Looking at a buying a 2-stroke Challenger - quick question

[pmcentee]

I'm looking at possibly buying a mid-90s Challenger with a single 787 engine. The seller started it up in his driveway for me. It started up right away and ran fine, but the idle seemed a bit rough. I wonder if that's just the nature of a 2-stroke motor that's sat all winter, or if it indicates a problem.

 

[Rhino2013]

Yup, I have a 97 Chalenger. When I start it out of the water, the idle "hunts" and sounds sporadic. When it's in the water, and the prop is in the water, it idles smooth.

 

[howie099]

Ask to put the boat in water to see how it goes. For sure take a compression test reading. They idle different out of water than in water.