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[lucidi09]

I'm about to purchase a new 06' Challenger 180 CS. I live in PA and will be using this down the shore in the bay and ocean...I've been hearing from a lot of people that I may want to look in another direction because this boat will not have the power or durabilty that I'm looking for to ride out in the ocean...Can anyone give me some feedback as to what I should do?!? This is my first boat purchase and I wanna make the right choice! Is it dificult to maintain? What are the typical issue's I may have? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[thumper]

these boats are predominantly for flatish water or lakes - they will handle 2ft chop no problem in a following or head sea - but a crossing sea is a different matter - the challenger has a sort of deepish v hull and a standard deadrise which is ok-ish in the ocean - but it really depends on what you are buying it for and the likely conditions you will be using it in - if you are buying it for watersports you will generally be using it in good conditions so it will be fine - but if you have to cross a rough bay to find flatish water on a leeward shore is when you may come unstuck
know the area you will be using it in.
if you want to go out in all weathers/conditions for just cruising you may be better off with something a little more seaworthy
if its for baording and skiing in good conditions - you would be hard pressed to find a better sports boat IMO - they are reallt good on the gas mileage aswell.
good luck whatever you doo.