Buying a used challenger 1800

[ianpatties]

I am getting ready to buy (hopefully) a boat in a couple of days. The owner lives about an hour or so from me so I havent seen it other than pictures. I am going to take a look at it and was curious if someone could give me any advice on what to check for. It is a 99 challenger 1800. I know nothing of these boats or this type of engine so I would really appreciate any advice.
Thanks

 

[scrump]

Test Drive

Don't buy until you have taken it for a ride, make sure that everything is working correctly and by all means ask plenty of questions. Go to www.nadaguides.com and click on boats to get an idea of the price. Check if the engine's are smoking excesssively (the engines do let out some smoke considering they burn oil and gas at the same time.) Check the hull, check the electrical system; stereo/gauges/bilge pump/blower/etc.; also make sure when you take it out that you are getting plenty of power at wide open throttle, the boat should gain speed easily and plain out quickly. The engines are fairly easy to work on, and the people in this forum are very helpful if you might have to fix something. If you run into any problems while testing it, let us know before buying so we can let you know if it is a major problem.

Good Luck :cheers:

 

[kustomkarl]

Welcome to the seadoo forum ianpatties. Her is a link to some info on buying a used seadoo;
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=134

Good luck with your new purchase. If you have any questions give us a shout...This place has lots of active members eager to help out.

Karl

 

[ianpatties]

The boat has two gauges that do not work. The speedometer and the gas gauge. Is this a big deal. The seller claims that all you need to do is switch the gauges out. Thanks for the advice.

 

[ianpatties]

Just thought of another question/concern. I have a 07 jeep wrangler that according to the manual can tow 2000lbs. The boat apparently weighs 1850. Does this include the trailer and if not will it be a problem for my jeep to tow the 2000+ lbs. I will be towing it approximately 15-20 miles to the nearest lake. I realize this is kind of a car question, just figured one of you guys could help.
Thanks

 

[kustomkarl]

Ok, your first question, the gage's can be tested to see if the senders sensors are working. I would check them first before you spend a lot of money on new guages... Each new guage is about $150.00 to $250.00 each, on average. It could be a sensor that is bad. When your ready to repair them give us a shout and we'll walk you through the diagnoses. As far as the trailer hitch, I'm a certified Draw Tite Hitch Dealer. For the 2007 Jeep Wrangler you can get a Class III Hitch that handles 350# tongue weight, with a towing capacity of 3,500#. The part Number is 75515. Price is about $150.00 for the hitch. The wiring plug is a standard flat 4 plug. or a T-one connector # 118416. Price for the T-1 is $21.50. I hope this helps. If I can help any more give me a shout.

Karl

 

[scrump]

Gauges

:agree: The speedometer on my boat stopped working and it ended up being the speed sensor, the fuel sensor can also be checked, sometimes its the float and other times it can be cleaned and work just fine. Gauges are usually not the problem, but you never know......till you test. If you buy, let us know so we can get you on the direction in testing and fixing these two problems.

scrump

 

[challenger18]

The fuel guage on my challenger quit working over the winter and it was an easy fix. I took the float assembly apart and cleaned it, when I put it together everything worked great. I seriously doubt it is your guage.