2 replies to this topic

[detour]

We have decided to finally give in to getting a boat for general family and sport use. We've decided on the Challenger 210 SE, 310hp. We don't currently ski or wake board, so although we like the look of the tower (and the paint job on the SP), will most likely not consider the SP or wake models (unless we find deals we can't pass up).

As we are looking near the end of the season, with the 2012 models announced and dealers being able to place their orders -

1 - Should we continue to check out end of season inventory on the 2011 models and see what kind of deals we might find? (are there end of season deals to be had?)

2 - Are there new features with the 2012 that make it worth waiting until next season (and perhaps the beginning of the season rebates/promotions)?

3 - Can the tower be added in the future if we decide our use of the boat would benefit from it?

We live near a few smaller inland lakes where we expect 75% of our usage will be - tubing and enjoying the water in general. The other 25% might be trailering to other inland lakes for day trips as well as some minimal time in the Great Lakes.

Thanks in advance!

[Kevin Leclair]

If you are not going to go with a WAKE model I would say look for a 2011, unless you want to go with the new 2012 210 Challenger S which has the single 255hp engine.

1. Yes you should be able to find a deal on a 2011 at the end of the season, this is when we picked up our 210 Wake, the end of 2010.

2. I would say only on the WAKE models, they added the information center (touchscreen w/ navigation), improved ballasts, and some other features on the tower) or like I mentioned above the single engine Challenger addition.

3. The tower would have to be ordered from the factory if you want a SeaDoo OEM tower, dealers will not be able to order one of their towers and install it later. If you want a tower after the fact, you could go aftermarket but it is possible you will run into some issues with the hull warranty if you ever experience any problems.

You are looking at a great boat. Keep us posted with your decision.

[detour]

We've now visited and "bonded" with boats at a few dealers around here. Amazing the difference experiences between dealers - they can definately make or break your comfort level with a decision.

Given the expected price increase with the 2012 products in the spring, and the current end of season incentives, we are leaning towards finding a 210SP yet this season. From research, it looks like the optional weed cleaning feature (reminds me of Edward Scissorshand) and the bow filler cushion are the only upgrades for the SE and SP models.

We like the versatility of the SP - as there's really nothing we couldn't do with it/grow into. My husband is also 6'1" - so the integraged (and higher) bimini top on the SP is an advantage. I really like that it is completely out of the way when not in use (don't have to step over or under it) and when in use, provides higher clearance (great for shade, perhaps not as great for rain....).

However, we just noticed in the specs that the boat on trailer with the tower folded is still 8' tall....which doesn't clear our garage door. I know that to get the most use out of the boat, the less work to get it in and out of the water, the better - so dealing with a top everytime isn't really a situation we wanted.

We may be forced to consider the SE for the convenience of getting it in the garage.