Buying advice

[lashk]

Found a brand new 2008 Challenger 180 SE 215hp and I'm very inerested in buying. Comes with warranty plus I'll add extended warranty. My concern is if this year model has the ceramic washers on the supercharger and if they were to go out and damage engine, would the warranty cover it. Also, if it does have ceramic washers I heard there is a kit to fix this problem. Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[Dr Honda]

I would ask the people giving the warranty about the supercharger, but since it is an issue... I would think that you will want to keep documentation of supercharger service. Also, make sure you don't go one second over the 100 hr service interval. (that would give them grounds to deny a claim)

If I was to buy a supercharged SeaDoo (which I'm thinking about this year) I would run one season, and the first winter... I would swap out the washers with the Riva tool steel washers. (or yank it off, and install a turbo)

 

[lashk]

I would ask the people giving the warranty about the supercharger, but since it is an issue... I would think that you will want to keep documentation of supercharger service. Also, make sure you don't go one second over the 100 hr service interval. (that would give them grounds to deny a claim)

If I was to buy a supercharged SeaDoo (which I'm thinking about this year) I would run one season, and the first winter... I would swap out the washers with the Riva tool steel washers. (or yank it off, and install a turbo)

So, are you saying it does have ceramic washers? Does the Riva kit completely fix this issue? I was thinking the same thing about running it a year then changing them if they are ceramic.

 

[Craigmri]

My 2008 had the ceramic washers. I was fortunate in that my dealer submitted a claim and got BRP to replace them with titanium coated ones under warranty.

Be absolutely certain the extended warranty is the BRP B.E.S.T. warranty. Dont waste a penny on a third party warranty. I have found that my Sea Doos did need alot of repairs but BRP stood behind the boats and paid every claim.

Craig

 

[lashk]

My 2008 had the ceramic washers. I was fortunate in that my dealer submitted a claim and got BRP to replace them with titanium coated ones under warranty.

Be absolutely certain the extended warranty is the BRP B.E.S.T. warranty. Dont waste a penny on a third party warranty. I have found that my Sea Doos did need alot of repairs but BRP stood behind the boats and paid every claim.

Craig

I see by your avatar you have a different boat. Do you still own the Challenger and with your expirience would you recommend it? Also, did your washers go out or did you change them for preventative measures?

 

[rotinaj]

how hard or how much would it cost to change out the washers?

 

[Craigmri]

C180

Dont get me wrong. I think the C180 is a phenomenal design. Performance is good, very versatile, looks great and has some great features. All this and still fits in most garages.

For me I was turned off by poor gelcoat quality, loud engine at cruise and that swoopy bow will take on water when idling around and you get hit by large wake. On plane its a non-issue but It would happen all the time when I would retrieve a wake boarder.

I've only been out on our new sterndrive once so I'm not claiming victory just yet but so far I'm pleased with this 4.3MPI. The performance is great and at a 40 MPH cruise, the boat is so calm and refined. Its a breath of fresh air after three consecutive jet boats. My jet boats always seemed like they were screaming.

Craig

I see by your avatar you have a different boat. Do you still own the Challenger and with your expirience would you recommend it? Also, did your washers go out or did you change them for preventative measures?

 

[Stinky187]

Alright Dr. H.

Do you or does anyone have a post with photo references, such as this one;
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=30720

for the ceramic/steel washer swap out?

I suppose that's the next thing I'll need to do,:hurray:

 

[pro10is]

So, are you saying it does have ceramic washers? Does the Riva kit completely fix this issue? I was thinking the same thing about running it a year then changing them if they are ceramic.

Almost all 2008 and older 4-Tec supercharged motors on BRP boats (not PWC's) have ceramic washers. Some 2008 models did have the titanium washers. The Riva washers completely fix the fractured washer issue but metal does not last as long as ceramic and the supercharger will need a rebuild at 100 hours.

I wouldn't run it a year, some washers have failed in as few as four hours although that's not likely. Even if your boat is under warranty you do not ever want this to happen because you can never be certain it will be repaired to like new condition after ceramic particles have entered your engine. Better to be proactive and fix it sooner rather than later.

 

[pro10is]

how hard or how much would it cost to change out the washers?

How hard - It's an easy job for anyone familiar with mechanics and who has good tools, a bit of a challenge for anyone else. 2.5 wrenches out of 10.

How much - If you do it yourself about $110 for the washers. You also should have a few special tools and maybe a new set of needle bearings and shims if the supercharger already has some time on it. If you remove the supercharger yourself you can send it out for washer replacement for $50 labor plus the cost of the washers ($110) and shipping (about $35). Shims are included if necessary. I'd recommend this option to anyone who is uncomfortable with doing it themselves.

 

[pro10is]

Alright Dr. H.

Do you or does anyone have a post with photo references, such as this one;
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=30720

for the ceramic/steel washer swap out?

I suppose that's the next thing I'll need to do,:hurray:

http://www.rivamotorsports.com/instructions/rs1751_hdw_948.pdf