fish off this machine.

 

[Asecilop]

Sea Doo speedometer. I will check GPS next time. My buddy was riding his boat next to me recently and was faster. I'm pretty sure his boat maxes around 45.

 

[rcguy]

Sea Doo speedometer. I will check GPS next time. My buddy was riding his boat next to me recently and was faster. I'm pretty sure his boat maxes around 45.

The SeaDoos have a little spur like black wheel on the transom that spins and gives a inaccurate speed reading. I installed a new wear ring and Solas impeller and top out depending on the wind, tides and sea conditions between 44/47 mph. Note: 95% of the time I ride about 5700/ 6000 rpm and average 28/31 mph. I would like the engine to last a bit longer. Running wide open for long periods of time is just asking for trouble.


All speeds and water temperature done with a Lowrance Elite-5HDI Hybrid Dual Imaging Fishfinder + Chart-plotter. Yes, I fish off this machine.

 

[Asecilop]

Okay. If it ever stops raining here I will get back out and check the GPS speed.

 

[pete63]

you can calibrate the speedo to a more accurate reading.......
but still depended on water speed and setup of paddle wheel is correct.
section 3C page 23
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_sivodjgABkNFZ1T0hndzVtaHM

 

[Pirana]

Okay. If it ever stops raining here I will get back out and check the GPS speed.

Hehehe same thing here! Crazy weather we've been having!

 

[Asecilop]

Hey Pirana I sent you a PM

 

[R1blade75]

If you're showing 37mph on the seadoo speedometer, more than likely your GPS speed is around 43mph to 45mph. I had the same issue with mine until someone from the board explained to me the seadoo speedometer is inaccurate.

 

[Asecilop]

Cool I hope so. Thanks everyone

 

[xintersecty]

All my recent runs have been about 39-42 depending on conditions. All done with phone GPS app.

 

[Asecilop]

Okay thanks.

 

[James.Moon]

My 2009 180SE 255 hp gets up to 90-95 Km/hr with is approaching 60mph, however GPS confirms the speedo reading is about 10 km/hr higher than reality. Bottom line converted to mph it will reach 50 mph max under good conditions.

Regarding the ride plate seal and performance - mine when new would hesitate a second or three when hitting WOT from stop, then go fine - it was resealed under warrantee which cured that problem. It did not affect top speed at all - and I didn't even notice the deficiency until someone on this forum mentioned it. The dealer charged BRP about $800 for the resealing.

 

[go_panthers]

you can calibrate the speedo to a more accurate reading.......
but still depended on water speed and setup of paddle wheel is correct.
section 3C page 23
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_sivodjgABkNFZ1T0hndzVtaHM

Not sure about the newer skis, but the Challenger boats w/ the fly-by-wire controlled (210s in 2010 and up, not sure about the others) use an integrated gps for the speedometer, cruise control, etc...

In any case, a gps speed will include the effects of current flows. So, I go a few mph faster downstream than upstream.

 

[pete63]

Not sure about the newer skis, but the Challenger boats w/ the fly-by-wire controlled (210s in 2010 and up, not sure about the others) use an integrated gps for the speedometer, cruise control, etc...

In any case, a gps speed will include the effects of current flows. So, I go a few mph faster downstream than upstream.

the thread is about 2007 challenger and the paddle wheel speedo giving inaccurate readings........

 

[go_panthers]

Actually, it's about re-sealing the ride plate. And the paddle wheel. And checking the speed with a GPS. I'll try to make sure nobody with a newer boat reads this thread, though. In sure you will guard it, too.

 

[Jcamaro]

47mph via GPS and only showing 39mph on the gauge. Light chop. Two adults and a full tank.


Edit:


I took the dash apart and turned the adjustment screw 1/4 of a turn and i'm within a 1/2 mph now on the gauge vs the gps. easy peazey.

 

[xintersecty]

Faria makes a GPS speedometer. I am strongly considering one then again if I get a GPS/sound map, that would work too.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...-7N3nsuFgMJ868wMoN5oR6xvpEcg6FhMESxoCCW_w_wcB

 

[pete63]

if your guage is ok and you want to upgrade to gps try candoo.
just plug and play!!

http://candoopro.com/?gps-speed-sensor,45

i'll be upgrading next few months

 

[rcookr1]

I test drove 2007 challenger with the 215 boat seemed slow 39 to 40 was the speed per the season gage 7450 rpm with 4 adults in the boat. I can't imagine how bad it would be with 8 people. Boat has 22 hrs on it.

 

[Jcamaro]

I test drove 2007 challenger with the 215 boat seemed slow 39 to 40 was the speed per the season gage 7450 rpm with 4 adults in the boat. I can't imagine how bad it would be with 8 people. Boat has 22 hrs on it.

Boat should be hitting 7800+ RPM....I've hit 50mph at 8100 RPM in great conditions

 

[rcookr1]

Boat should be hitting 7800+ RPM....I've hit 50mph at 8100 RPM in great conditions

I have been reading that the hr meter on these seadoos are way off. Do you get less rpm with a full or heavy board.

 

[Jcamaro]

I have been reading that the hr meter on these seadoos are way off. Do you get less rpm with a full or heavy board.

The speedo can be way off however the tach should be pretty close.. I've calibrated my speedo so it's within a 1/2 mph....and in great water with good air and two adults a full tank and little current i've hit 50 mph. All Challengers should hit mid 40's easy...