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A story worth sharing

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dsw222

dsw222

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So I bought my 97 Challenger 1800 in May for $5700. I knew nothing about SeaDoo boats or skis, but it was in absolutely perfect shape cosmetically so it sounded like a good deal. The boat had lived in a garage its whole life, and it showed. Plus the previous owner had recently added hydroturf and redone the seats in a color scheme to match the turf (plus it has a nice bimini top). It had 150psi on each cylinder, but I found out on the first drive that it had a bad impeller.

$500 later, I had two newly rebuilt jet pumps with Concord impellers (figured i would do both while i was at it). I took it out a few weekends and it ran great. Then the starboard engine blew right in the heart of summer.... 75psi on the rear cylinder.

1 month and close to $1000 later, i had a brand new top end on that engine, plus 4 fully rebuilt carbs (I didn't own tools so I had to buy everything I needed to work on it in addition to the other parts). The boat ran great once more, so I got a few more weekends out of it.

Then today I had it out for some testing and RAVE adjustments. I loosened and tightened the raves until it was running absolutely perfect. So I got out my GPS and set off down the river for a top speed run..... and the port engine blew. 0psi in the rear cylinder.

Since I live in Pittsburgh, I am now getting ready to pay $50 a month to store it for the winter. Plus I will be paying another $500 in the spring to redo the other engine's top end.

So today has been pretty depressing (as if the cooler weather isn't depressing enough). :rolleyes:

I guess the only bright side of this whole ordeal is that I will basically have a brand new boat after redoing the other top end.
 
Well that really sucks. I have heard people say boats that sat with very low hours are worse to buy then older boats with a lot of hours.

At least you know it will all be good after you redo that engine in the spring.
 
On the bright side...you are right.

My boat did the same thing, blew engine on around the 6th weekend out, So I put in a new one, replaced everything while I was in there, new impeller, wear ring, etc. Then added hydroturf, all that jazz.

I had a great boat for the next 3 seasons with only minor problems that seldom interfered with my boating sessions. Just sold it a couple weeks ago.

But once you work out all the bugs, it will be a new boat, for the most part. And since you repaired it all, you will know it inside and out.

But keep in mind it is still "a boat" and you will always be tinkering and repairing stuff on it.
 
Sorry to hear about the second engine... but on the twin boats... that's normally what happens.

Did you verify what kind of oil the last owner was using?


Let me know when you start the rebuild. I'll be happy to give it a once over to make sure there aren't any other issues.

You are right about the depressing weather. 90 degree days, beautiful sun shine... then one storm hits, and now it's cold. :rolleyes: I'm thinking about winterizing my boat if it doesn't warm up next week. I think the first summer I lived here... I used my jetski Halloween weekend... but the following year... we had snow in October. September is generally the last month of water toys.
 
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Dr Honda said:
Did you verify what kind of oil the last owner was using?
Click to expand...

I contacted him during the first rebuild, and he said that he used XPS synthetic. And I pulled the pump cams wide open while running it on the hose (for each side), and the boat smoked a good bit... so I guess the oil system was working. I set the carbs to the factory settings (with the exception of popoff being a few psi higher than spec), but maybe i was running lean on fuel. Or it could just be what Foster mentioned.... the boat hadn't been run much so it was just time

I will admit that I didnt do anything to check out the cooling system (besides verifying that the indicator was squirting)... so i definitely need to do that next time.

I'm debating between Full Bore and SBT for my next rebuild. I was happy with SBT's service, but a lot of members seem to swear by Full Bore... plus it would be $200 cheaper. And i dont want to get too far ahead of myself... i need to open up the head to see if a top end will actually fix it or if i need a new engine altogether (0psi worries me because last time it was 75psi)

Even though the boat was out of commission for a prime chunk of the summer, I am still happy that I got it. These boats are a LOT of fun... and after my spring rebuild, I should HOPEFULLY be set for a summer full of boating adventures :hurray:
 
dsw222 said:
And i dont want to get too far ahead of myself... i need to open up the head to see if a top end will actually fix it or if i need a new engine altogether (0psi worries me because last time it was 75psi)
Click to expand...

Agreed.

If you pull the head, and the piston is shattered... I would just replace the entire engine. If it was a melt down... and the piston is in tact, but the ring is stuck... do just a top end.


If you can save $200... then do it. I have no loyalties to any shop... but SBT has the best price on an engine swap service. (Just did one for Ytown34) They do a good job on a basic rebuild... and the no fault warranty is great. Sure... you have the labor to remove the engine a second time, but at least you don't have to pay for a second engine.


I also agree with scooper. I bought my boat knowing it needed love... and it took about 4 trips to get everything worked out... but since then, it just starts and runs. It's very reliable, and since I know every mechanical thing has been fixed/changed, or at least inspected... I know this boat will now live longer than I will probably own it for.

Next year, you will have a trouble free summer. :cheers:
 
dsw222 said:
I contacted him during the first rebuild, and he said that he used XPS synthetic. And I pulled the pump cams wide open while running it on the hose (for each side), and the boat smoked a good bit... so I guess the oil system was working. I set the carbs to the factory settings (with the exception of popoff being a few psi higher than spec), but maybe i was running lean on fuel. Or it could just be what Foster mentioned.... the boat hadn't been run much so it was just time

I will admit that I didnt do anything to check out the cooling system (besides verifying that the indicator was squirting)... so i definitely need to do that next time.

I'm debating between Full Bore and SBT for my next rebuild. I was happy with SBT's service, but a lot of members seem to swear by Full Bore... plus it would be $200 cheaper. And i dont want to get too far ahead of myself... i need to open up the head to see if a top end will actually fix it or if i need a new engine altogether (0psi worries me because last time it was 75psi)

Even though the boat was out of commission for a prime chunk of the summer, I am still happy that I got it. These boats are a LOT of fun... and after my spring rebuild, I should HOPEFULLY be set for a summer full of boating adventures :hurray:
Click to expand...

I would feel better knowing it's my motor/crank.
I think they also use different internal and not bored .40 over like SBT.
Also, something about the ports not matching and/or you can't get another rebuild from them.
Were as FB its just what's needed to freshen motor and one guy is building each one..
I think there has been two threads about sbt rave valve causing failure :mad:
But you get a extra year warranty??
 
Thanks guys, hopefully next summer will be full of boating and zero repairs (i can dream). At least im learning my boat very well

How do you winterize an engine that doesnt start? I was thinking spray fogging oil into the carbs while cranking it... then spray in spark plug holes and turn the engine over a few times. Anything else for that engine? (I am going to store it in a climate controlled environment)
 
I would make sure the water is out of it, and then just spry oil into the carbs, and into the spark plug holes... and then turn it over by hand.

Honestly... if you can find an afternoon between now and when you are going to take the boat to the storage place... I would just pull that engine, and set it in your garage. That way, you know it's warm and safe... and next spring, it will make your job that much easier. Also... during the winter... you could strip that engine down, and have it prepped for the swap.
 
Feelin your pain ...

I have the same story man ... Here's what i did to help alleviate the depression ...

1. Get yourself a case of pints
2. Open and drink one while browsing the BRP website and price out the "latest and greatest" model of your rig. (Don't choke on your beer when you see what they retail for)
3. Get your rebuilt engines/carbs into your challenger.
4. Put it away for the winter
5. Crack another pop; knowing your going to have only have to replace small easy cheap stuff and your going to have just as much fun next season with this boat as you would with a new one.
6. Get your calculator out and figure out how much you saved.
7. Enjoy another beer!

Now i'm not knocking the new rigs; that 210 challenger is one slick vessel, but with my family budget no chance of owning that anytime soon. And i've driven the new boats (speedster/challenger) definately have alot more trim (options) but when it comes down to rippin up the lake I can't see a big enough difference in peformance to justify the cost.
 
Yeah you really cant beat a paid for boat. Sure you gotta put miney into it, but thats 1 more thing you know is new next time. Thats the only reason I keep the one I got. I want a new one bad....till i think of making a boat payment in january when its snowing.
 
I have had issues this year with our boat and it starting 15 mins after we purchased. it.

1) Driving home on the 401 we lost a rear cushion (unable to find it). And I found out after I got home that they are no longer made. Was lucky and found one on ebay.

2) Steering cable broke ($500 repair)

3) Leak in the boat (Resolved after 2 investigations by our marina. Found out it was the hose that drains water when the jet is running. It wasn't positioned properly and when the water wasn't fully drained, it would start a reverse pressure back into the boat.)

4) After the leak was fixed, I went to go out for a cruise and then the thing kept stalling. Eventually we found out it was the plugs for some reason. Supposedly now it is running fantastic and I will see for myself on Saturday morning when we get up to the cottage.


It is super frustrating when stuff like this happens. We bought the boat in July and have had it only running for really 1 weekend. I am hoping to get this weekend and next before winterizing.

I think the boat has cost about $1500 extra in repairs.
 
Get Manual and Follow Maintainence Guide

Thanks Scooper,
I try to always look at things in a positive way even if it is someone elses misfortune. But yah .. it is a true statement eh?

Hey CanadianWhiskey

These things happen.

1. A trailerable cover will prevent your seats, tow ropes and empty beer cans from flyin outta your rig (specially on the 401 when you get up around 80mph).

2. Things like this will break, most of the time maintaince on these parts gets overlooked, in the manual it outlines where/what lubrication and specific intervals. It's hard to determine this when buying a used rig. My Advice get yourself the manuals and follow all maintence procedures. After 10 or so years of getting no lubrication steering/shift/choke etc etc etc cables will snap.

3. Minor could happen on a new boat

4. Any 2 stroker generally needs plugs at least once or twice a year. With my speedster i've prolly replaced em' four times.
 
Wow! LOL!

You know DSW, and everyone else here knows you sound just like me.

The first couple of times I went out it was a hassle. The first time the boat didnt start, so I charged the battery from my truck while my truck was running a big no noI am very fortunate I didnt blow up the MPEM (knock on wood). So I had to buy a new battery. After reading a couple of these threads, I think the 1. most important thing is to buy a new battery, we just bought an expensive toy, so another $100 for a battery I think is essential.

2. Then my boat wouldnt go fast at all, I had a fellow seadooforum member come over and go through my carbs, and replace my wear ring, and resurface my impeller.

3. The third time I took out my boat, my reverse cable lever broke! so I couldnt go to forward or reverse, I had to get towed back in by the Coast Guard personnel at Puddingstone Lake.. Luckily I found Travis Marine had some in stock! (unbelievable the part is 15 years old), they had 4, I bought 2 of them (leave 2 for some unlucky guy like me!).

4. The sixth time I took my boat out at Colorado River in laughlin, my Gate screw went missing? (from the drive from los angeles to laughlin probably) anyway my whole gate broke off, so I couldnt again go forward or reverse, luckily for me someone had a screw in Bullhead City!! wow!!

5. The seventh time I took my boat out (the following day), my engine completely died, 0 compression on cylinder 2 (I think it was 2). I had my engine completely rebuild....

Ok, I have taken it out the last 4 weekends without a glitche? can you believe that? I am so lucky, hopefully I am not jinxing myself right now, I drove it for 2 hours straight on Sunday September 26, the fastest i got it was 35.2 mph! on my GPS it was an awesome day here is a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DDwbEE5V4Y

Now from my post you can see that I take safety now very importantly and I always try to prepare myself for the worst, sucks I have to be that way but oh well!

lol...
 
Just because you expect issues to come up at some point, doesn't make them less frustrating or expensive. Our boat is running perfect now but that being said, it is the end of the season for me and time to put her away for the winter.
 
35.2 mph, what should be the norm?

I had 4 people on board, though I think only 650 pounds max, and my anchor? So what speed should I be looking at?
 
Honestly I have no idea on that boat, i just thought it would do at least 40. I am sure Doc would know. I'd be mad with 35..lol.
 
cheappc said:
I think I can do 40 with just me and my girlfriend, and no anchor? lol
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing, i feel a bit better knowing i'm not the only one here who's gone through the excitement of having a new then the disappointment when it breaks!

My boat has the twin 787's and has gone about 50 on GPS... so 40 sounds pretty good for a GPS number with the single engine. But i'm not a pro, i just know what mine has done

I'm glad i got into jetboats this summer because they are so incredibly fun! (when they work :rofl: ). And this forum is by far the most friendly and helpful place that i've come across!
 
OK I did some researching and Seadoo posted that my boat "factory new" can do 42mph. It did not state how many people on board to reach that speed, so I dont feel so bad, its 15 years old.

If I can get to 38 or even 40, I will be happy.

Anyways I didnt mean to hijack this thread, back to the subject:
"Have a boat? Repair bills are a coming".. LOL!

I like what someone has on their signature "To own a boat you have to be either two things 1. You have Rich, 2. Mechanically inclined.
 
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