8 replies to this topic

[Moulin]

Hey guys, I am shopping for my first family boat. Wife and 3 boys.
I am torn between a Glastron 185 and the seadoo. My biggest problem is my garage space, I am not even sure that I can fit the Glastron, but the dealer told me that if it does not fit they will void the sale. I think the Challenger 180 would fit just fine, however I am not totally sold on the idea of the jet boat, water coming from the front bowl and some other issues. I love the floor lay out! Love my former Jetski...
I guess, I would like to know why did you guys choose the Seadoo vs a regular Bowrider.
Thanks in advance for the replies!!
David

[kseroski70]

Moulin,
Bought my 2010 180 in September of last year, and have to say I absolutely LOVE it. It is my first boat and has been simplicity itself. On the trailer it was a couple of feet longer than they said but it fits in my 2 car garage at a slight angle and I can still get my 4Runner in. We actually spend a lot of time swimming, and the not worrying about a prop is a relief.
Those 2 facts and just the maneuverability of the boat sold me. The SE handles like it is on rails compared to the prop boats I tested.
I will say there is one problem. With it in the garage all winter, it has been driving me crazy waiting for boating season!
While I didn't tow any other boats, I would say that it being a bit wider than the rest has made me consider buying mirror extensions to help with reversing. It's a bit hard to see around.
Any other questions, feel free to ask.
- Keith

[davo]

do yourself a favour, test drive the c180, you'll love it. Then let someone experienced show you how it really goes. No contest. When your family is ready, you can spin the c180 & jump it like a jet ski.

cheers

[H-do-O]

when I looked I was looking at the weight for towing because i did not want to buy a different suv just to pull a boat with. The C-180 is a very light and easy to tow boat. Another reason is we lived by salt water so the doo's are super easy to maintain vs a regular boat. I also had a baby and the peace of mind that gives you is priceless. I work in healthcare and some of the worst traumas I have ever seen has been from boat props. There are soo many reasons why i went with the doo but i am satisfied. If you are really into board sports like wakeboarding and wakesurfing and you need a comp like wake don't waste your time on the doo. You have to buy a much more expensive boat for that. If you are a regular boater that like to do a little of everything...this is the boat for you. hope this helps.

[Black6]

Shallow draft for tidal rivers and creeks.

No prop for safety.

[logans runner]

I shopped and compaired boats but the Sea-Doo salesman told me that thier boats are the best so I bought it

Just joking, I researched the heck out of it sat in many boats compaired feature for feature and I couldn't find a package that made as much sense as the Doo just comfortable, roomy and great looking.

let me know how you make out.

[Mooner]

Hey guys, I am shopping for my first family boat. Wife and 3 boys.
I am torn between a Glastron 185 and the seadoo. My biggest problem is my garage space, I am not even sure that I can fit the Glastron, but the dealer told me that if it does not fit they will void the sale. I think the Challenger 180 would fit just fine, however I am not totally sold on the idea of the jet boat, water coming from the front bowl and some other issues. I love the floor lay out! Love my former Jetski...
I guess, I would like to know why did you guys choose the Seadoo vs a regular Bowrider.
Thanks in advance for the replies!!
David

Bought my first boat Challenger SE last year. First attraction was the low draft as my RV lot is on a river next to the big Shuswap lake chain. Once I researched it further the quick planing was a plus. Once I bought it, I love the facts: It is easy to tow, it fits in my garage, it is very very manuverable, goes like crazy 90-95 KPH when lake is smooth per speedo although others say that is a little higher than true.
A little noisy but you can't have everything. It spins so easy that you need to be very careful with no throttle near docks. Not a problem once you know that.
I wish it had a driver's seat that elevates because in the hot weather it is more fun with head above the windshield, however I have fabricated some nice booster cushions from some floating seat cushions from Walmart which works OK.

[fresno69]

i have had 4 or 5 seadoo and yamaha jet boats over the years, just for the shallow water river use. but i will say the lack of that outdrive and prop hanging down is also a huge plus. not only safety but almost zero maint involved, and try to repair that outdrive when you bang something in the water $$$$. these challenger boats will accelerate and get on plane quicker and that is more important than that the extra 5mph top speed from a i/o boat. i also have a large outdrive boat that runs 70mph which is great too, but the pure adrenalin rush and fun factor is always there in the seadoo....buy the seadoo

[BigWayne]

I will attempt to provide an unbiased response.

You have to ask yourself what's the main purpose for the boat.

There are advantages and disadvantages of using Sea-Doo boats in shallow water. While the draft is low, and you dont have to worry about an out drive, you do have to be aware that in shallow water you risk sucking things into the pump causing damage, potentially stranding you.

On the other hand, jet pump repairs are definitely cheaper vs outdrive repairs.