3 replies to this topic

[englechad]

Hello All,
I am looking at joining the Doo world by getting a 180 Challenger. I checked out a couple new ones recently (2010 255hp SE's) look sweet as well as found a mega nice used one (2008 4hrs of use, just serviced. Talked with the shop and is in great condition)

What are your thoughts on new vs. used on the 180 Challenger? Anything about the specific boat I should know about between 2008-09-10? (repairs, common break downs or whatever else) Is there a huge difference between the 215hp & 255hp? **found something on the HP numbers http://seadoosportbo...allenger-215hp/ **


I am 6'3 and have several friends and a retriever that will be going with me on my boating trips most of the time and I am making sure I am choosing the correct boat. I'd obviously want more power if I could get it.

Thanks in advance for all the help. I really appreciate it. I've been a car nut all my life (tracked them, rebuilt them etc.) but, have never owned a boat!
cheers,
-Chad

[H-do-O]

Hello All,
I am looking at joining the Doo world by getting a 180 Challenger. I checked out a couple new ones recently (2010 255hp SE's) look sweet as well as found a mega nice used one (2008 4hrs of use, just serviced. Talked with the shop and is in great condition)

What are your thoughts on new vs. used on the 180 Challenger? Anything about the specific boat I should know about between 2008-09-10? (repairs, common break downs or whatever else) Is there a huge difference between the 215hp & 255hp? **found something on the HP numbers http://seadoosportbo...allenger-215hp/ **


I am 6'3 and have several friends and a retriever that will be going with me on my boating trips most of the time and I am making sure I am choosing the correct boat. I'd obviously want more power if I could get it.

Thanks in advance for all the help. I really appreciate it. I've been a car nut all my life (tracked them, rebuilt them etc.) but, have never owned a boat!
cheers,
-Chad

Hey Chad,

If you just want a boat for the lifestyle (which is great), this boat is perfect for recreation. Its small enough to fit in your garage but big enough to hold 8 people. I would not worry about power. I have a lot of accessories and about 1000lbs in ballast and a few people on my boat and i can still pull a 200lb guy up on a wakeboard. If you are just crusing around 215hp is plenty. My boat is 2008 and as long as you stay above that your good. they had problems with the 2007 and under supercharger washers. The boat is easy to dock, load, manuver and drive( no trim or prop to worry about).

good luck

[englechad]

Hey Chad,

If you just want a boat for the lifestyle (which is great), this boat is perfect for recreation. Its small enough to fit in your garage but big enough to hold 8 people. I would not worry about power. I have a lot of accessories and about 1000lbs in ballast and a few people on my boat and i can still pull a 200lb guy up on a wakeboard. If you are just crusing around 215hp is plenty. My boat is 2008 and as long as you stay above that your good. they had problems with the 2007 and under supercharger washers. The boat is easy to dock, load, manuver and drive( no trim or prop to worry about).

good luck

Thanks for the advice. The lowest I would go would be 2008 and that's just because I found a good deal on one. I think I would want something with warranty (unless they are extremely reliable) I'm still currently looking but, the price difference is vast from 2008 ($15,000+) and 2009+ ($22,000+) I've also read that several improvements were made to the 2009+ dealing with handling (hull shape etc.) that could help reduce choppiness. I walked all through a 2010 blue 180 SE and loved the space of it. Thanks for the help.

[Kevin Leclair]

We also have a 2008 180 Challenger SE and have been thoroughly pleased with it. There have been some minor improvements to the 2009 180 Challenger and one major improvement (the 255hp engine). I would say this would be up to you on which year to go with - if the additional improvements are worth the additional cost to your pocket. Either way both are great boats!

Good luck on your decision, please keep us posted!