15 replies to this topic

[Tedd]

Hi all,

I just signed on the dotted line for my "new to me" 2008 Challenger 180. Im in NY and its in FL so I have to go down and "Sea Trial" it before I seal the deal. Its got 44hrs on it and looks to be in mint shape I paid $13500 for it and am curious how I did. Also any thing special or hidden I should look for when I get there before I hand over the money?

Thanks for the help
Tedd

[Kevin Leclair]

Hey Tedd,

Welcome to the website. That seems to be the going price for a 2008 Challenger, ours also sold for $13,500 so I would say you are getting a good deal.

Check the engine over thoroughly, test drive it and inspect the engine bay. Also check the hull top to bottom to make sure there are no major issues with the gelcote that could potentially cause leaks.

I would say as long as the boat has been taken good care of your should be fine, these are pretty solid boats!

Post up some pictures when you pick it up! Congrats!

[Tedd]

Thanks Kevin

Its hard to tell from pictures but so far it looks Great! As far as the hull should I expect to see some use ie. scuffs, maybe a decal marked from docking, minor scratches? I am being told it is "MINT" but just wondering what is ok to see.

Thanks Tedd

[Kevin Leclair]

You're welcome.

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if you see some minor scratches and scuffs (this is typical on any boat that has been in the water and docked it's fair share of times). No one is perfect when docking, so I would imagine there will be scuffs on the rub rails from sitting up against the dock for any period of time. Again these are minors things and are things you will eventually put on the boat over time of using it, completely normal.

To me, "MINT", would have some minor stuff from being used but nothing major. By major I mean holes or severe cracking in the gelcote to the extent you are seeing fiberglass or potential for leaks.

Our boat was also considered "MINT" when we sold it but it had a few scuffs on the rub rails and a couple minor knicks on the decals. Apart from those things the boat was flawless.

[Tedd]

The boat was mostly used in fresh water but did see some salt water is this something to be concerned about. I don't see anything that looks like it could be a problem and I have read alot of posts where people are mostly in salt.

[Kevin Leclair]

The boat should be fine if it was used in salt water especially because of the closed loop cooling system in the rotax engine. Just be sure they flushed the exhaust system and gave the boat a good wash after use in salt water.

[Tedd]

Anybody think its worth the $45 to get a boat history report or is that just over thinking it and I should just wait till I see the boat in person.

[Kevin Leclair]

From what I have read those boat history reports are a fraud. Personally I would just check it over yourself.

[Tedd]

Yeah that's what I thought. I guess I'm just excited to get the boat, our current boat is a 1981 Renken bowrider. It will be a nice change, we head to Florida a week from tomorrow. I'll let you know how we make out.

[Kevin Leclair]

Sounds good!

[Tedd]

Few more days and I'll be on the new boat! Does anyone know if the 08 c180 215 have a water hook up on it to run it out of the water?
How long can you run it like that? Is this also the way you flush it out?
Thanks for the help
Tedd

[Kevin Leclair]

Tedd,

Congrats, looking forward to hearing more about it when you pick it up!

Flushing is covered in the shop manual that is available here, http://seadoosportbo...er-shop-manual/. You need to have an active subscription to the SDSB Club in order to download manuals which can be purchased here, http://seadoosportbo...ory/1-sdsb-club.

I have included this section of the shop manual here so you can see the details.

 10-7-2010 2-01-28 PM.png   180.39KB   8 downloads  10-7-2010 2-02-30 PM.png   137.15KB   8 downloads

[Tedd]

The boat is great and the trip to Fl. was fun. Heres a picture of the boat before we left Fl. I also just finished the drivers seat mod and will post pictures under the drivers seat topic in C180
 Florida Trip 013.jpg   388.93KB   11 downloads

Tedd

[Kevin Leclair]

Looks great, congrats!

[STEPHEN X-20]

Very nice!

[seadoofanatic]

Great looking 180!