1999 Speedster vs 2001 Challenger? Please advise

[newfiedoo]

Hi all. New to the forum! Looking to get into a BRP jetboat. I have two options I'm considering and would love feedback from those in the know. 1) 1999 Speedster with 2x110hp. 100 hours. 2) 2001 14.5 Challenger twin 170hp, 50 hours. The speedster is $2000 cheaper. I know little about these boats, and nothing about the engines. Also, any comment on the difference in hull/handling in these two boats? From what I've read, they're the same size.
Many thanks for your help.

 

[AdamXP800]

My vote is the twin 787 speedster. That should be a fun boat and the maintenance shouldn't be too bad on it.

 

[racerxxx]

I'm in on the '99 Speedster ( I have one). Personally I not a fan of the rear seating of the Challenger boats and personally have never driven one. But that being said consider the Speedster a 4 seater as the bow seat is the bouncy seat but it truly is a 5 seater, the Challenger may feasibly fit 5 better. The Speedster is 16.5 foot long, a full two foot longer and a nicer hull and in my opinion will give you a nicer ride in rougher water--still not as nice a ride as the larger Challenger 1800. There are tons of lakes up there so the rough water might not be a concern, so the bouncy seat might not be a deal breaker. As a personal preference, I like the twin 787's over the twin 720's but both engines are great engines for sure if properly maintained. A compression test on each engine would be great as well as a decent length test ride too, just to see if any issues rear their ugly heads. Either way you can get in deep on costs if they need repair. If you have any pics you can post that would be great, inside, outside, engine bay, etc. I know of a guy in Gander (if he still lives there) that is wicked good with Skidoos and Mustangs, not sure where you are. Best of luck in the search.

 

[newfiedoo]

Thanks for the help. The Speedster turned out to be in rougher shape than I'd hoped, whereas the Challenger seems mint, engines and all. Great forum! Looking forward to more interactions.

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... I think you are a little misinformed.


The 2001 chalenger: If its the 14.5' boat... it has 720 engines. They are 85 hp each. (total 170 hp) It's basically just a relabeled 96~97 Speedster. I guess I'm not sure if you thought it has 2x 170 hp.

The 1999 Speedster: it's a bigger boat at 16'. If it's a regular speedster, it has the 800 engines, at 110 hp each. If it's the "SK" with the front ski locker... then it has the 720's @ 85 hp.


The smaller boat will feel faster... but the larger boat will hold one more person (if it's not an SK) and take rougher waters.

 

[newfiedoo]

Well... I think you are a little misinformed.


The 2001 chalenger: If its the 14.5' boat... it has 720 engines. They are 85 hp each. (total 170 hp) It's basically just a relabeled 96~97 Speedster. I guess I'm not sure if you thought it has 2x 170 hp.

The 1999 Speedster: it's a bigger boat at 16'. If it's a regular speedster, it has the 800 engines, at 110 hp each. If it's the "SK" with the front ski locker... then it has the 720's @ 85 hp.


The smaller boat will feel faster... but the larger boat will hold one more person (if it's not an SK) and take rougher waters.

Excellent. Further research had enlightened me as to both the size and engines as you mention. My preference, I think, would be the Speedster, both for the size of the hull and the extra hp, but it has signs of being poorly cared for - no cover (red in back is severely faded), and trailer is rusted through. The Challenger is, however, in mint condition, the owner knows his stuff, and is all too happy to provide a compression test, etc. One question: much difference in fuel consumption in the 720s vs the 800s? Thanks!