5 replies to this topic

[bigezvol]

I am looking at two Challenger 1800s... A 1999 and a 2003. The obvious difference is the twin Rotax's or the Mercury 240EFI (and the price). I can get the '99 for $8k and has a new interior. The 2003 only has 10 hrs on it but he is asking $16k. I think can get him down to at least $15k.

Any advice on which way to go?

[kvoman]

Test drive both, check the engines, check the boats thouroughly, if engines on boats are the same in terms of performance, go with the cheaper one. Save your money for the toys (tubes, boards, new stereo, etc.).

[bigezvol]

I can get the 2003 for $14k. I already have all the toys from a previous boat.

Thanks for the input.

[SuperCharged]

I would go with the 2003.. Mercury are more reliable than rotax 2stroke

[tda3]

Yeah....I'd go with the 2003. My Speedster 160 has the Merc 240 and I just love the motor. I ran the engine last week for the first time in 5 months and that sucker barked to life almost immediately. Oh - and it be fast.

Tom

[bigezvol]

Thanks for the input all.. I picked up the 2003 Challenger 1800 last Saturday. Only 10 hrs on her and brand new 2006 Karavan Trailer for $14k. Have had her out 4 times since then. I love owning a boat again. I will post some pics soon. Ordered Kicker KM60 6 1/2s to replace the stock Seaworthy speakers. got 4 of them for $89 from Crutchfield (buy a pair get a pair at 1/2 price). Not bad. Installing them this weekend. HydroTurf and GPS are next on the list.

Jeff