97 Challenger won't go on the plane

[xyebo]

Hi guys,
Nice and helpful forum here!
I just got a Challenger 1997 (single 787) and totally newbie to the sea-doo boats. Always had the boats with the outboards... Was a good deal but the boat was in parking lot for the last 5 years. The engine starts good and goes easy to 7000rpm, but the best the boat do is 10mph with the 2 people inside and never gets on the plane. On the good side with me alone in the boat it takes 45-50 seconds to go on the plane and the speed tops 30mph, which is from what I read on the forum is much less then usual 55mph.
Looked at the impeller cannot find any debris there. Could it be the problem with the drive shaft?
Greatly appreciate any advice on it.
Thanks.

 

[robin savell lloyd]

Wear ring may be bad. If you want to start out cheap replace the foam seal between the pump and ride shoe. It is a easy job. If that does not fix problem you probbly have a worn wear ring. All single engine boats in my opinion should have new wear rings and foam seal installed any time you have cavitation. As long as impeller and every thing else looks good! These boats that have one jet pump on them have to be allmost perfect when it comes to the jet part of it for them to perform top notched. :cheers:

 

[xyebo]

Thank you for the fast reply. I think it could be the ring. I'll check it and post results later.

 

[rryanstrickland]

I agree, wear ring and possible impeller damage. I have read articles in the past that stated severe cavitation over time will actually melt holes in the impeller from superheated air bubbles formed on the compression edges of the impeller! So, that said cavitation is not good!:cheers:

 

[kustomkarl]

Here is the limits on the wear ring allowed by seadoo.
Wear Ring clearance for your seadoo 1.0 mm or (.040in) Measure the clearance at the center of the impeller blades, with a 12” long gauge. Measure the clearance from the venturi side of the jet pump.

I hope this helps.

Karl

 

[calgary seadooer]

Well i have the same problem with my 97 chanellenger and was hoping for more speed as well....ive been told by others it could be the rave valves need to be cleaned....they guy i bought it from says the implellor and wear rings were new when he got the new"crate"motor fixed....problem is when 1 st took the boat out it was bogging down....had bad gas and spark plugs were changed new batt ....thought it was fixed took it out the second time and got the rope sucked up....to my knowledge it didnt do any damage shut the engine down and was wrapped around the shafta few times and lodged in the impellor blade.....was able to get it out and now i'm wondering if that maybe my problem?

 

[sanpan25]

I just did the wear ring and impellar change on my 96 challenger.

It helped alot!

52MPH on seadoo speedo!:hurray::hurray:

 

[xyebo]

At least changed today the wear ring and it helps a lot. Now can top the 45MPH with me alone in the boat.
Thanks for your help.