Challenger 230SE??

[tmthunder]

Hello,
I am new to this forum but from searching the web it looks like you have alot of active members here. I am tossing around the idea of selling my 24' Python with built 502 Bravo X. The wife and I have looked at a 2011 230SE with the 510HP option. I have never been in one of these boats. I have always had I/O or outboards. I think it is time for a change. We boat on lakes 99% of the time. There is a slight chance for a river run down to the ocean and back. Most of the time the lake is fairly calm 1' or less chop but occassionally if we get caught it can be very rough 3' or larger waves. What are your thoughts on the 230SE? What maintenance concerns are there with the supercharged motors? My current set up will run in the high 70's low 80's all day I know that I wont get that speed from the Challenger but with 510HP it should still pull low 60's correct? I am in hopes that I can get the dealer to let me take the boat to try it out before I buy it but figured I would ask for your opinions first. Thank you for your time!!
Brian

 

[seadooguynj]

I doubt you will see anything over about 60, even with the 510hp, but that is my personal opinion. Most of these boats seem to run between 45 and 55 unless you have one of the lightweight speedsters with some modifications. The 230se has a decent amount of weight to it also. It will take some getting used to in terms of operation because of the jet systems (because they don't just got into neutral and everything stops). What is the primary purpose that you would use the 230 for? Just crusing around? Or watersports, etc? Maybe someone else has some thoughts on the subject...

 

[RFoster130]

The 230 is a sweet machine. If i had 40 grand to toss out on a boat i would be all over one of them or the 230 wake speedster. I have ridden in one with the 430HP and it did around 65ish. I think the 510 would be about the same top speed, it just gets there slightly quicker. Its a beast of a boat. Huge with tons of room and is very quick. It's a smooth ride. Since they are a lot bigger than the smaller sea doo boats, they handle choppy water without a problem. As far as maintenance, the earlier superchargers had some issues which have been resolved. As long as you know ahead of time you are looking at a rebuild on the superchargers, then i wouldnt worry. I think the dealers are now saying 200 hours for a rebuild on them.

 

[tmthunder]

My primary purpose is cruising around. Typically we go from camp to camp or beach to beach with a group of people so the room of the 230 will be great versus the closed bow I have now. Watersports would be pulling a tube or skier nothing radical. Glad to hear that it should handle the water well. What did they change on the superchargers? Is this the "washer" issue that I have read so much about on the web? It has a 3 or 4 year warranty so would the rebuild fall under the warranty? Thanks again for the help!

 

[RFoster130]

I think the boats started all getting steel washers with a titanium coating in 2009. i wouldnt be afraid to buy anything newer with a supercharged engine. Most of the issues anyway where on the PWC. People would be out of the watter hitting the rev limiter and it put too much stress on them. The boats seldom had the problem. The rebuild is a maintenance issue and isnt covered under warranty. Ask the dealer, i am curious how many hours they are telling people now.

 

[cycleguy88]

I was told about 200-250 hours before a rebuild is needed, and it'd be about $200 per supercharger. The only regrets i have in buying my boat, is not getting a larger one. The 230se is sweet, so good luck.

 

[tmthunder]

Thanks for the help guys! I am really thinking that we will be getting the challenger. If it is 200 hours that should get me 3-4 years before needing to perform a rebuild. I am ok with that. Are there any power improvements that can be done to get a little more speed? Impeller change, intakes, ect??

 

[cycleguy88]

I don't think there's anything that you can really do to the boats for more power. The HO 510hp model already comes with the mods as standard. Post up some pics and a review when you get it.

 

[davo]

Agreed, I love my boat but...the extra room & acceleration would be great on the 230. I'm contemplating the 230 wake myself. Might be a year or so away. The c180 was my first boat of any type. The jet boats are very easy to handle(except reverse). Very maneuverable, & the engine with supercharger is very reliable. My boat is nearly 2 yrs old, no issues at all. My biggest headache is thinking of decking out another boat once this one is gone.
good luck

 

[seadooguynj]

Agreed, I love my boat but...the extra room & acceleration would be great on the 230. I'm contemplating the 230 wake myself. Might be a year or so away. The c180 was my first boat of any type. The jet boats are very easy to handle(except reverse). Very maneuverable, & the engine with supercharger is very reliable. My boat is nearly 2 yrs old, no issues at all. My biggest headache is thinking of decking out another boat once this one is gone.
good luck

While all the sweet mods you have it would suck to have to go through all of that again....

 

[cycleguy88]

Agreed, I love my boat but...the extra room & acceleration would be great on the 230. I'm contemplating the 230 wake myself. Might be a year or so away. The c180 was my first boat of any type. The jet boats are very easy to handle(except reverse). Very maneuverable, & the engine with supercharger is very reliable. My boat is nearly 2 yrs old, no issues at all. My biggest headache is thinking of decking out another boat once this one is gone.
good luck

I know, i am thinking the same thing. I will hate to spend the money on another boat stereo, but it was a fun project. This was my first boat as well, so i'll wait about 4 years and then give the 230 wake a shot. I would do it now, but I'd have to keep it at the marina and that's just too much $$ right now. 4 years can't come fast enough. LOL

 

[davo]

The good bit, is I know what works & what doesn't. If I got a 230, whoa watch out!!
Need to figure out how to add a bowser to the back.

 

[tmthunder]

Thanks again guys! I hope to go look at the boat next week. I will update if I get it.