Seadoo Challenger 2000 - Tine Broke Off

[SkiRacerChick]

After purchasing this boat 10 years ago, we have had our first problem with the boat. A tine broke on the grate (which I guess from reading other forum postings-should have been replaced long ago). It caused some damage to the impeller, but is currently stuck in the pump housing area-causing damage there as well?

Anyone had this problem before? Will it be able to be repaired to 'good as new'? If it were sitting in a showroom, you wouldn't be able to tell it was 10 years old.

Anyone know who the best dealer is in the Indiana area?

Thanks!

 

[ForHogan]

Hi. This happened to me last fall and I never found the tine, but the boat was slow to plane and speed was off.

Well, I took it all apart and the impeller was rough, the stator had some chew marks on the vanes and the wear ring seemed ok. I sent the impeller off to Solas for repair and the bill was $250 because it was such a mess. As far as the stator, i just used a dremel to file down any rough edges. Put it all back together and it runs great now. I think the impeller is the most important component in terms of performance.

I did replace the grate with another spring loaded weed grate (I guess I'm a masochist but I like being able to reach in there and pull out the eel grass we grow in the bay). The new one is noticably beefier than the old one and maybe it has been redesigned. Not sure.

I think I'm out about $430 for the repair and that's using my labor. And, I already had the Mercury impeller removal tools which aren't cheap either.

Most Mercury dealers don't have a lot of experience with the M2 drive, although they are fine with the engine; and Seadoo dealers are totally clueless. Best bet is get the service manual and either do it yourself or give the manual to a Mercury shop with the boat because they won't have it. I got mine on Ebay. Good luck.

Mike

 

[mrjimbov]

If you are in Northern Indiana I have a tool that you can use to remove your impeller. As far as a good dealership, I buy my parts from Main Channel Marine in Syracuse, IN. but I don't know how good their service dept. is.
I sent the impeller out of my Challenger 2000 to Impros and they refurbished it for $150.
The best way to contact me is to e-mail me at jvg29@hotmail.com because I only log on here a couple times a month.

 

[RFoster130]

Hi. This happened to me last fall and I never found the tine, but the boat was slow to plane and speed was off.

Well, I took it all apart and the impeller was rough, the stator had some chew marks on the vanes and the wear ring seemed ok. I sent the impeller off to Solas for repair and the bill was $250 because it was such a mess. As far as the stator, i just used a dremel to file down any rough edges. Put it all back together and it runs great now. I think the impeller is the most important component in terms of performance.

I did replace the grate with another spring loaded weed grate (I guess I'm a masochist but I like being able to reach in there and pull out the eel grass we grow in the bay). The new one is noticably beefier than the old one and maybe it has been redesigned. Not sure.

I think I'm out about $430 for the repair and that's using my labor. And, I already had the Mercury impeller removal tools which aren't cheap either.

Most Mercury dealers don't have a lot of experience with the M2 drive, although they are fine with the engine; and Seadoo dealers are totally clueless. Best bet is get the service manual and either do it yourself or give the manual to a Mercury shop with the boat because they won't have it. I got mine on Ebay. Good luck.

Mike

No way!!! If you went by the Merc lovers opinions, that NEVER happens. Yet we read it on here weekly.

 

[SkiRacerChick]

I do have the manual and appreciate those who have offered to lend their tools-but I will admit my techical know how includes little but oil filling, checking etc. I'm just disappointed that every time I have taken in unit for service-no one has ever mentioned the grate problems experienced by others. I bought this unit new and it has under 150 hours, has never been outside (except for time on water) and still looks like new. Yet when startingand backing off trailer-it dies. I assumed it was the battery...but when the dealer who stores my boat tells me there's something stuck...I couldn't believe it!! I guess I'll have to wait until Tuesday for the dealer I bought the unit at has time to look at it to give final report. I know the impeller has nicks on it, can't tell if the wear ring is okay and the stator has two chunks missing with the tine warped and wrapped around the stator....

 

[ForHogan]

I can tell you that from my experience, even if the stator is a bit of a mess, and the wear ring has grooves and nicks in it....the impeller is the key in terms of performance. The impeller is the only component of the 3 spinning at high speed and so its balance, and size are critical for not cavitating and not vibrating.

If it were me, I'd just have them pull the impeller and have it rebuilt and put it all back together with a new grate. If you want to exchange it for the fixed grate, they are readily available.

http://www.marinepowerservice.com/ (no affiliation)

Mike