1996 Seadoo challenger 15' Considering Buying anything to look out for?

[seadoo58]

I'm considering buying this 1996 Seadoo challenger boat for use on a lake (it has been used in salt water previously). It's about 3500 and in good shape- I have never owner a rotax 2 stroke and wondering about it's reliability, cost to maintain, cost to replace (if necessary) and any other words of wisdom.... It's for me to take the kids skiing and tubing and a little cruising...Reliability is key...

Please share your experiences and thoughts~

Don

 

[Brian J]

All the usual stuff the jet skis have. x2 if it's a twin engine (think twice the carb kits, twice the impellers etc....) The fuel lines are not gray so no issue with those.

$3,500 sounds really high for a saltwater one in January.

There is a two stroke boat section in this forum. You'll get more responses there.

 

[seadoo58]

Hi and thanks for your reply--- I am not familiar with the Rotax? engine so I was a bit cautions and you're right 34500 seems pricey

 

[Spimothy Leary]

96 challenger is a single 787 If I remember right.
no reliability concerns.
not sure how well it will pull a skier tho.
tubed for sure but waterskiing would be a stretch. (I never tried when j had my challenger)
price seems fair imo I don't think that 3500 seems high.

 

[AdamXP800]

3500 is about what they are going for here I good conditions



96 XP800!
Keep the 2 strokes alive!

 

[Brian J]

3500 is about what they are going for here I good conditions



96 XP800!
Keep the 2 strokes alive!

For a saltwater boat? This is the 15' model we're talking about.

 

[AdamXP800]

Yea, that's about what they are going for here in good condition



96 XP800!
Keep the 2 strokes alive!

 

[Brian J]

That's pretty rich. MN typically has the highest prices in the country on these and that's about what I would get up here for a good condition freshwater one IN THE SUMMER. If I had to sell it in January even less.

OP, here is a freshwater one in NY, buy it now of $3k, current bid $1,200. Seats were redone but not well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-SEADOO-CHALLENGER-LTD-BOAT-WITH-TRAILER-/361197731637?forcerrptr=true&hash=item54190fff35&item=361197731637&pt=Power_Motorboats