Twin 787 vs. Merc engine?

[FireAsh]

I'm looking at getting into a used SeaDoo Challenger. I have found a couple to look at but wasn't sure about which motor to go with. I have found a 1999 challenger 1800 with twin 787's and a 2002 challenger 2000 with a Merc 240hp engine. I had heard that 2 engines = twice as much fuel consumption, always liked merc outboards,but understand totally different than jet drive. Just looking for any help. Thanks, FireAsh

 

[LouDoo]

Hi and welcome to the SeaDoo forum.

If it were me I would definitely go with the twin Rotax. To put it mildly using Merc. power was not the smartest business decision that BRP ever made.

Lou

 

[diggin4aliving]

I agree. I would definetly stick with the rotax engines. It might be two engines but in the long run I think the problems and cost associated with running the merc long term will be higher.

 

[RFoster130]

You hear both sides of the argument. Most of us will say the twin rotax, but the merc guys say they are just as reliable. For me it is just the cost associated with a catastrophic engine failure. You can replace BOTH rotax motors TWICE for the same price as a single merc motor.

 

[CaptSteve]

The Merc engines are good engines. While they are more expensive to fix, they are reliable engines.

However, if you can not work on them yourself, that could be a problem. Sea Doo only used Merc engines for a few years, so getting service can sometimes be an issue. You will find most Sea Doo dealers do not know how or will not work on Merc. engines. Merc dealers do not know about Sea Doos. Parts are also an issue at times.

You will also find that if you get the service manuals for your Sea Doo, there will be very little in them on the engine itself. Most of the manuals refer you to a Merc manual and these are hard to find.

My suggestion would be to check with your dealer and make sure you can get service on the engines.