should 05-'07 Challengers with original motors be avoided?

[Blue-doo155]

Ive been looking to buy a 15' Sportster 155hp with a budget of $6k. In my search i see a lot of good deals popping up on the 180's. I've come across a quite a few '05-'07 challengers for just $1500-3k more than most Sportsters I'm seeing. But, between the known valve & supercharger issues, should these years be avoided? Im looking at it 2 ways: after 10 years, the original motor is still running good so it should be in the clear -or- at 10 yrs its on borrowed time and will probably go at any time. I understand thats the risk of buying used but Just trying to make the best decision possible. All boats I'm looking at are under 200 hours. I don't need anything bigger than the 15' Sportster, but seeing i can get a challenger for little more money its been kind of tempting..
appreciate your opinions!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Bottom line, a SC engine in salt water has the highest odds of failure. Depending on your use, this is something to consider.

 

[rcguy]

I don't know if I would avoid these models but I would make sure the superchargers were rebuilt and the ceramic washers were removed and replaced with steel washers. As far as the valves were concerned I would negotiate (subtract) the cost of replacing the sodium filled valves.

I owned a Sportster 150 and found it way to small for my liking and traded up to a 180. Best move I could have made.

 

[timeman]

I have an 06 S/C 180 Challenger, always used in fresh water, always maintained, replaced ceramic washers, rebuilt super charger never had any problems, she runs like a new one....

 

[Blue-doo155]

thanks for info guys. anyone have a rough idea of what a lifespan may be(in hours) of a supercharged 215 if properly maintained? from what I've read, the 155NA 'could' get to 800-1500 hours.I guess a SC'd motor would be less?. .timeman: did you change out your valves to the newer ones?

 

[rcguy]

thanks for info guys. anyone have a rough idea of what a lifespan may be(in hours) of a supercharged 215 if properly maintained? from what I've read, the 155NA 'could' get to 800-1500 hours.I guess a SC'd motor would be less?. .timeman: did you change out your valves to the newer ones?

Both engines should be about the same but it is impossible to forecast. One thing for certain the better you care for the engine the better it will care for you.

 

[timeman]

thanks for info guys. anyone have a rough idea of what a lifespan may be(in hours) of a supercharged 215 if properly maintained? from what I've read, the 155NA 'could' get to 800-1500 hours.I guess a SC'd motor would be less?. .timeman: did you change out your valves to the newer ones?

No, my valves, the engine except for the super charger and ceramic washer replacement, is stock. Boat had 12 hrs when I bought it in 06, I have somewhere between 250-300 on it now (no hour meter).

Buying a used boat is hard because despite what they tell you, you can never really know how the previous owner(s) took care of it or how hard they drove it.

Good luck, and happy boating!