Should I Pull the Trigger

[JenLee1013]

Hi all,

I'm evaluating my first boat purchase- I am shopping mainly for a Day boat that is trailerable, easy to maneuver, and family oriented mainly for hanging out, swimming, picnicking, etc. I wasn't really picky about the model and type of boat but I'm looking for used and under a budget cap. I found a 2011 Sea Doo Challenger SE 230 and just test drive it yesterday. Here's more about the boat-

Wear and tear- mostly just needs a good detailing in and out but not dirty.
Maintenance- just came out of warranty but the owner had a full inspection and warranty maintainable done before it ended. Engine fired right up.
Trailer- haven't seen it yet but he hauled it down from Vancouver to Seattle so assume everything is ok. The trailer is the one purchased from Sea Doo.

Boat has had one owner, bough new in 2013.

For all you Sea Doo owners out there- since BRD no longer makes boats, how do you feel about buying used? I understand it's harder to find mechanics that work on these, and withe hem exiting, not sure abou parts scarcity. Also, what you expect the condition of a boat that is 4 us old to look like on the interior and exterior (just so I can gauge if the wear is normal).

Thanks!

 

[Ron@Scarab]

BRP has been discontinuing a lot of parts over the past couple of years. People are still servicing them though. Our store doesn't service anything past 2004. Also, since Scarab is selling boats now with the BRP engines, that is another reason for the parts loss. They (BRP)are moving on.

 

[jpass]

a 4 year old boat should have minimal wear if it was taken care of. Vinyl should be almost perfect (no rips, tears, stains, minimal sun damage). Engines should be clean and corrosion free. Everything should work (electronics, lighting, etc.). Hull should be in great shape (again, if maintained properly). Some surface scuffs should be expected, but gouges or deep scrapes should not. Everything is fixable, but it can be expensive to repair gelcoat if you can't do it yourself.

Our boat is a 2012. We're the 2nd owners and I'd give our boat an 8.5 - 9 outta 10 for overall condition and she has 191 hours.

 

[Mighty Peace]

I am the recent 3rd owner of a 2012 Seadoo 210SP. Had 44 hours on it and warranty till end of July. The boat is mint. Serviced at dealer prior to every winter. A few scuff marks on the orange colour from the boat fenders rubbing while docked, but I was told by a detailer company that they will buff out.

The second owner bought it off an older couple that bought the boat new to use with the grandkids and ran into health issues. The second owner didn't use it much last year so he sold it. I put on the same amount of hours in my 3 trips to the lake this year than the previous owner had last year.

So if the boat you are looking at looks good overall, PULL THE TRIGGER !! LOL

 

[ScarabMike]

The modern Sea Doo boats are pretty awesome. Their tech is pretty much the same as the new Scarabs and Chaps. The parts/service on these boats can be done by anyone with BRP experience especially since it is out of warranty. The Challenger 230 is an incredible and reliable boat. I would pull the trigger, and enjoy.

Hi all,

I'm evaluating my first boat purchase- I am shopping mainly for a Day boat that is trailerable, easy to maneuver, and family oriented mainly for hanging out, swimming, picnicking, etc. I wasn't really picky about the model and type of boat but I'm looking for used and under a budget cap. I found a 2011 Sea Doo Challenger SE 230 and just test drive it yesterday. Here's more about the boat-

Wear and tear- mostly just needs a good detailing in and out but not dirty.
Maintenance- just came out of warranty but the owner had a full inspection and warranty maintainable done before it ended. Engine fired right up.
Trailer- haven't seen it yet but he hauled it down from Vancouver to Seattle so assume everything is ok. The trailer is the one purchased from Sea Doo.

Boat has had one owner, bough new in 2013.

For all you Sea Doo owners out there- since BRD no longer makes boats, how do you feel about buying used? I understand it's harder to find mechanics that work on these, and withe hem exiting, not sure abou parts scarcity. Also, what you expect the condition of a boat that is 4 us old to look like on the interior and exterior (just so I can gauge if the wear is normal).

Thanks!

BRP isn't moving on. They fully support their products including engine packages some to other boat manufacturers. And Scarab, Chaparral, and Glastron are carrying the engines. There may even be more brands coming.

BRP has been discontinuing a lot of parts over the past couple of years. People are still servicing them though. Our store doesn't service anything past 2004. Also, since Scarab is selling boats now with the BRP engines, that is another reason for the parts loss. They (BRP)are moving on.

 

[geierb387]

I have never had a problem finding parts for our 2010 210 Challenger-- any thing I have needed was super easy to get and no problems ordering.