1996 Challanger

[Greg]

I just bought a 1996 Challanger in good looking shape. I boat on Lake Erie so my test run was a short couple of circles around the gas dock in Sandusky Bay with 3 footers and a 20 mph wind! (I have a short video) Anyway, she went to 7,000 rpm and I had to slow quickly at 20 mph for safety reasons. I brought her in, cleaned it up and put indoors until spring. My question is: what kind of speed can I expect from this boat, top end with 2 average people on board? What about getting on plan, any issues I should know?
She checked out with good compression and fired up and ran well.....for all 6 minutes I could stand being on the water!
Thanks
Greg

 

[seadoosnipe]

Challenger!

Welcome to the forum Greg....you got one nice boat. I have the 1997 model and with a half tank of gas and a light wind at my back, I can get over 45 mph. With me, my wife and two kids, we go tubing and sking. It's quick on pulling me up on skis and planes out really fast. It depends on where I set my VTS. You should really enjoy this boat. Oh yeah, hold on when you make a tight turn! And when your backing away from the dock, it'll take some practice since it steers backward from a standard outboard while in reverse.
Again, Welcome!

 

[kustomkarl]

Hey Greg, welcome to the seadoo forum. I own a 1997 Challenger too. I agree with seadoosnipe, the boat is super quick and handles really well. I have had mine air born about 6' off a huge boat wake. You might want to sign up as a "Premium Member" as I did when I purchased my challenger last Sept.. The seadoo forum has a large library of authentic seadoo repair manuals and owner operator manuals. A little reading will go a long way as an owner and to help familiarize you with the workings, and how to maintain it. The manuals cover parts breakdowns, troubleshooting, wire diagrams and lots of other info needed for your doo. Click on the "Seadoo Manuals" link at the top of the page for more details. It isn't free, but if you get in a jam it is invaluable. You can read it on line as a PDF file or print it off for your own personal and privet use. As a premium member you can print any of the publications there for your use. If you have any other questions about your doo or want to share you good times let us hear back and well be sure to respond quickly. This forum is a very friendly and interesting place, with many active members eager to help you with advice on any issues you may encounter. You can also read up on other situations that members have encountered. Catch ya soon.

Karl