Buying a 2001 Challenger 1800

[schultzyadam]

I am looking for advice from anyone in the know about these boats. I think that I want a Mercury engine but someone has warned me that in some years Force engines were put in the Challengers. Is this true? Any advice will be much appreciated.

Adam

 

[Dr Honda]

Nope... they were always merc engines. (M2 types)


I personally won't touch a Merc powered SeaDoo. They are extremely reliable, but when there are issues, they get very expensive to fix. And, since they only used that drive system for 5 or so years... we (this forum) doesn't have a very good working knowledge on them, so we may not be able to answer all your questions.

Finally, SeaDoo has ZERO support of the Merc boats, so most seadoo dealers won't work on them... BUT... since the electronics are specialized, some merc dealers won't work on them either.

If you buy a Merc powered Doo... make sure you are able to work on your own boat, or you line up a shop who is willing to work on it for you.

 

[WAJetboating]

since the electronics are specialized, some merc dealers won't work on them either.

Which electronics are specialized?

 

[Longhorn]

Which electronics are specialized?

My dealer has never mentioned this?

 

[Longhorn]

I am looking for advice from anyone in the know about these boats. I think that I want a Mercury engine but someone has warned me that in some years Force engines were put in the Challengers. Is this true? Any advice will be much appreciated.

Adam

I am new to boating in general, and Seadoo boats but I bought a 2003 Challenger 1800 this year with the Merc and so far (knock on wood) I have had great luck with it. I do have 2 great options for service, a local Merc dealer, and an hour away a great BRP dealer.