6 replies to this topic

[Kallijah]

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between these two models or was the 97 Challenger the previous earlier Sportster?
Thanks
Ronald

[Claudio]

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between these two models or was the 97 Challenger the previous earlier Sportster?
Thanks
Ronald

Are you talking about the 18ft or the 14ft boats?

[Kallijah]

Are you talking about the 18ft or the 14ft boats?

Claudio: Got that figured out now, was talkin the 14 footer, now know the Challenger has more H.P. Can you tell me what year they introduced the stainless jet pump impellers?, & I am sure the older aluminum?, can be retrofitted?. Also what year did they add the remote "weed Cleaner", on the water intake & can the older boats be retrofitted with that option????????. Were the older, (96-99) 85 H.P. engines oil injected, & did they have a lot of problems with those oil pumps?
Thanks

[Claudio]

Claudio: Got that figured out now, was talkin the 14 footer, now know the Challenger has more H.P. Can you tell me what year they introduced the stainless jet pump impellers?, & I am sure the older aluminum?, can be retrofitted?. Also what year did they add the remote "weed Cleaner", on the water intake & can the older boats be retrofitted with that option????????. Were the older, (96-99) 85 H.P. engines oil injected, & did they have a lot of problems with those oil pumps?
Thanks

I don't know about the impellers but I do know that you can always upgrade them to the SS once. You might as well change the pitch too so you can get a little more performance out of the boat. Solas make some nice ones for our boats depending on what year boat you have.

I think the weedless system was added starting on 1997 and i don't thing it can be added to older boats.

Yes all two strokes engines are oil injected via a mechanical pump. My boat is an 1997 with 120 hours and has had no problems. Some people don't like them but to me is to much of a pain to go pre-mix

[Kallijah]

I don't know about the impellers but I do know that you can always upgrade them to the SS once. You might as well change the pitch too so you can get a little more performance out of the boat. Solas make some nice ones for our boats depending on what year boat you have.

I think the weedless system was added starting on 1997 and i don't thing it can be added to older boats.

Yes all two strokes engines are oil injected via a mechanical pump. My boat is an 1997 with 120 hours and has had no problems. Some people don't like them but to me is to much of a pain to go pre-mix

Thanks much Claudio, I am looking to purchase one in spring, & trying to learn as much as I can, I am sure I will have more questions as time goes by.
Ronald

[Claudio]

no problem..

I am not an expert but I was in the same position as you a few month ago. I wanted a 14ft speedster mainly because I could store it inside my garage. I ended up getting a 18ft Challenger because of the dual engines and also because it can carry up to 8 people vs the 4 people on the 14ft. The Challenger also fits inside the garage.

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[Kallijah]

no problem..

I am not an expert but I was in the same position as you a few month ago. I wanted a 14ft speedster mainly because I could store it inside my garage. I ended up getting a 18ft Challenger because of the dual engines and also because it can carry up to 8 people vs the 4 people on the 14ft. The Challenger also fits inside the garage.

Claudio: Yes, I understand, also thought about a 18 ft rig BUT I will only be carrying 2 people, also I am thinking about ease of towing, (2001 Grand Am 4 cyl), & ease at the boat landing, (only me at 135#'s), etc. The 14ft speedster with 2 engines has more back up in case one engine fails & you are 8 miles from the boat landing!. then again a low hour, history known Challenger or Sportster would also be ok I guess,given my easy use & am not interested so much it top performance or rodding it around, but rather condition, history & price. Probably in the 97-99 time era & the $2500 to $4500 price range???. Thanks again for your communication.
Ronald