Help with used 1997 Challenger. Thinking about buying, please advise!!!

[swill777]

Here is the ad on craigslist.org in FL

****WHAT A GREAT DEAL *****MOTIVATED SELLER-RELOCATING 1997 Sea Doo Challenger Jet Boat with Trailer, cover, bimini, am/fm/cd stereo w/removable faceplate, rebuilt engine, carbs, new cables, impeller, starter, just about everything has been replaced. This is a great, clean and fun boat. Trailer has newer wiring and tires.

MUST SELL ---- I have spent more than $3,500 rebuilding engine and replacing parts, new bimini, custom cover and AM/FM/CD stereo w/removable face plate. Trailer has newer tires. Boat has a new starter switch that needs to be installed and key reprogrammed with security code. These are easy install/repairs and I have deducted $1,000 for repair allowance. This is a well cared for boat and lots of fun. This boat value is $5,500 - JUST REDUCED TO $3,000 - BOAT IS PRICED TO SELL !!!!


So this is what the seller says regarding the boat... when I have asked questions..

"Boat has single 110hp engine, the starter and reprogramming has to be done by an authorized Sea Doo Repair Dealer. I've had this done before when work was done and it is an inexpensive repair. The boat gets approximately 5 hours on a full tank. I understand your questions. The motor is not a Mercury, it's a SBT engine and I have the paperwork for the engine/carb rebuilds. I have other paperwork for several minor repairs but when I moved (from divorce) I'm missing a couple of the most recent repairs such as cable replacement and impeller. However, they were replaced last summer and I'm sure it's evident they are new. My ex-husband attempted to install the starter switch. The part was purchased new but I think he ran into difficulty connecting it. We split up at time so that repair wasn't completed. When the key was reprogrammed previously it was done by a local jet ski/jet boat racing team that repairs jet skis and boat as well. I believe there is less than 20 hours on the engine as I've been on the boat each time it's been in the water. We've been busy and not had a lot of time to enjoy the boat and the only reason I'm selling is due to the divorce. Otherwise, I'd love to have it repaired and keep it. I've enjoyed this boat and it's a fun boat. I had the stereo installed, installed the binini and it's new and the cover is custom to the boat. The trailer was re-wired as well as new tires last summer. The titel is clear and in my possession and I just renewed the trailer for street travel. I hope I answered your questions. I was just looking at the receipt and there is no phone number on it but the company that did that repair is no longer in business they were the racing team I referred to earlier. I can give you my word that I paid $2750 for the rebuild and the receipt reflects that. Other than that my word is all I can provide you. I have receipts from Seminole Power Sports that are dated after the rebuild and it was running The boat is is in great cosmetic condition, the hull has no dents or major scratches. It is very clean. Two of the three rear seats have a split in the middle of the cushion but these pop out easily and can be recovered inexpensively should you choose. Otherwise for the age of the boat it is well cared for. I have Seminole Power Sports receipts from Aug '06 when we replaced the impeller the first time (we had replaced again last summer b/c something got tangled in it and caused a knick) as well as oil & fuel filters changed and another for oil change and gaskets. It was running during those repairs. Whether you can call and ask them, I have no idea. I'll give you the last one I have from Seminole #431457 8/20/06 407-322-3253 last name was Delahoz or Herceg. Perhaps if you ask them to run a history under my name Delahoz, Diana they can tell you the other repairs that I don't have the receipts for. I believe at one time they replaced the stater (like an alternator) and ran a diagnostic on it at that time too. I will be home late afternoon Saturday but will not be home Sunday. If you'd like to come look at Saturday would be best but please let me know as soon as you know whether you will come or not so I can schedule the time."
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So, I don't know much about these kind of jet-boats. What can I do when I get there to verify that all of this work was done on the engine, and that the engine is in running condition without actually being able to start it? What do you guys think? For $3000 is this boat worth it with the potential risk of something being wrong? What can I do to make sure I don't get ripped off? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am thinking about looking at this boat on Sat. Thanks!

 

[swill777]

Here is another response I got asking why the engine had to be rebuilt...

"I bought the boat used with the knowledge it needed the engine rebuild so I got a good deal on it and then replace the engine. I don't know why as it occured prior to my purchase. Here is what I had done at that time:

Engine $1,099.00
2 refab Carbs $200.00
Install Kit $50.00
Pump shaft $150.00
D Harm Balancer $175.00
Throttle Cable $150.00
Spark Plugs $15.00
Labor $735.00"

 

[timmyboy76]

Just from the first sentence, I'd walk away. If its a simple fix and inexpensive, wouldn't you think he fix it then, for potential customers to hear/try on water. Think boats' hid'n problems...:cheers:

 

[seadoo-owner]

Price seems reasonable
yes needs some work but boat is worth 4-5k
Key needs to be done by dealer (you have to take boat to them so they can plug laptop in and programe key to boats electronic module aka MEPM)
Other things may be diy depends on your skill set

I have a 99 Challenger and is the most fun you can have fully clothed with 5 other people !!!

 

[swill777]

Is there any way I can check to see if the engine works on it??? Is there some type of gauge I can screw on and check the compression? Or is there some other way to turn the engine over or check it? That is what I am the most concerned with since its seems like the most expensive thing to fix on that boat. Any ideas?

I found a '97 Sportster with a new motor (one taken out of another boat and completely rebuilt recently and compression is perfect), new upholstery, new everything.. and its running - ready to go in the water, the guy can take me for a test run.. I know its smaller, and less HP, but it's running and looks fantastic.. $4000 with the trailer, cover, bimini top, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, life jackets, new battery, only run in fresh water, lighting, and some other extra's? I only plan to take my Wife out on it, and maybe 4 ppl max once in a while. What do you guys think?

 

[timmyboy76]

firtst paragraph..(I still cant figure out to cut/paste quotes, yet) anyway..yes, get compression tester, then sit there with heavy gauge wire, jump'n the solenoid, with throttle wide open, this will give you some idea of compression and motor turn..
Next paragraph, had the 96' sportster, DUG it, chick had fun, daughter had a BLAST. Sold for $3500 w/ all goodies you mentioned. Whats cool about this boat, IT RUNS, he'll let you rip around w/ it,...etc.
Yah, boat letcha know, when start'n to reach "max" weight( 4-people), but will still work/rip around. Run all day/ a blast, for you, and wife
My .02..:cheers:
Nevermind, jump'n solenoid, forgot starter dont work, but if solenoid bad, its possible then, seller thinks bad starter..

 

[swill777]

Yeah I called the guy about the '97 sportster.. He isn't shady AT ALL. Totally willing to have me bring a mechanic/whoever to check boat out, test drive no prob, interior was just completely re-done and looks freaking great. I'll post pics below for u guys to check out. I wish I could get it for $3500, but $4000 with all the stuff done doesn't sound too bad, and I like being actually being able to test drive it before purchase. Check it out.. I am still looking for more deals too:

 

[timmyboy76]

Dude, thats good-luk'n Sportster. Looks like from a dealer, see if he'll throw in some type of warranty, if so, then 4k-otd, not bad, stud...

 

[swill777]

I have never bought a used boat from an individual seller. How do I go about getting him to "officially" sign something that states a warranty? Then what can I really do if something goes wrong? Small claims court or something? I really do think the boat looks good as well.

 

[timmyboy76]

Individual seller???from looks of picture, thought he was dealer, with other boat/s in background.
Nah, more than likely, he'll have on bill-of-sale, "as-is", especially, if you took for a spin in water, than believe your on ur own. If anything is to go bad, it'll happen out there, or if theirs problems, boat will letcha know. Best thing, is do compression test on it as well, and look inside nozzle assy at wear ring gap, if close to blades, then wear-ring ok, but look for scars/damages to it. For compression, 115psi, boat will still run good, but doesn't have the life, like a 150psi would...

 

[swill777]

I am a first timer here with this type of thing so please help me out! Where can I buy/rent/borrow a compression tester from, and I assume it threads onto the block somewhere? Does anyone have a picture of what that wear ring is supposed to look like and where it is located? I don't want to look like a fool when I go and check these boats out! Thanks!

 

[swill777]

Oh, and I called the dealer on the Challenger.. The seller is calling them with the VIN #, then I can call back and confirm the service record. She claims the boat was in the water 2 months ago.. but now it needs this starter switch and key re-program. Why the hell would the key have to be re-programmed? What would cause that? Is it linked to the starter switch? Also, I asked the dealer what the difference between the starter switch and starter solenoid (which I am familiar with) is... I guess when people say "switch" they mean the actual switch in the dash.. so I assume this is what she is referring to. If the solenoid is good, then the starter should be able to be jumped with some heavy wire like someone above said.... just like a car. How hard is it to put in an actual dash starter switch in one of these boats? She claims she has the brand new part just waiting to go in. Also, she says she took the battery out since the boat has been sitting on her driveway for the last 2 months.. so what kind, how many cranking amps battery would i have to bring to try to jump this thing?

Also, I have no idea about these boats... can it be started out of the water and ran for a minute or 2? Does it actually use the water for cooling in any way? I am torn between this $3k Challenger, and the $4 running Sportster.. I know they are 2 different boats.. the Challenger has all sorts upgrades like a stereo system, new bimini top, new cover, new trailer wiring... and it is a LOT closer to me.. about 65miles away.. the other one is in south FL like 150 miles away. Can't find anything like this in my immediate area for around the same price. I am still looking though! The earliest I can go look at the Challenger is Sat afternoon since the lady is only going to be available then.

 

[factory81]

The sportsters seats look in really good condition.