I own a 97 Challenger 1800. If you're thinking about buying one or you own one that actually runs, sell it now!!!
If you have to buy a jet boat, buy a Yamaha, or at least a four stroke. Four stroke won't suck down the fuel as bad. Don't ever buy a boat with a 2 stroke motor.
Too many problems with a Seadoo, at least a 97 Challenger 1800. You will spend so much cash buying parts, gas, etc. You will also spend more time troubleshooting, repairing, and maintenance than actually using the piece of junk.
Other reasons you should avoid this boat:
1. Very rough ride. Unless the water is like glass, it rides like a bull. If you cruise over 30 to 40 MPH, you'll bounce up and down hard on the seats. Your a.... will be sore, not to mention other body parts in the area.
2. No windshield, so wind blows directly in everyones face. I could deal with this, except everyones butt is so sore from bouncing up and down.
3. No carpet, so you slip all over the place. If you do buy one, install some carpet.
4. Working on the engine or anything in the engine compartment is literally back breaking. You have to bend over the back seat to work on anything in the engine compartment. Some repairs you will be hanging upside down for a very long time. I just love the blood rushing to my head while breathing gas vapors, and sweating my a.... off.
5. There are 4 carburetors, which means you will eventually have to rebuild them. More back breaking work, just to get them off the engine.
6. Rave valves, there is four of those too, have to be cleaned periodically. These are not as hard to do, but still another thing you will eventually have to deal with.
Basically this boat is a miserable experience. You will always be performing maintenance, repairs, and the time spent on the lake will be mostly miserable too, depending on the lake conditions. Remember, this boat is a very rough ride unless your are on water thats as smooth as glass!!!
I've had my boat for 3 years, and truthfully, I've spent more time performing maintenance and repairs than on the water. Haven't even spent near the amount of time on the water as repairing. Also spent tons of money on parts, gas, oil, and upholstery.
Big mistake if you buy one of these boats. If you already own one, sell it if or when you can. If you have to have a jet boat, buy a Yamaha.
If you have to buy a jet boat, buy a Yamaha, or at least a four stroke. Four stroke won't suck down the fuel as bad. Don't ever buy a boat with a 2 stroke motor.
Too many problems with a Seadoo, at least a 97 Challenger 1800. You will spend so much cash buying parts, gas, etc. You will also spend more time troubleshooting, repairing, and maintenance than actually using the piece of junk.
Other reasons you should avoid this boat:
1. Very rough ride. Unless the water is like glass, it rides like a bull. If you cruise over 30 to 40 MPH, you'll bounce up and down hard on the seats. Your a.... will be sore, not to mention other body parts in the area.
2. No windshield, so wind blows directly in everyones face. I could deal with this, except everyones butt is so sore from bouncing up and down.
3. No carpet, so you slip all over the place. If you do buy one, install some carpet.
4. Working on the engine or anything in the engine compartment is literally back breaking. You have to bend over the back seat to work on anything in the engine compartment. Some repairs you will be hanging upside down for a very long time. I just love the blood rushing to my head while breathing gas vapors, and sweating my a.... off.
5. There are 4 carburetors, which means you will eventually have to rebuild them. More back breaking work, just to get them off the engine.
6. Rave valves, there is four of those too, have to be cleaned periodically. These are not as hard to do, but still another thing you will eventually have to deal with.
Basically this boat is a miserable experience. You will always be performing maintenance, repairs, and the time spent on the lake will be mostly miserable too, depending on the lake conditions. Remember, this boat is a very rough ride unless your are on water thats as smooth as glass!!!
I've had my boat for 3 years, and truthfully, I've spent more time performing maintenance and repairs than on the water. Haven't even spent near the amount of time on the water as repairing. Also spent tons of money on parts, gas, oil, and upholstery.
Big mistake if you buy one of these boats. If you already own one, sell it if or when you can. If you have to have a jet boat, buy a Yamaha.
