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1998 Challenger 1800 - in Ontario

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wildlifeguy

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hey everyone!
Great forum for sure. I am upgrading my jet boat and seriously looking at a 1998 Seadoo Challenger 1800 7 seater with twin 787's.

Motors have always been maintained by this original owner, and no issues. used primarily as a diving platform on the lake and some tubing.

I understand from marine mechanics that this particular boat and engines is 'bad news' and to stay away from them, too expensive to maintain and too costly to operate. Hmmmm i drive a Land Rover and that's what everyone said who doesn't own a Land Rover. I love the truck and the boat looks great!!!

Suggestions? should I stear clear or what should I look for and expect? Any options.
Price is great $ 4800.00 - is he dumping it cheap with hidden problems or is price fair?

thanks in advance of your wisdom and advice

m
 
I haven't seen the boat and really don't know about boat values in Canada. However I can tell you this the 787 is a very reliable motor. I have this motor in two of my ski's. In my opinion the 787 is the second best engine that BRP ever used, the 720 being the best. I also have a ski with the 720.

In one respect your mechanics are correct these engines drink gas like crazy, but that's pretty much true for any 2-stroke.

You can check the Kelly Blue Book value on line.

Lou
 
I've seen challenger for less in the ~4k range but it depends on the condition for interior/motor/pumps.

When was the last time it was used?

The 787 has the RAVE valves that need to be serviced.
Here's what you are in for.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?37588-How-to-service-Rave-Valve-Pictorial

They cause damage if it drops into the cylinder.


edit: http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1998/Sea-Doo-BRP/CHALLENGER-1800+-18/Standard-Equipment

~$6k so $4800 is good but less is better.
If it starts and runs in the water and NOT just on the hose offer $4500.
 
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Thats actually a really good price for this side of the 49th, you might be able to get it a bit cheaper for the time of year.
 
I agree. Pricing is fair if the craft is in decent shape. If you're a DIY'er plan on spending some time to bring the regular maintenance items back up to speed. Fluids, seals, etc...
 
Thanks guys!
Seems the previous owner is fortunate to have a few $ and maintained really well. Kids big and doesn't use it as much. Yes, selling a boat with 6" of snow on the ground makes for good negotiations.
 
wildlifeguy said:
Thanks guys!
Seems the previous owner is fortunate to have a few $ and maintained really well. Kids big and doesn't use it as much. Yes, selling a boat with 6" of snow on the ground makes for good negotiations.
Click to expand...

Cool let us know if you snap it up and get some pics posted!!! We want to see this rig!
 
so i took it out today, Third time since Saturday, and couldn't get one of the engines to start. it would turn over but no go. Almost caught a few times but avail, no start. the other engine ran for about 45-50 minutes at not more than 3000rpm.

When I put it on the trailer, and pulled the plug there was a lot of water coming out of the drain plug??? Is that normal. Hull is sound, no leaks, but the water flowed out for about 5 minutes. I didn't notice till after it slowed down but checked engine compartment and no water (probably all drained) but droplets everywhere.

Im afraid to ask what would cause this.

btw, black fuel lines.
 
You would want to check if water leaking from bungs in the exhaust.
They are know for going bad.

Other places to look are at the main cooling lines and the smaller ones off the top and bottom of exhaust elbow for leaks.

You should see leak on hose. Just don't leave it running very long.

Have the carbs been taken off and cleaned? I would do that before going out again....
 
You ran around on one engine? Uh-oh, that's a BIG no no. Running on one engine will force lake water into the exhaust on the opposing engine and into places it shouldn't be going. Normally, the exhaust pressure keeps the water out of the exhaust system. But since the engine wasn't running moving through the water over 15kph will force water into the cooling system, and consequently into the tuned pipe.
DO NOT try and start the failed engine until you're sure it hasn't ingested water.

As for the original no-start condition it could be one of several things. It was pretty cold today so perhaps the choke wasn't enough for it? Just guessing here...
 
thanks guys. To clarify, I ran the one engine into deep enough water to try to start the second. She almost started near the end of the time that I was out. Didn't do much water treading time, mostly slow go around the pier and back again.

I'm bringing it in today for wintering so I'll let the mechanic know what you had forewarned. How do I tell if the water has gotten into areas it shouldn't have.... process of dismantle?
 
Being new to seadoo's etc., I was wondering if there are pics available for the 787 mechanics representing what is what and its function. Pictorial diagram for example.
 
So? Inquiring minds want to know. Did you do any damage? I assume the winterizing Tech would have found any damage by now...
 
I like how you worded that... really what you're saying, "so dumb ass, ruin your engine?:lol:
Haven't herd from the mechanic so either he didn't find anything wrong, or he hasn't looked at it yet. At least its stored indoors in a heated garage while I don't have it... think positive everyone!
He is also going to wrapit in such a way the allows for a an access door to do some mods to the interior if the weather doesn't get too cold.
 
If you got water into the engine, you have about 2 days before rust starts sitting in. Pull the plugs and crank her over until no water comes out then start it...run it hard if you can in the water but in Canada it's probably "a no can do" right now
 
Brought it to the mechanic the very next day, and went over what happened. He started on it right away and explained that he would pull the plugs and turn it over till no water came out, then run it with the water hose attached. He knew right away when I started to explain to him. he took the time to tell me what happens, or should I say confirm what all of you have said.

Not possible right now in Canada? Why would that be? ohhh, the icebergs! http://www.seadooforum.com/images/icons/icon10.png
 
For all the "inquiring minds".... here's the update. Mechanic look at it right away, and when he pulled the plugs, he saw they where in need of replacement. Although previous owner spent SOME money on synthetic oil, he could have spent more on better oil as the plugs were pretty dirty on both engines. No water in engine whatsoever he said, and once he replaced the plugs she started right up and he had instant response from throttle.
The water in bilge came from the rave valve (sound right?) as it was apparently cracked. He cleaned them all (nice thread on this forum btw) and replaced broken valve. Full Winterizing the unit today and wrapping it up for Christmas!

It's beauty outside today, sunshine and balmy 2C (34F) outside today. Lake is calm and calling us! What a tease!!
 
That's great news, the water was probably from the water control valve on the water box, it look's like a rave valve.

Lou
 
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