Challenger vs Speedster-1 motor vs 2 motors

[jdcooler]

Hi Everyone,
My last thread was about motor hours and I went out to see the machine I was interested in and it was in sorry sorry shape and will require both engine overhaul including complete reupholstery and whatever else it might need. I low balled the offer to cover the motors but the seller declined so I have moved on but I still want a SeaDoo.
I'm going tomorrow to look at a 1997 SeaDoo Challenger-15ft that has 1 motor-110hp.
The boat is mint with the exception of the motor which just gave up recently. Any advice on having the single motor(challenger) vs the dual motors(speedster,sportsters)? Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[tresvatos1]

You are in Georgia, and you are crazy if you don't go get that speedster that natiquelife on here is selling...that is on hell of a deal, and he is cutting the price for the forum members too..look on the buy/sell section of the forums..he is in lower AL, so you are close..that's what I would do...

 

[RFoster130]

You are in Georgia, and you are crazy if you don't go get that speedster that natiquelife on here is selling...that is on hell of a deal, and he is cutting the price for the forum members too..look on the buy/sell section of the forums..he is in lower AL, so you are close..that's what I would do...

I agree. Maybe we are kinda biased, but these 98-99 Speedsters are awesome. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. The twin 110's make them a lot of fun.

 

[jdcooler]

Thanks guys for the info. I will try to find that speedster for sale in Alabama.
Anymore input on pros/cons will help.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[jdcooler]

Hi Guys
I tried to find the 99 Speedster in Alabama with no results. Do you remember approx when it was posted. I searched Natiquelife and nautiquelfe and nothing. Maybe it has sold already. I'll keep looking
Thanks,Peter

 

[tresvatos1]

Speedster for sale

I'm telling you this boat is a deal, and it has seadooSnipe to vouch for it too.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=22270

 

[jdcooler]

Challenger vs Speedster-1motor vs 2 motors

I found a 98 Speedster for sale in Alabama from a member Nautquelfe not natiquelife. It was on the first page of the Buy/Sell/Trade section. I don't think thats the one. I'll search on
The 99 challenger in SC that I'm interested is in great condition, no rips, fading(always covered/garaged), galvanized trailer included, just needs a new motor. The guy is asking $1290. He'll take $1200. for it.
I think thats a great buy, drop an SBT motor($1195) and put on a stainless steel impeller and I'll be way under NADA value. I don't want to resell it, I want to keep it for awhile and have fun.
I just want to make sure I have enough power to pull a tube, skier or 4 people in the boat. Thats why I'm asking for opinions from folks on the forum on 1 vs 2 motors and I assume which model one has determines how many motors.
Speedsters=2 motors, Sportsters=1-2 motors, or Challenger=1 motor.
Sure I want to go fast but its not top priority, I just don't want it dragging ass under load. I'm sure that 2 motors will have no problems but the price is right for this challenger with minimal work.
Peter

 

[tresvatos1]

I am biased like RFoster said on the two motors. You will have plenty of power, and if one goes out you will have a back-up to get to shore. I think putting an engine in the one you were talking about would be a major undertaking too and would probably be more of a headache than what you think..just what i think..

 

[RFoster130]

I am biased like RFoster said on the two motors. You will have plenty of power, and if one goes out you will have a back-up to get to shore. I think putting an engine in the one you were talking about would be a major undertaking too and would probably be more of a headache than what you think..just what i think..

I agree here. As a beginner, it was nice to be able to get a boat and just take it out. No need to go tearing it apart. I would prefer the 2 engines. I havent been on a single engine boat, so I have no comparison. But the 2 engines can easily pull pretty much anything you throw behind them.

 

[jdcooler]

Challenger vs Sppedster-1motor vs 2motors

I'm not a newbie to boating except for Sea Doo Jet Boats and have replaced many motors in much tighter compartments on bigger and smaller boats, the engine swap will be a breeze. I just finished rehabbing 3 jet skis with new motors that I rebuilt not SBT this past winter. I broke the cardinal rule and sold them to friends but there were no issues this past summer. We had a blast! I've worked on everything from my 70+mph RC Race boat motors, snowmobile motors, cessna airplane motors and my race car motor. I like tearing motors down and rebuilding them. Its a rush when your done and the sucker fires right up. I don't do this for a living, just a MOTOR HEAD!
I see your point if one motor craps out your still have the other to get you back to dock and obviously more power.
I checked the link that was posted by tresvatos1 for the boat in Alabama and that is a NICE machine at a DECENT price with good references. Mmm! Now you got me thinking. If I can't decide, I'll see if I can pick up both, decide later and take a chance my wife divorcing me because I spend too much time out in the shop working on my toys.
Anybody out there with a single engine SEA DOO to chime in on your opinion.
I appreciate everyones input.
Peter

 

[tresvatos1]

I know we have the same thing going on with the time you spend on projects and p'd off women... That is awesome you have the knowlegde to work on these things.. I am just say'n thats a turn key down in AL.. and I beleive me and RFoster can help you with anything you might run into with it if you decide you want a two engine..One of my wear rings got chopped up in July and i if I didn't have that extra engine I would have had to have been towed in, so I was more than releived to have that second engine at that point..BUT that is two motors to service and maintain instead of one, but it's worth it..

 

[timmyboy76]

no brainer...

SPEEDSTER......STUD. if it was a few states closer, i'd already have it...:rofl:

With a background of 3-96 Sportsters=1/720, 1-97 Challenger 1800=2/787, 1-98 Sportster 1800=2/720, 1-99 Speedster 2/787.....my 99 Speedster AINT going anywhere for awhile.

the sportster single engine, was fun, just couldnt do much but rip around, the sportster 1800 was perfect...room, power..etc, just couldn't refuse the offer, and the challenger 1800 was just a "flip" deal. Then came the 99 Speedster, dug the look, and for the price ($800) couldnt resist. After reconditioning the impellors, installed new wear rings, and overhauled the carbs and interior, decided to trial at lake, and next day, sportster 1800 was FOR SALE....havnt owned a single Challenger,...yet.

 

[jdcooler]

Challenger vs Speedster

Man! Timmyboy76, you go through toys like I do! Thanks for the info.
Opinions point towards getting a 2 motor seadoo and with good reasons. I thought the one for $1200 was a good buy being in very good condition cosmetically. I'm going to think about it this weekend and maybe I'll swing both of them and fix the one that needs the engine this winter and sell it for next season. Man, I'll have to hide one at a friends house until I'm ready to bring it home.

 

[phough5757]

I'm a 2

I've had one of my motors crap out, and putted back.
I love two motors. Jumps and flys.
I suggest You go with two.

 

[ablackway]

I too am a long time boater, first time Sea-Doo owner, however, I have the twin 787 Challenger 1800, and love it. Because of the hassles associated with the sea doo motors, I imagine that I am going to take full advantage of that extra motor one day when one decided to crap out... It's like Towboat US or SeaTow for free on your boat at all times. And it's faster and easier than a paddle. The twin drive makes holeshots incredibly quick! Whether there's 6 people on the boat or 1, it still fly's and handles like a go-cart on water. Having owned single outboard boats before, the thought of it not starting back up or some other issue happening was always a thought. Not with 2 motors though. There's some security in twin engines...

Adam

 

[tresvatos1]

:agree:I agree.. let us know what you decide.. hope you dcide on the speedster.. you will not be disappointed...