1996 Sea Doo Challenger Hopeful

[AgresticFun]

Hello all. I recently talked my wife into letting me get a jet boat. Unfortunately, it is not the new Challenger I wanted, but rather a used 1996 Challenger. I have lots of family that own jet boats, and have a decent amount of time to know I love them, unfortunately I need to prove to her that they are amazing before she will take the step to spend that much money on a new one.

Anyway, I found a used 1996 Challenger in good overall shape, looks like it needs minor repairs to the seat cushions, but other than that, it looks like it is in good shape and the price is amazing as well. The woman who owns it has only had it in fresh water, no salt, and claims to have taken good care of it. She says it was taken out of the water last October, and it was working good then (except the battery may need to be charged). The boat is a few hundred miles away, so I want to make sure I am not wasting a trip.

My questions are: What do I need to look for to make sure I am not getting a lemon? What do I need to ask? Is 300 hours a lot (she said she wasn't sure, but guessed it was about 300)? I heard that the compression is very important. Is it possible to rent a meter to check the compression, or does it need to be done by a shop? What are good signs? What are bad signs?

Any help you can provide would be really helpful, even if it is a huge list of things to check. I want to make sure I get a decent boat to help prove to my wife that they are really fun and worth every penny. Thanks for all your help, and hope to hear from you soon.

 

[kustomkarl]

Welcome to the seadoo forum AF. I would also go for a test drive. Even if you start it up you will not know it's condition until you drive it. I also would bring someone else from the family to help in your decision that has knowledge in seadoo jet boats. Check the steering to be smooth, gear shifters work smooth, the jet pump gate works properly.
Here is the correct info on a compression test. It covers all the basics. You might be able to rent a compression guage from your local Auto Zone store.
Here is information on a compression test:
To test compression, remove all the spark plugs. Place spark plug caps on the plug cap studs near the cylinder head to ground the empty caps. This completes the circuit of the ignition electrical system and prevents any electrical problems from the caps being un grounded. Using the correct adapter for the threaded end of the tester,( same length of the spark plug threads length)screw in the tester in one plug hole. Hold the throttle wide open. Push the start button. Watch the compression gauge, when it peaks out at the most compression, let go the start button. Read the psi number. I would do it 3 times to be sure it is accurate. Check both cylinders the same way. The ideal compression is 150 psi per cylinder. If it is less, it's not a problem as long as they are close to being the same. If the psi is less than 90 it might need be time for a tear down and a rebuild. If the psi in 1 cylinder is say 140 psi and the others are 80 psi you need to tear down and repair. This difference is a lot then there is a problem. I hope this helps you.
Let us know how you make out.

Also here is a link that might have some good information on a used seadoo purchase.
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=134

I hope this info helps out.

Karl

 

[AgresticFun]

Thanks for that info, as well as the attached list, this will help when I go to look at it. Unfortunately, all my family that owns jet boats, live in Ohio, and I am all the way in Mass, so no one will be able to go with me. I will update you on everything when I go to check the boat out in a few days.

Can you tell me, is 300 hours a lot? Should I plan on the thing dying soon, or do they run forever as long as they are maintained well? Is a tear down and rebuild a really expensive project ($1000+)?

 

[kustomkarl]

300 hours is a few...here in Florida the average use in a year is 100 hrs. per year, with year round use. It depends on what needs attention as to what the cost could be, and how well maintained it was. If you do the work yourself it might not be too bad an expense, but if you leave it at a seadoo dealer, it could run you a bit more due to the avg. $99.99 per hr. labor charge. If you want an idea of some expense check out our "parts" link at the top of the page for some costs...Pistons, rings gaskets, wrist pins,bearings..ect. You have to remember it's a 13 year old machine and it will require some replacement parts due to it's age, and usage. Do some homework before you lay down your hard earned cash. There are some good deals to be had with the economy the way it is. Don't just jump on the first one you see. Look around at what's available, and use that knowledge to determine if it's your right choice. Do get a test drive in the water too before you buy, if you can. It should meet your needs too as far as performance, and handle ability.

Karl