Does this sound right?

[Saoirse]

Hello everyone. I am new to the boating world and am currently negotiating the purchase of my first jetboat. I have been doing quite a bit of internet research and a little bit of talking to some Sea-Doo owners I see around the lake. One 180 Challenger owner told me it wasn't that great for water skiing because the skier will "sway" the boat i.e. because jet boats ride on top of the water as opposed to cutting through it, the skier actually pulls the stern from side to side. Is this true? Will I have any problems water skiing (kids and learners) with the Challenger 180 with 255hp?

Also, does $21K sound good/just right/could do better/too much for a new 2009 180 Challenger (255).

Thanks. Any advise/comments etc is very welcome.

 

[Dr Honda]

for an 09... that's about right. If you hold out until next spring, or late winter, Seadoo will have better incentives. At the beginning of this year, we were watching 08 180's go for $18k


The 180 is a great ski boat... but it's not going to let you win any competitions. Yes... if you get an aggressive ski'er, they will drag the boat around, but you can counter it with the steering wheel. On prop ski boat... you have a rudder, prop, outdrive, or out board hanging in the water holding it straight. (as you already knew)

The nice thing about a jet boat is that you can run in shallow water, and there isn't anything sharp hanging down for kids to hurt themselves on.

 

[Saoirse]

Thanks DrHonda.

Since this season is almost over, I think I might wait.

 

[JThomasLambert]

Yep, you can feel the skier pulling the 180 a bit when you're driving but I've never had a skier complain. Actually most of the skiers I've had up like the boat because of the smaller wake at higher speeds. It's the wake boarders who complain a bit (unless I bring my 400 lb buddy along--we call him Fat-sac!).

 

[unclejay]

Dont wait

I would advise against waiting for 2 reasons -

- The inventory of left over 208 and 2009 models is being worked down, they are great deals but in a couple months they will be gone and the discounts gone also. 2010 models are in lower production and there will not be a ot of left overs.

- Spring is not a good time to buy a boat, for obvious reasons.

 

[Saoirse]

Hi UncleJay, I don't know alot about boating...what would be the reasons not to buy a boat in the Spring?

 

[ocod]

Hi UncleJay, I don't know alot about boating...what would be the reasons not to buy a boat in the Spring?

spring -> summer everyone is using them...

 

[moosehead]

Saoirse, not sure if you are insisting on new, but you may also want to check out end of season slightly used.

When I started looking at 07-09 Challenger 215's in June this year, circa 50 hour boats were trading $15k-$17k with ask prices of $18-19K. You'll start seeing some must sells now that Sept has hit.

 

[Saoirse]

Thanks guys.

I didn't even consider geographics...not sure that many people up in Canada start boating in Spring as it is much colder...unless you are hardcore.

Moosehead, when you refer to the increase in available boats in September, is this more in the southern states? I have been looking at availability of Seadoos in BC and Washington and there is nothing out there. And the prices in Canada are, in some cases as much as 25% more.

 

[ocod]

Thanks guys.

I didn't even consider geographics...not sure that many people up in Canada start boating in Spring as it is much colder...unless you are hardcore.

Moosehead, when you refer to the increase in available boats in September, is this more in the southern states? I have been looking at availability of Seadoos in BC and Washington and there is nothing out there. And the prices in Canada are, in some cases as much as 25% more.

wait for winter.
basically the off season of boats...
lakes freeze fom where your from..

we boat year round

 

[despower]

I think the last time lakes froze in Vancouver, there were glaciers and woolly mammoths there too. Maybe in the mountains or futher north, but not Vancouver.

I`d say that Saoirse could probably enjoy boating year round, although it might be a tad chillly for a few months. Probably not as enjoyable as Miami, but definately better than where I come from - a three month season for me is pushing it at the best of times unless I don a mustang suit for the rest of the year.

 

[moosehead]

Saiorse, I was referring to end of peak boating season phenom where now that folks have gotten their water time in they think about selling and are a bit more motivated. Deep winter makes sellers most flexible.

I didn't think about your NW Maritime climate, Despower is right it's much more temperate than here in CO. Keep looking, it'll show up.

Are CAN prices higher due to exchange and tax, or is it supply/demand issues?

 

[ocod]

I think the last time lakes froze in Vancouver, there were glaciers and woolly mammoths there too. Maybe in the mountains or futher north, but not Vancouver.

I`d say that Saoirse could probably enjoy boating year round, although it might be a tad chillly for a few months. Probably not as enjoyable as Miami, but definately better than where I come from - a three month season for me is pushing it at the best of times unless I don a mustang suit for the rest of the year.

I saw Canada and figured it gets cold in the winter enough to freeze lakes
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