Twin 787 vs Twin 717

[docster]

I'm avoiding merc powered boat. Looking at a challenger 1800 (twin 787s) and a sportster 1800 (twin 717s). Both are in great shape with similar use. Our primary use will be just cruising around and swimming off of. But next use is tubing/wakeboarding/skiing. So here's my question...is the sportster underpowered. I worry that 50 less hp will be pretty noticeable. I will test drive but not towing, so hard to tell. I understand the c1800 is exceptionally quick out of hole but not sure how the s1800 compares. That's what I'm looking for. Out of hole, not top speed.

Also. Which is generally more reliable, the 717 or 787?

 

[RFoster130]

Both are very reliable motors. I had a speedster with the twin 787's and it was a blast. Ive been in a sportster with the twin 717's and i wasnt very impressed honestly. The 18 footer is kinda big for the 717's in my opinion. You will see the difference, especially towing.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Hi docster,
Please see the following thread about Michigan members. And also the thread in my signature about first names.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?29590-Michigan-Here&p=330712#post330712

Where are you in Michigan?

 

[Albysure]

Ok I have the 98 sportster 1800 with twin 717s. My friends who we go with have different style jet boats which I spank when it's time to leave or if they wanna try and race.....One is a seadoo challanger 2000....seadoo challenger 180 2005..... Yamaha 2009 twin AR210..... I was afriad when I bought mine that I was gonna be the slow guy.... They already had there boats....mine is completely rebuilt pumps and all...but I like the style of the challanger better if it has the two captain chairs...O and my other friend has a regal rush xp which doesn't count....lol..

 

[dbracela]

We have a 98 challenger 1800 with the twin 787's. last year we changed impellers looking for a little better low end grunt. With 4 people on board it can pop me up (200 lbs) on one ski no problem. We have had three adults in the tube with a couple more on board without issue. Cruising the lake with my wife, the 80lb dog and a load of gear we top out at just over 49mph on the GPS. I love the swivel captains chairs for the driver and passenger. I can't speak to the sportster, but if you want a boat that is great for water sports while still leaving enough room for friends/family I can't see how you'd be disappointed with the challenger 1800.

 

[abouels0827]

I've got a 99 speedster, just got the carbs rebuilt and had it out on sunday...man does the thing fly...I also noticed qhen I got it back that they checked and wrote compression on both cylinders. ..165/170 and 170/175...does this sound right to you guys? I was hoping I would have good compression but this sounds to good. I was thinking I'd have low 100s nut bought the boat with out checkin last September. First time I had it out since carbs and wear rings replaced. Also had oil pump on one motor changed and both exhausts welch plug rewelded....now it gets to 7k and holds steady.

 

[docster]

If you are use to the Challenger i can see how the sportster is not impressive, but still, arent they pretty quick compared to similar boats?

I guess i Shouldnt be comparing the C1800 to the S1800. Basically im leaning towards the sporster since its in little better shape, with much cleaner trailer. Also, just had carbs rebuilt last fall, and both pumps completely rebuilt with new wear rings and impellers. Same Price as the Challenger.

My main concern is hole shot for towing sports. How does the Sportster 1800 compare to say a Fourwinns Horizon 180 with a 5.0 in it? Will the sportster still whoop it out of the hole? I know the challenger its no question.

 

[Albysure]

My sportster 1800 shoots right out of the hole...I can have a full boat or 3 adults and pull my two kids on a tube with no problem. Entry if power if drive system and pump is good.. But damn the challangers look good... Buy it and trade me...