[wazzubob]

Hello:

Am looking to replace my 1977 Crestliner Tri-Hull with an 80HP Merc. Believe it or not this thing moves! Wanted to find a runabout with an outboard that isn't part fish boat. Impossible to find.

Elected to look at the Sea Doos and think this might be a good fit.

Have never driven a jet drive and understand the learning curve that goes with that.

Am a bit concerned about the reliability of the Rotax engine. Have not found much info positive or negative on this. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Wazzu bob

[Kevin Leclair]

Welcome to the website! We have a 180 Challenger and absolutely love it -- this is our second SeaDoo, we previously owned a 160 Speedster. The main difference in these boats is that our Speedster had a Mercury engine where the Challenger has a Rotax. Both engines have been extremely reliable to us. I would recommend making a trip to your local deal and give the 180 Challenger a test drive to see what you think.

[wazzubob]

Kevin Leclair, on 09 March 2010 - 08:02 AM, said:

Welcome to the website! We have a 180 Challenger and absolutely love it -- this is our second SeaDoo, we previously owned a 160 Speedster. The main difference in these boats is that our Speedster had a Mercury engine where the Challenger has a Rotax. Both engines have been extremely reliable to us. I would recommend making a trip to your local deal and give the 180 Challenger a test drive to see what you think.

Thanks Kevin:

I am having a hard time finding an 09 or 2010 180 Challenger. I travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Wichita for work and there is only one dealer in KC that has a couple in stock. I generally like to find a couple dealers so that I can get a competitive bid, but that doesn't seem to be the case with SeaDoos. Even ordering one has gotten luke warm response.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Bob

[Kevin Leclair]

I would shop them via Boat Trader, http://boattrader.com.