1 reply to this topic

[05Challenger]

Just wanted to stop in and say hello. I used to post on a different jet boating forum but due to the lack of activity, have been browsing here for a while. Decided I should stop being lazy and become an active member. I own a 2005 Challenger 180 with 215 hp engine. Bought it new in July of 2005 from Barneys in St. Pete, Florida.

In all honesty, I have a blast with the boat when we are tubing or just need it for a short trip out to a sandbar, but overall I would never own another jet BOAT again (please note that doesn't mean a ski). We have had a number of manufacturer problems with the 2005 - I guess I should have known with it being a first year model - as well as it does not handle the waters we like to go out in very well down here in Florida. I had the BEST warranty and the boat made a number of trips to the dealer while under warranty. Constant issues with the speedometer and fuel sending unit, and after a couple issues with the ECS grate we just had them disconnect it.

As I said, I love it for things like tubing but if I had to do it all over again I would have bought a couple year old used center console / dual console with a deeper v-hull. I grew up in Minnesota and the Challenger would have been perfect for the lake we lived on, but the tides are just too rough here in Florida to really enjoy the jet boat. I am looking forward to posting more and giving/getting input advice as needed.

[Kevin Leclair]

Welcome to the site, glad to have you here.