Speedster and Challenger 1800

[IBGMann2]

Hello everyone,

This is my second season with my boat and I have run into some issues with how many people I have have on my boat. I've been looking around for a Seadoo challenger 1800. My current boat is a 95 speedster. I know that the Challenger will fit 7 but are there any draw backs having a bigger boat? They kinda seem the same other then how much bigger they are. Any info would be great!

Thanks:cheers:

 

[thor7000]

Hello everyone,

This is my second season with my boat and I have run into some issues with how many people I have have on my boat. I've been looking around for a Seadoo challenger 1800. My current boat is a 95 speedster. I know that the Challenger will fit 7 but are there any draw backs having a bigger boat? They kinda seem the same other then how much bigger they are. Any info would be great!

Thanks:cheers:

I bought a sportster 4TEC 155 last September which was great for my wife and I plus our 2 small kids, but no room for anyone else!! This boat really feels like an oversized PWC, low to the water and amazing handling. I then decided to buy a larger speedster200 with twin 310HP so that I have more passenger room...it is also a great boat, but feels like a boat (if that makes sense) you are allot higher up, and it doesn't handle quite like the 155 but has a ton of storage space and will easily take 7 passengers all day long. I also looked at the 180SE Challenger's but decided to go with a twin naturally aspirated engine boat over the single supercharged engine boat.

 

[seadooya]

pears and carrots

more room, less bounc'n, feels like more power, easier to re-sell, doesnt feel like ur in a bathtub,...

 

[RFoster130]

I think 7 is still too many for an 18ft challenger. 5 is probably comfy and 6 if you really need to.

Thor I think the 20 ft Speedster is what I want to jump to someday. There arent many around this area though. If you are ever traveling from FL to Canada with it stop by and take me out..lol. I live 15 minutes off interstate 75.

 

[thor7000]

I think 7 is still too many for an 18ft challenger. 5 is probably comfy and 6 if you really need to.

Thor I think the 20 ft Speedster is what I want to jump to someday. There arent many around this area though. If you are ever traveling from FL to Canada with it stop by and take me out..lol. I live 15 minutes off interstate 75.

How about you come down to Florida next time we fly down...I own 2 condo's in the same building, you could stay in one for a few days and I take you out around the inter-coastals..!!

 

[RFoster130]

Now that sounds like a plan. Where in FL do you go?

 

[thor7000]

Saint Petersburg, approx. 20 minutes south of Tampa

 

[RFoster130]

Awesome...I have a sister in Lakeland that I need to visit this summer. Would be cool if you were down there then.

I have been in the same dilemma as the OP. I want bigger but not sure what. I have thought about the 18 ft challenger but I know i wont be happy with the top speed. So the speedster is the logical choice, but then i am torn on SC or not. So a ride in a 310 is really what I need to go for. My budget will probably only allow for an 04. so your boat would be a perfect choice to check out. I have seen some in the past going around 14,000 to 15,000. I am hoping maybe next year to pick up a deal on one.

 

[thor7000]

Lakeland is about an hour from us...so for sure you should definitely come by for a day or 2. We try to fly down as much as possible, will be down for possibly 3 weeks in April, then again in June for the Bimini trip and I'm sure a few more times throughout the summer/fall. Keep in touch and we can make it work!!

I was originally looking at the 08/09 Challenger 180SE but didn't think a single engine boat would be able to perform to my expectations when loaded with 6-7 people. So far I am happy with the speedster200, has a ton of storage and really love having 2 engines. Allot more room to move around on it and so far performance is good...only thing I don't like is there is no place to unload except off the back when beaching it.

 

[IBGMann2]

Ok so it sounds like bigger is better. Anyone selling a Challenger 1800?!! Only kidding! I'm going to keep an eye out for one though maybe after this season.

 

[RoKNRich]

Ok so it sounds like bigger is better. Anyone selling a Challenger 1800?!! Only kidding! I'm going to keep an eye out for one though maybe after this season.

Just bought mine, lol........

I knew it's what I wanted after getting rid of my 14 footer....so far I love it, the extra space is nice for sure....I never put more than 3 (myself included) in my 14 footer, and plan to regularly carry 4 (with camping gear occasionally) in the 1800....perfect size for me........

 

[parrothd]

Just did this last year, had a 95 speedster and upgraded to the challenger 1800 w/ twin 787s.

The boats are total different, challenger is larger, more power, can handle 7 people, tons of room and storage space, is basically what you'd expect from a 18ft boat.

The speedster was/is basically a large jetski that can carry 3 people,4 not comfortably, when you look at the challengers in person you'll notice the difference..

 

[speedster32940]

Just bought a (lightly used with warranty) 2008 speedster 200 this fall & we love it.

We tried a new 2009 challenger 180 first and were way unimpressed with the performance. That one had about the same speed as our old 29 foot Larson cruiser with twin V6 although that was a pretty good cruiser....

The speedster 200 has 310hp and is plenty fast enough (mid 50's max.), plus no headaches and expense with supercharger rebuilds, etc. I highly recommend going that route, if you can find one! Good luck!