2 replies to this topic

[scout_herald]

My name is Austin and am currently stationed in Iraq awaiting return in the next 30 days. I have been looking at sea-doo sport boats for nearly two years and finally found what I believe to be a good starter boat for my family. I am currently in the process of purchasing a riveria blue 255hp SE w/tower. It has all the bells and whistles but i need advice from someone besides a salesman looking for an easy sale. What are the issues if any that people are having with the 09 1503HO. What kind of performance difference is there in the 255 and 215 hp challengers? What kind of wake does the 180 produce, enough that a wakeboarder could have a blast? I read a forum that talked about an upgraded 215hp to 260hp using the same upgrades as the new challenger. He changed it back because of fuel consumption. Does anyone believe it will burn that much more? Sorry for all the questions but I am not exactly near a testing facility and I havent been able to find many results for the new 09 SE.

[Kevin Leclair]

First, let me say thanks for your service! My dad was stationed over in Al Asad last year.

Second, as far as the 180 Challenger from a non-salesperson perspective; it is a great boat! We have the 180 Challenger SE with the 215hp, even this has plenty of power so I would imagine the 255hp would be even better. We have had it fully loaded with 8 people and it still had plenty of go; we didn't try any watersports with it this loaded though. We typically keep 4-6 people in the boat while doing watersports; this is most comfortable. It does fine pulling a tube, wakeboard or skis.

I can't say much for the difference in the fuel consumption since I haven't driven one with the the 255hp but I can't imagine it would be much worse. We have been really happy with the fuel consumption in our 215hp.

Overall it is a fantastic boat and I believe you will be very happy with it! Keep us posted on your decision.

[ssmedt]

As Kevin said thanks for your service!

While my challenger is much smaller and older then the one you are looking at you can't go wrong with the preformance of a Jetboat they are a blast and handle like nothing else you have ever driven on water