2012 Challenger 180

[sstorti]

Was wondering if anyone has tried to take a challenger 180 in the gulf with 1-3ft seas. Any idea on how it would handle? I would like to fish off of it on calm days and enjoy burning 5 gallons an hour, compared to my old fishing boat of 20 gallons an hour.
I like the idea of a jet better than outboards, but currently would not like to purchase a new boat right now.

Anything can be posted and will be appreciated.

 

[rcguy]

I boat in the Gulf and 1-3 foot seas become a bumpy, bouncy and wet ride in a 180. If you don't mind getting wet and take the thumps it can be fun. I got caught off Anclote Island in three foot seas and it wasn't too much fun. How far out are you planning to go in the Gulf. If it is 5 to 20 miles I would install a VHF Marine radio, GPS and also have a Sea-Tow account. Remember you only have one engine and cell phones stop working when your 4/10 miles out in the Gulf. I boat from Anna Marie Isiand to Crystal River but drop my 180 mostly in at Hernando Beach or Bayport on the Gulf coast. Where do you ride?

 

[sstorti]

I boat in the Gulf and 1-3 foot seas become a bumpy, bouncy and wet ride in a 180. If you don't mind getting wet and take the thumps it can be fun. I got caught off Anclote Island in three foot seas and it wasn't too much fun. How far out are you planning to go in the Gulf. If it is 5 to 20 miles I would install a VHF Marine radio, GPS and also have a Sea-Tow account. Remember you only have one engine and cell phones stop working when your 4/10 miles out in the Gulf. I boat from Tampa to Crystal River but drop my 180 mostly from Hernando Beach or Bayport on the Gulf coast. Where do you ride?

In have a handheld vhf and a boat us subscription. Just planning a couple 1-3 miles. Live by Indian rocks beach.

 

[rcguy]

1-3 miles is a piece of cake. Just watch out for electrical storms because we have a bunch of them. Have a safe and fun filled 2016 season. Sea (see) you on the water.

 

[R1blade75]

I've taken my boat out in the seas in 1 - 3ft waves. It's not too bad at all if you don't mind the bumpy ride. I would carry a VHF radio and subscribe to sea-tow just in case something happens.

As for fishing, I've started fishing off my boat with 2 of my friends. The boat's adequate for fishing, but if the waves are 2+ foot high, you'll feel it.

 

[Nosnibor]

For me...being a new boater with just last season as my experience. I felt pretty uncomfortable in anything that was bumpy. I'm guessing by 1-3 ft seas you mean waves? Like they say it would probably be bumpy. Mine is a 2012 180 and I often take on water in the front because the front end of the boat slants down. That's just my opinion. I've never been in the golf so I don't really know what it's like.

 

[rcguy]

Going from the inter-coastal or bay to the Gulf may be more hazardous because of tides and wind direction. So try to learn how these inlets behave in different conditions like wind and tides. This can be learned by talking to locals with experience about the inlets and their various conditions. Usually you want to transverse these inlets at slack tide for optimal sea conditions. Remember you are only in a 18 ft boat that was designed for nice lake weather or very calm seas.

 

[xintersecty]

This can be learned by talking to locals with experience about the inlets and their various conditions. Usually you want to transverse these inlets at slack tide for optimal sea conditions. Remember you are only in a 18 ft boat that was designed for nice lake weather or very calm seas.

That is some good advice about going in/out with slack tides. I live on a large lake and when the wind kicks with two foot swells, I feel it. Tends to be a very bumpy bumpy ride.

 

[Eclipse1701d]

We have had some great days on the Gulf, others, not so much... This will be my third season on the water, second with the boat. We travel about 13 miles from port to Anclote Key. You can leave in the morning, with smooth sailing, then, out of nowhere, winds pick up and we know we are in for a rough ride back. In those conditions, you can expect to top out at about 22MPH, or get the fillings knocked out of your teeth. Now, you can get creative, and take the waves slightly sideways and gracefully fall into the next trough. But, my wife doesn't seem to enjoy that as much as I do.

Also, always keep an eye on radar. I have seen storms pop up in minutes, and that is when it gets really interesting. My wife and I were on our jet ski's, at the flats, where Rcguy hangs out. One minute, all clear. Next minute high winds and rain. The current and wind was so strong that I literally had the steering turned right to go straight. That storm also flipped a pontoon boat on its side. So, in my limited experience, all on the Gulf of Mexico, ALWAYS have a working VHF Radio, Cell Phone in a water proof case, a Boat US Tow membership ($140/yr for unlimited tow) and carry a hose clip with you. If you DO need a tow, always remember to clip your exhaust hose to prevent water from backing into the engine. If you don't have one, you can only be towed at 8 knots.

 

[JPass]

carry a hose clip with you. If you DO need a tow, always remember to clip your exhaust hose to prevent water from backing into the engine. If you don't have one, you can only be towed at 8 knots.

I highly recommend adding an in-line valve. So much easier to close off than trying to clamp a hose in bad conditions and no need to search for said clamp when you're in a hurry. I think mine were $10 each.



We had to run back in last weekend on one engine. I was glad I had the valves installed. Super easy.

 

[rcguy]

J Pass, the in-line valve is a great idea and I would like to install one in my Challenger but not quite sure of which hose to use. Also what is the inside and out side diameter of the valve? Thanks in advance.