Buying Used Challenger

[Jnz]

My uncle asked for some help as he is looking to purchase a 2007 Challenger 180. Trouble is I've never owned a 4 stroke so can't offer much advice. He is going to see the boat in storage and it is still winterized with water frozen over here, I told him its best to wait and water test it, but given the situation. What can and should he look for?

 

[Coastiejoe]

2004 to mid 2006 have sodium filled exhaust valves. These are weaker than the solid core valves. The Seadoo boats are always a year behind. Which means, if you have a 2007 boat, you have a 2006 engine. So to be safe, you would want a late 2007 boat to not have the valves.

These can be replaced with solid core valves. If a valve fails, it is a pretty expensive venture. Easily into the thousands of dollars.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I agree the valves will be a problem and if not changed this must be done PRIOR to their failure. As you note, it's not a good idea to purchase any boat untested at full price, this is the season risk is high.

At least perform a cylinder compression test, and plan on removing the cylinder head for new valves if not already done. At least a compression test, if failed, reveals an expensive engine problem off the bat BEFORE money changes hands.