Here goes... as first time boat owners last year we purchased a 2011 180 Challenger SE (not HO and no tower) and really like the boat. After living with the boat for one year we realize a larger boat is what we would like. We have been searching for a Challenger 210 with a tower and feel it is likely the right boat for us. As far as the 210 goes we like the size, hinged cushions, Transat seats and extra wet storage at the back. They are not readily available here in Saskatchewan. Also our 13 year old is starting to wakeboard and the tower would be nice.
We got a call from our dealer yesterday and they just took a 2009 Utopia 315 hp (with wakeboard tower) in on trade and we are going to look at it today. Because of the design of the boat it doesn't look like there is a ton more room inside the boat but under the sun pad looks to be loads of storage. I also like how the bimini tucks away on the Utopia as with the 180 when we are getting things from the back storage we are constantly flipping the bimini back and forth. Also it appears the bimini fits inside the tower; cool. We do use the filler cushion alot with the 180 while anchored and would miss that but the large sun pad on the Utopia might be a wash.
What would wakeboarding would be like (I realize it isn't a Wake 210) with the Utopia? Any thoughts on a comparison between the two boats? We do alot of sitting on the rear platform and swimming off the back of the boat as we like to just sit and enjoy the lake. How much smoother is ride on the longer boat going to be? The walk through transom is something we use alot as we spent alot of time beached or anchored and visiting. We would seldom enter the boat from a dock; only when we are launching the boat. Climbing over the sun pad doesn't look obtrusive but doesn't look to be as easy. The dealer is great and will haul the boat to the lake so we can try it out. Any help is appreciated.
). Worst he can say is no. Good luck hope you find a great deal like I did.
