Challenger buyer-pics look good?

[dame3780]

I'm looking to purchase a 2004 Challenger 180. 130 hours, used as family boat. I have these pics of engine and need help. Looks very clean and maintained. Supercharger rebuilt last year. What do you guys think? The body and interior are in great condition. Owner not willing to allow water test only start up. First time buyer here. Any help is much appreciated with engine pics. Thanks

 

[rcookr1]

I would bring cash on hand and ask for a 5 min test drive... If he will not let you test drive walk away. If you have cash in hand or check should be no issue

 

[dame3780]

Thanks @rcookr1 Owner worried about tire kickers. Planning on going with cash.

 

[Mister Magoo]

If you can't water test do not buy, period.

 

[dame3780]

@Mister Magoo Thank you for response. The owner seemed firm on not allowing water test. I've got a 5-6 hr drive to get to the location as well. So, it is a big risk on my part if owner still doesn't allow water test. I'm out an entire day plus fuel. Maybe I should pass then.

 

[Mister Magoo]

Having bought an older, 2007 speedster with 15 hours on it, I found that these boats need work and as a buyer one needs to do their homework. Understand that before you can effectivelly go out in it service items have to be checked out ie: oil and anti freeze changed. I don;t trust what a previous owner has said about the supercharger, you should service it first. This way you can have piece of mind. Now unless this boat is dirt cheap I would have to take it to the water. If it were me, knowing what I know now I would take close look at the engine, run a compression test. Go look at it with your money in hand and ask for a water test, if the seller refuses then something is up. Better to be out gas money than having to pay for expense repairs soon after buying. I really like my Speedster and had to put money into it to get it up to my standards to operate. Like this boat you're considering, my boat was several hours away in another state, not very close to a boat ramp but I insisted on a water test and we did. Have you ever operated a jet powered PWC before?

 

[dame3780]

The owner mentioned doing own service and upkeep on boat and stated it's in top shape. It's around $10k and firm on price. I really would like to water test it, just don't think that decision will change but who knows. I haven't operated a jet boat before-only jet skis. An uncle of mine had a Yamaha 242 and we'd go out on it during Summers. I never did get behind the wheel. So noob here. I really don't know much. I've read and researched some but experience goes a long way and I'm missing that.

 

[Mister Magoo]

I got my 2007 155 NA for 6000 with 15 hours on it. I had sat for a bit then the owner died and his son sold it. It is in good shape when I got it. I fix electronics for a living now but 15 years ago I worked at a couple of motorcycle dealerships in the service departments. Honda and Bombardier, now I did not turn a wrench on the marine stuff because those techs needed to be certified but I worked on everything else. I have done all the work on my boat myself. I looked and looked for a Seadoo boat for over a year. Went and looked at a bunch, both 2 and 4 stroke, but knew I wanted a 4 stoke non super charged model. Most would water test but not all. After listening to people on a couple of forums I came to realize that if an owner will not you water test, not just running on a hose but in the water, stay away from it. You cannot trust people to be honest about used boats, you can believe a water test and compression gauges. These jet boats run differently in the water than just sitting on a trailer. My point is water testing is needed before you buy. Go look at this boat in person and see if a water test will happen. I know these boats are hard to find, don't stop looking.

 

[JPass]

I would never buy a boat without a test drive. Show him that you have cash and are serious about the purchase. If he still says no test drive, then walk away as he has something to hide.

A test ride will reveal quite a bit, especially if you've never driven that model boat and have any baseline to go off of.

A test ride should last about 30 mins or more. You want the boat cold when you attempt to start it. You'll want to run it slowly until she comes up to operating temp, then hit various speeds, including top speed.

Typically the owner will drive you around a bit and then turn over the controls to you. If he won't then it's not worth buying.

 

[dame3780]

Well fellas, the boat is sold. I'll take that as a sign of sorts. I was planning on going and asking for water test or it was a no-go. Due to the owners availability and when I was notified, I can say the new owner did not get a water test and bought it without one. Keep an eye out for new Challenger owner looking for repair help lol.

Thanks for your advice guys. The search continues...looking for Challenger or Utopia mid 2000's.

 

[MyFirstSpeedster]

@dame3780 what area are you from; are you dead set on a 180?

Also, some guys are just want what they want. I'd rather not lift a finger whenever I sell stuff too; now that will ward some people off, but if the price is right, the demand will be there (sounds like it was).

 

[dame3780]

I agree @MyFirstSpeedster. Boats in the $8-12k range are going quick right now. I'm in CA. Demand appears high.

No not set on a 180. Looking for a 16-19ft jet boat. These will fit my needs best.

 

[Mister Magoo]

Have you thought about a new boat? It sucks that Seadoo discontinued boats. The Scarab 165 starts at 21k, comes with a warranty and I think has a Rotex engine.

 

[MyFirstSpeedster]

Yeah, Scarabs look cool; personally I've got a 600HP 215 ID w/Versa Lounge on my bucket list, but it's about $90k as built, so....

@dame3780 - I took a quick look at CA listings, and it is indeed slim pickings; but listings always ebb and flow and I'd expect to irregularly continue this summer as people end up needing money.

I'm not sure where you are in CA you are, but I did see a 430HP Supercharged 200 (20' not 19') for sale for $14,900 (> $12k)
>>> Used 2006 Sea-Doo Speedster 2000, 86403 Lake Havasu City - Boat Trader

If you end up still wanting a boat when the borders open, and you're willing to make the drive, you could get a boat from Canada (where I got mine); the exchange rate has been phenomenal (currently $1 USD = $1.41 CAD). Let me know if anyone is thinking about doing this and I can give them tips. Also our boats are NAFTA boats, so no massive import fees.

 

[dame3780]

@Mister Magoo Yeah I've been looking at new boats as well. The Scarab 165 looks like a lot of fun but the 195 is better option for our family. For that price range, I started looking at Yamaha's like the SX/AR 190's.

The boats I'm finding in the $10k range are not exactly what I'm looking for with outboard motors etc. I do want a jet boat. Through my search I'm only finding Speedsters/Sportsters and some look really bad and used up. My goal is to pay out cash without having to get a loan. That might change bc used jet boats here are found in low $20k's and new is around $30k. Found a new Yamaha SX190 for $28k.

@MyFirstSpeedster Thanks I'll check it out. I don't mind driving some distance but Canada would be a bit far. I've been looking from Portland to San Diego, Phoenix to Vegas-in that section of west.

 

[Macker29]

Take your time looking... you will eventually find the right boat. Get exactly what you want and don't settle until you get it for the right price.