2 replies to this topic

[bsov]

I am a future challenger owner but am undecided which way to go. I have been really interested in
the 09 180 se with the 255hp but have recently found a NEW UNUSED 08 se with 215hp for $16,995.
A big difference in price but what difference in performance will i find. What performance will I lose with the 215hp compared to the 255hp? Is it a big enough difference to justify $8,000.00 more in price. What issues did the 08 180 challenger have that the new 09 180 might not have. I really had my mind made up with the 09 180 but i also dont want to spend more than i have to. Is the savings on the 08 180 enough? Is 40 more hp worth the extra money or is there more to the 09 that i have not seen? Any suggestion will be very helpful.

[Kevin Leclair]

We have a 2008 180 Challenger SE w/ the 215 hp. Overall we have been very happy with it, the 215hp has been plenty of power for us to tube, wakeskate and wakeboard which we mostly do.

The only place I have seen it have a little bit of trouble is pulling a up a slalom skier, it got them up with no problem -- it just dragged a little longer than I expected. Now we have only tried this with one person so it could have also been the starting position of the skier. The skier weighed between 160 - 180 lbs.

I haven't had a chance to drive one of the new Challenger's yet with the 255hp so I can't speak of how much difference there would actually be. I would say either one you go with I believe you will thoroughly be impressed so just go with your gut on which one will be best fit your needs.

[keviseeb]

Based on the price you can get the 08 for it would be a stretch to say the 09 model's price is worth it. BUT....the 09 has several notable improvements starting with the hull. The chine has been changed so the boat does much better in a turn. The bilge has been fixed so it doesn't hold water any more although the 08 models were improved over the 05 through 07 models substantially. The bow and cockpit covers and improved SS hardware are also exclusive to the 09. The 255 HP engine definately makes the boat behave like you would like though, the out of the hole and noise levels are better than ever and fuel economy at cruise is the same primarily due to the 255 HP engine turning almost 1,000 RPM less. Having said all that...thats a lot of money saved!

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

We have a 2008 180 Challenger SE w/ the 215 hp. Overall we have been very happy with it, the 215hp has been plenty of power for us to tube, wakeskate and wakeboard which we mostly do.

The only place I have seen it have a little bit of trouble is pulling a up a slalom skier, it got them up with no problem -- it just dragged a little longer than I expected. Now we have only tried this with one person so it could have also been the starting position of the skier. The skier weighed between 160 - 180 lbs.

I haven't had a chance to drive one of the new Challenger's yet with the 255hp so I can't speak of how much difference there would actually be. I would say either one you go with I believe you will thoroughly be impressed so just go with your gut on which one will be best fit your needs.