5 replies to this topic

[ihparker]

I am deciding between a Challenger 1800/2000 or a Speedster 200. One of the key considerations is the ability of the boat to clear a low bridge that I need to go through to get from my home to Vineyard Sound.

The bridge clearance at high tide is a little over 3 1/2 feet. A neighbor has a Challenger 2000 and has no problems with the clearance. The dealer I am talking with says that the Speedster 200 rides the same as the Challneger and if I can get a Challenger under the bridge, I can also get a Speedster under.

I am looking for some practical experience from those of you who own the Speedster 200.

I am also curious about your view of the Challenger 1800 compared to the Speedster 200. I am not as concerned about top speed as I am about the feel of the boat. I can get the Challenger 1800 for $18000 and the Speedster for $28,000. Is the Speedster worth the difference. I know this is very much a personal decision, but I am curious as to pros and cons of owners.

Thanks for your help.

[Kevin Leclair]

Maybe Tim can give you some insight on this when he comes on the forums, he is one of the Speedster 200 owners on the forums here.

[Tim]

I believe the clearance is the same for both models, so you would be Ok there... Next, it all comes down to preference. I had a Utopia 185 last year, which uses the same power plant as the Challenger. My reason for a Change to the Speedster 200 is the new 4 Tec- 4 Stroke motors... No more exhaust smoke getting to you on the slow river rides.... My wife didn't like that part of it.. Plus no more adding 2 stroke engine oil when you take it to the lake.... That was my reasoning...

I would have rather had the full windshield, like the utopia, but the Speedster 200 is the only large Sea-doo with these engines... Plus I kind of like the idea of 310 HP!

So it all come down to choice.. To smoke (2 Stroke) or not to smoke (4 Stroke), that is the question! Plus the fact that my Ski-Doo Snowmobile dealer and my Sea-Doo Jet Boat dealer, Both said those 4 Tec- 4 Stroke Motors were bullet proof, plus I have been told they get way better fuel mileage...

Tim

[john 200]

Maybe Tim can give you some insight on this when he comes on the forums, he is one of the Speedster 200 owners on the forums here. 

Look back at early topic on the 200. I have owned both and would never go back to the challenger after owning the 200.

[ihparker]

Thanks for the info. I agree on the 4 stroke engine(s). It would be noce to have a clean burning engine. I guess I have to decide whether that is worth $10,000, if I am otherwise happy with the Challenger 1800.

I am going to look at both models within the next couple of days and will decide.

[john 200]

Thanks for the info. I agree on the 4 stroke engine(s). It would be noce to have a clean burning engine. I guess I have to decide whether that is worth $10,000, if I am otherwise happy with the Challenger 1800.

I am going to look at both models within the next couple of days and will decide.

I would say the 200 will ride higher in the water because it is a very deep boat. I would consider buying some other kind of boat before Id buy another challenger.My friend has a challenger and the single mercury jet in his has the same problems mine had. It just porposed all the time. I spent 500.00 on trim tabs which did help but you had to mess with them constantly to make them work. I can't believe seadoo hasn't fixed this problem. The 200 rides good no porposing.