3 replies to this topic

[Craig]

Greetings folks!

Looking for some advice and insight as I'm considering getting back into a jet boat.

My last jetboat was a Challenger 2000 with the 240hp merc. I thought it was a fun boat however three elements of that boat forced me to sell. One, my 240hp merc was a smoke machine at idle. Was so obnoxious. Two, in waters with floating sea grass, the inlet screen would get clogged and only effective way to clear was jumping in the water and manually clearing it out. Finally, it seemed like that boat had a torque steer issue because I recall it was more difficult to steer to one side under speed that the other. Otherwise I really enjoyed that boats performance and features.

I've currently got my eye on two Seadoo's:

Boat 1: 2007 Seadoo Challanger 180(Used three times with about 2 hours)
I really like some of the improvements they've made over my older Challenger 2000. Closed loop cooling, four stroke etc... I've been doing some research on this and I have seen a supercharger washer issue? Whats this all about? What inherent issues are typical and what should I look for when previewing and sea trialing this boat? Asking price from private owner is $12,800

Boat 2: 2004 Seadoo Utopia 205 240hp merc(Approx 50 hours)
I really like the Utopia 205's size and feature set however I'm worried about the smoke issue I had with my older challenger. In addition I'm worried that parts, service and costly repairs could be an issue with the merc/seadoo combo. This boat comes with no trailer but at an asking price of $6999 it sounds like a smoking buy(punn?) however I have only seem some low res pictures so a on-site visual is required before making an assesment on condition.

Can anyone offer some thoughts and suggestions to assist me in making a decision on these boats or perhaps other models??

Thanks in advance.
Craig

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[rookie101]

Thats a tough one to awnser.

You pointed out the two obvious advantages to both boats, the Utopias size makes it a smother riding more comfortable boat with more room for the family, but the modern four stroke in the challenger would be much nicer than an old two stroke.

I love my utopia, but wish it had a four stroke in it. Don't get me wrong my Optimax runs great and does not smoke at all. I think I may evan use less fuel than the super charged 4tec.

I have sat in the Challenger 180 at the local boat show here, and found it a bit cramped behind the wheel for my liking. The supercharger washers were not as big an issue in the boats as compared to the skis, but for my piece of mind I would have them changed to the stainless steel ones.

In the end I would try and decide how big of a boat I need. If you don't need the full twenty feet of the Utopia, then go with the Challenger. Without taking the Utopia for a test drive on the water to see how the Mercury runs, and too check for smoke I would stay away from it as the cost of rebuilding a Optimax is very pricey. Also remeber to price out a trailer and take that into consideration.



Aaron

[Craig]

Aaron,

Thanks for your reply. I decided against the Challenger 180. Primary reason is I felt it would be to small should I decide to run out into the Gulf of mexico in choppy waters. I used to have a Challenger 2000 and we liked the 20' size. In addition I found some really good buys for used Utopia 205's.

Yesterday I found a used 2005 Utopia 205se with the 250hp Optimax for what I feel is a really good price.($12,200 OTD). They "claim" the boat has under 100 hours but I am having it checked prior to the sea trial and the actual transaction by a Mercury service center.

I have been unable to find some fuel consumption specs on the 205 with 250 Optimax. Do you know the fuel consumption specs?

Craig

Thats a tough one to awnser.

You pointed out the two obvious advantages to both boats, the Utopias size makes it a smother riding more comfortable boat with more room for the family, but the modern four stroke in the challenger would be much nicer than an old two stroke.

I love my utopia, but wish it had a four stroke in it. Don't get me wrong my Optimax runs great and does not smoke at all. I think I may evan use less fuel than the super charged 4tec.

I have sat in the Challenger 180 at the local boat show here, and found it a bit cramped behind the wheel for my liking. The supercharger washers were not as big an issue in the boats as compared to the skis, but for my piece of mind I would have them changed to the stainless steel ones.

In the end I would try and decide how big of a boat I need. If you don't need the full twenty feet of the Utopia, then go with the Challenger. Without taking the Utopia for a test drive on the water to see how the Mercury runs, and too check for smoke I would stay away from it as the cost of rebuilding a Optimax is very pricey. Also remeber to price out a trailer and take that into consideration.



Aaron

[rookie101]

Craig

I'm not sure on the fuel consumption specs, but I know from experience with my 200 Optimax that it uses very little fuel. My brother has a twenty foot Braynt with the 350 Magnum stern drive in it, and any time we go out together I use about half the fuel he does.

Also I love my Utopia for storage, ease of use and the way you can fold the bimini top into the trunk so your not tripping over it.


Aaron