Opinions please - Get 97 Challenger or keep 04 Sportster

[frpole]

My fellow forum mates - life is full of decisions, and I'm looking to make the right one :ack:. I have an opportunity to pick up a 1997 Challenger with twin 787cc 110hp engines, around 235 hrs on them, from a professional collegue, who no longer has a need for the boat. He's the second owner of the boat and has owned it for 8+ years, and I've known him for 15+ years. Visually the boat is in great shape, no dings or fabric tears. Mechanically, he's used it less that 50 hours the past 2 years, and will let me take it out for a test run. I will have access to his service records and can take it in for a compression test and inspection at my cost. So my 'upgrade' dilemma, I currently own a 2004 Sportster LE-DI with 130hp 947cc engine. It's only a four seater, 14.5 feet, lightweight and fits in the garage. The 97 Challenger is around 700 pounds heavier, about 18 feet, but can accomodate 7 people, and has a few more niceties on board (horn, 12v adapter, stereo, locking storage, rear sunpad etc). I've also read that it's a bit more stable and rides smoother than my smaller boat, likely due to the added length and weight. Now the Sportster has a single direct injected engine, whereas the 97 Challenger has carbs. I've read posts that say the 787 Rotax engines were probably the best 2-stroke engines made. :hurray: I also understand that in general 2-strokes have less internal mechanical parts, and are somewhat cheap (in relative terms) to rebuild or repair than 4 strokes. Dont know what to expect from the carburation systems however, as with the LE-DI there is no maintenance. So in a nutshell, I could aquire the 97 Challenger for the current value of my 2004 Sportster (assuming I sell it privately). Aside from normal wear items (like wearrings), how long can I expect this boat/engines to last? I'm totally open to opinions and personal experiences from owners of either boats, or people that have done this before. Let me hear your thoughts. :cheers:

 

[seadoosnipe]

Dump the DI!........

This is just my opinion and I don't normally give them when these type questions are asked, but dump the DI.
In the long run, you'll have less problems and more comfort in the Challenger 1800. You've had the good fortune of a good DI motor, but it being 2 stroke also, this motor has a history of issues that stem from the air compressor and all the sub systems that it uses to run.
The 787 on the other hand, is like you said, carbed and easy to work with. My 1997 Challenger has the original engine still in it, with compression around 145 to 155. The original owner, who I bought it from, kept it in the garage and serviced regularly.

My opinion is going to be biased because it's my engine of choice. But do a search with our search engine, keyword, "DI"........see what you pull up.

 

[frpole]

Fuel assembly replaced...

Thanks, as I said I value all opinions. The final decision will be mine to make, but what better way than to at least have listened to others feedback and experiences. I have started searching for LE-DI 951 engine issues on this forum, but your opinion also jogged my memory about when I purchased the boat from the previous owner. At the first test drive on his lake the boat started and trottled up and ran for about 3 minutes, then all of a sudden it sputtered and shutoff. We thought because of old fuel (it was just taken out of storage in May), but that was not the case. After waiting a few minutes it would restart but only last 2 minutes then die off again. To make a long story short, I did not buy the boat until the previous owner had it repaired. It turned out to be the Fuel Module Assembly/pump, at a cost of over $1200 (CAN $, parts and labour). So I can cetainly pass on that this is a possible issue with the 04 Sportster. Hopefully the new one wont fail. :ack:

 

[robin savell lloyd]

You may have been lucky on this DI engine but luck will run out sooner or later. Read up on DI problems and you may see what I am talking about. I can allways be wrong that is why you should inform your self on this issue. Good luck on which ever way you decide to go. :cheers:

 

[sporsterjoel]

1997 Challenger with twin 787cc 110hp/ arent these 2 strokes in the challenger? in my opinion you should sell your 2004 sportster DI and buy a 2004 sportster 4-tec, That would be your best bet if you want reliability and the 4tec isnt that much more in cost then the DI model.... Pluse with twin engines its double the fuel and double the maintenance and if one motor goes then then other one wont be far behind. just my 2cents....

 

[robin savell lloyd]

1997 Challenger with twin 787cc 110hp/ arent these 2 strokes in the challenger? in my opinion you should sell your 2004 sportster DI and buy a 2004 sportster 4-tec, That would be your best bet if you want reliability and the 4tec isnt that much more in cost then the DI model.... Pluse with twin engines its double the fuel and double the maintenance and if one motor goes then then other one wont be far behind. just my 2cents....

yes I would agree if you do have the extra money. :agree:

 

[sporsterjoel]

Look these boat forsale all are here in ontario. the 4 tec and Di are close to the same price http://www.trader.ca/search/results...S&BYEAR1=&BYEAR2=&BPRICE1=&BPRICE2=&BKEYWORD= and i think your DI is worth more then the challenger..... that link doesnt work go autotrader.ca and look at the prices there selling for here in Ontario.