NOOB Help buying used Sea-Doo Challenger/Wake (couple quick questions)

[frontside720]

First post, looking forward to a great place for assistance and ideas.

My brother and I are buying our first boat ever and I have decided on a Sea-doo jet boat as our lake can have some shallow spots and I think it's the best for what we are looking for.

We have a combined 7 kids (oldest being 5) and are looking to grow with this boat. The purpose is to use it for water sports with friends and tubing for the little ones and the odd boat cruise. Seating capacity is important and that's why we crossed the 180 off our list. We don't expect to take everyone for a ride but the more room the better.

I am very experienced when it comes to power boats. My father currently owns a 2011 52' Cruiser Yacht that I often borrow for the weekend.

My Sea-Doo options are as follows:

1) 2007 230 Wake
* 410HP
*100 hrs (100hr service and supercharger rebuilt)
* $33,000 (asking price)

2) 2008 230 Challenger SE
* Twin 215hp/Fully Loaded (no wake bar)
* 64 hrs
* $27,000 (asking but I don't think it's still available)

3) 2011 210 Challenger SE (with Warranty)
*310HP
*6 hrs
$30,000 (negotiated)

I really like the look of the wake boat and it's definitely my style but I'm concerned about the 100hrs and I haven't been able to locate enough information on buying a used jet boat with 100hrs. My original instinct is telling me get the 2011 210 because of the warranty and peace of mind but I can go brand new with a wake tower for $7K more.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

I'm from Canada btw.

 

[cheappc]

First post, looking forward to a great place for assistance and ideas.

My brother and I are buying our first boat ever and I have decided on a Sea-doo jet boat as our lake can have some shallow spots and I think it's the best for what we are looking for.

We have a combined 7 kids (oldest being 5) and are looking to grow with this boat. The purpose is to use it for water sports with friends and tubing for the little ones and the odd boat cruise. Seating capacity is important and that's why we crossed the 180 off our list. We don't expect to take everyone for a ride but the more room the better.

I am very experienced when it comes to power boats. My father currently owns a 2011 52' Cruiser Yacht that I often borrow for the weekend.

My Sea-Doo options are as follows:

1) 2007 230 Wake
* 410HP
*100 hrs (100hr service and supercharger rebuilt)
* $33,000 (asking price)

2) 2008 230 Challenger SE
* Twin 215hp/Fully Loaded (no wake bar)
* 64 hrs
* $27,000 (asking but I don't think it's still available)

3) 2011 210 Challenger SE (with Warranty)
*310HP
*6 hrs
$30,000 (negotiated)

I really like the look of the wake boat and it's definitely my style but I'm concerned about the 100hrs and I haven't been able to locate enough information on buying a used jet boat with 100hrs. My original instinct is telling me get the 2011 210 because of the warranty and peace of mind but I can go brand new with a wake tower for $7K more.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

I'm from Canada btw.

In my life, Ive learned to go for my first intuition, I like warranty... but with that said, you only live once get what you want.. p.s. welcome by the way

 

[frontside720]

Well, the 2007 is now $30,000 too.

Buy 2011 with warranty or 2007 100hr better boat. I like the 2007 better but I'm really concerned about 100hrs and I'm not sure if that's excessive or not.

 

[cheappc]

Well, the 2007 is now $30,000 too.

Buy 2011 with warranty or 2007 100hr better boat. I like the 2007 better but I'm really concerned about 100hrs and I'm not sure if that's excessive or not.

I took my boat out 5 times and only have 8 hours..i dont know if 100 hours is a lot? anybody else?

 

[Sky-Guy]

I'm no Rotax expert, but in the grand scheme of 4 stroke engines, 100 hours really isn't a big deal (unless it was really abused and poorly maintained).
If you wanted an analogy to mileage on a car, like the 100,000 mile milestone, I don't think 100 hours is even vaguely close to that type of comparison in terms of useful life left.
I'm also new to jetboats, but with outboard motors, I wouldn't be the least bit concerned with a motor that had 300 hours.

 

[frontside720]

Thats all i was really wondering and the car analogy helped.

He told me he spent $2500 on the 100hr service and after searching the web it didnt make sense. I inquired. The seller put 2 new 255 supercharges instead of rebuilding. Makes me think that he fried the old ones. He also has a $4000k stereo in it that means crap to me except that he probably road the boat hard.

I found the same boat, same price with 40hrs on it and $5k worth of toys.

My thought is, do I want a fresh rebuild or less hrs with a rebuild in the near future?

Perhaps the best thing to do is get a compression test and service (my expense) on the 40hr boat and see what the diagnosis is.

 

[BMANN06]

Compression test is certainly worthwhile. Maintaince is key, I've seen 4tecs with 200+hrs and they start and run very well. Other hand I've rebuilt a couple 4tecs that didn't even get to 50hr mark. You'll be able to tell how previous owner looked after his rig upon visual inspection. I know it's getting chilly out there but a test drive is a must!! Try to shave a few more dollars off asking price is end of season so you'll be sitting on it for the winter.

Have fun let us know whatcha go with!!

Ps if it were me... 230 Wake would be my choice