Looking for HELP and TIPS...

[CLENewBoatGuy]

Hey everyone. I am a complete rookie boat owner and I have been looking at the Sea Doo Challenger SE 230 It's a 2009 and brand new.... I live in cleveland and have easy access to Lake Erie

So I guess my general questions are:

- Why this boat versus a more "traditional" prop boat?
- What should I be concerned about?
- What is the general cost of ownership of this boat versus other boats?

Any insight that be provided would be much appreciated.

Thanks... Kevin

 

[voodoo]

Take a safe boating course, you will be able to answer many of these questions there and gain the most valuable knowlegde from the instructors who have already owned a few and know how to put your answers in the mechanical language you may not be accustom to hearing as a brand new person.
The jet boat does not have an exposed propelor, I would advise against a supercharged boat for any beginner or even the first jet boat, they use about 9gals per hour.

 

[jwheatley20]

I just bought a Challenger 180 with the SC IC 215 motor in it. Its a single output. The boat you are talking about has two of my motors in it. I agree with voodoo on the gas part. My boat seems to SUCK gas like its dehydrated. Aside from that, a jet boat is awesome to own. Turning on a dime. Literally. At idle, I just cut the wheel to the left or right, and it just spins in a circle never moving in any direction. My only other gripe is the single jet. I wish it were double due to when I turn, you can feel the boat lose propulsion because it comes out of the water somewhat. With a double, one will always be in the water. My take, Id buy it. You wont regret it.

Maintenance is just like anything else. It shouldnt break the bank, but it does cost money. I run premium in my boat, being as its super charged. Gas adds up. But its worth it to me. If it doesnt have a monster tower, definately look into one. They make everything easier. Even hydrosliding. You can tow multiple skiers with ease. Multiple tubes. Its awesome.

Oh, and something that takes getting used to, is the boat pretty much will not steer what so ever without a little throttle. Just like a Jet SKi. Without throttle, it doesnt respond very fast. Its really finicky too. Just takes driving time.