When most people hear the word ‘Sea-Doo,’ the first thing that comes to their minds is a jet-ski. But the Sea-Doo company also makes gorgeous and powerful pleasure boats. In this article, I’ll describe the Sea-Doo Challenger, including its specs and features, so you know if it is the right boat for you.
The Sea-Doo Challenger is a family of pleasure boats made by Bombardier Recreational Products. They introduced the Challenger in 1996 with a 782 cc, 110 hp, single two-stroke Rotax engine. Now, these boats are available with twin engines that produce 220 hp.
There are three members of the Sea-Doo Challenger family of boats, including the following:
- Challenger 180
- Challenger 210
- Challenger 230
Also, most popular among boating enthusiasts are the 180 and the 230 variants. The Challenger 180 can reach top speeds ranging from 43 to 50 miles per hour (mph).
Read on to learn more about the Sea-Doo Challenger, its two most popular variants, their specs and features, and if they are worth your money.
Sea-Doo Challenger
The Sea-Doo Challenger boats belong to the Recreation Line of Bombardier Recreational Products. This recreational line of boats is only one of the product lines of this company. They also produce other kinds of jet boats aside from jet skis.
Originally, there were three boat models in the Challenger line of Bombardier. They are the following:
- Challenger 180 – with an overall length of about 18 feet
- Sea-Doo Challenger 210 – Overall length: around 21 feet
- Challenger 230 – with an overall length of about 23 feet.
Now, Bombardier has limited its production to 180 and 230 variants. The shortest Challenger, the 180, has a top speed that ranges from 43 to 50 mph. Its power is considerably greater than the first Sea-Doo Challenger introduced in 1966, which can only produce 118 hp.
The Challenger 180 can deliver a maximum of 215 hp with speeds ranging from 43 to 45 mph. This model’s variant is powered by a 255 hp engine that can go as fast as 48 to 50 mph.
The Sea-Doo Challenger lineup has a big and heavy hull. To balance its volume and weight, the Challenger 210 is equipped with twin Rotax engines. A non-supercharged Challenger 210 with 310 hp can reach speeds of around 46 mph, while the 210 supercharged variants with a 430 hp engine can go as fast as 55 mph.
About the Sea-Doo Challenger
The company that created the Sea-Doo Challenger, Bombardier, was first known for being a builder of business jets. In 1968, this company ventured into building jet boats. The name they gave the first jet boat they built was the Bombardier Sea-Doo.
Bombardier produced several types of boats. Aside from the Challenger boats, this company also produces boats for the following categories:
- Performance,
- Sport Fishing,
- Touring,
- Tow Sports, and
- Recreation boats.
Their jet skis were designed by the original inventor of jet boats, Clayton Jacobson II.
The Challenger boat models belong to the company’s Recreation line of boats. Boats in this model line are less sporty but have more luxurious appointments. Originally, there were three models in this lineup. But now Bombardier has limited its production to just the Challenger 180 and the Challenger 230.
This company also stopped the production of its sport boats lineup because of dwindling market demand.
Sea-Doo Challenger Specs and Features
In the table below, you will see a detailed description of the specs of the two Sea-Doo Challengers, the 2007 models for 180 and the 230:
| Specifications | Sea-Doo Challenger 180 | Sea-Doo Challenger 230 |
| Engine | ||
| Model | 4-TEC® 1503 | 4-TEC® 1503 [2x] |
| Displacement | 1,494 cc | 1,494 cc |
| Horsepower | 215 hp. | 430 hp./310 hp. [230 SE] |
| Horsepower | 310 hp. [230] | |
| Type | 4-Stroke | 4-stroke |
| Cylinders (/engine) | 3 | 3 |
| Max RPM (/engine) | 8,000 | 8,000 [2x 215 hp.] |
| Max RPM (/engine | 7,300 [2x 155 hp.] | |
| Drive Unit | ||
| Axial flow | Single-stage | Single-stage |
| Impeller | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Pump diameter (/engine) | 6 1⁄4 in. (15.63 cm) | 61⁄4 in. (15.63 cm) [430 hp.] |
| Pump diameter (/engine) | 61⁄8 in. (15.56 cm) [310 hp.] | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Overall length | 17 ft. & 7 in. (5.36 m) | 23 ft. & 6 in. (7.16 m) |
| Beam | 8 ft. & 2 in. (2.49 m) | 8 ft. & 9 in. (2.67 m) |
| Draft | 12 in. (30.5c m) | 12 in. (30.05 cm) |
| Weight (dry) | 1 ,913 lbs. (892 kg) | 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg) [230 SE] |
| Weight (dry) | 3,350 lbs. (1,519 kg) [230] | |
| Storage capacity | 23.0 cu. ft. (7.01 cu. m) | 75 cu. ft. (2.12 cu. m) |
| Seating capacity | 8 | 12 |
| Weight capacity | 1,440 lbs. (653 kg) | 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 28 US gal (105 l) | 53 gal (200.6 l) |
| Oil capacity (/engine) | 0.92 US gal (3.5 l) | 0.92 gal (3.5 l) |
| Electrical | ||
| Generator | 30 amp/380W | 30 amp/380W |
| Battery | 12V | 12V |
| Hull | ||
| Material | Composite FRP | Composite FRP |
| Deadrise | 20 degrees | 20 degrees |
| Color | Gold or Steel Blue | Navy Blue |
| Price | ||
| $22,699 | $35,499 (230 Challenger) | |
| $37,399 (230 Challenger SE) |
Below is a great Sea-Doo Challenger review (Challenger 230) that shows the capability of this boat on the water. In this video, you will know how the pilot puts the 230 in all its paces:
Sea-Doo Challenger 180 Features Model 2007
The Sea-Doo Challenger comes with many features that make your day on the water more comfortable and pleasurable. Here are some of the attractive features of the Sea-Doo Challenger 180:
Standard Features
- Full Glass Driver and Passenger Windscreens with Walk-Thru is a full wrap-around windshield that can protect from wind and water.
- Cockpit Courtesy Lights – these lights can provide indirect lighting for nighttime boating.
- Swivel Bucket and Passenger Seat – these seats can be turned around to form an L-shaped lounge for socializing.
- Bow Filler Cushion – you can turn this into a lounge area for sunbathing.
- Swim Platform w/2-step Ladder is very useful for easier and comfortable re-boarding of the boat in deep water.
- Removable Cooler Under Rear Seat – this feature offers convenient onboard storage for food and beverages.
- Abundant On-Board Storage – this ample storage offers dry and secure storage with a total of 23 cubic feet of space.
- Dual-Access Rear Storage – there is also ample storage under the rear sun pad where you can place all your gear.
- Easy Step-Thru Rear with access lid to easily open the engine compartment.
- Large In-Floor Ski Storage – you can use this to store water toys, skis, and other accessories.
- Clarion AM/FM CD Stereo – this is a high-quality audio system for entertainment.
- New Digital Info Center – this info system includes the compass, hour meter, and water temperature.
- CLCS is a closed-loop cooling system designed to improve the engine’s durability and keep it and its coolant at their optimum operating temperature so the engine can give its maximum performance.
- Direct Drive Propulsion System – this feature gives the boat enhanced maneuverability, lesser draft. It will also provide you with more peace of mind.
- Trailer included
Safety and Convenience Features
To enhance safety and convenience of operation, the Sea-Doo Challenger 230 is equipped with the following features:
- Driver/Passenger Console
- Large Passenger Space
- Padded/Bolstered Seating
- Glove Compartment
- Six Stainless Steel Cleats
- Stainless Steel Eyes Bow and Stern
- Full Instrumentation
- Non-Skid Decking
- Cockpit Carpet (optional)
- Bimini Top (optional)
- Non-Slip Grab Handles
- Horn (flush mount)
- Navigational Lights
- Auto Bilge Pump/Switch
- Operator’s Manual
- Limited Warranty
- Financing Available
Sea-Doo Challenger 230 Features Model 2007
The Challenger 230 is the bigger brother of the 180. It has a lot of attractive features that it shares with its smaller brother:
Standard Features
- Fold ’N Stow Walk-Through Dorr/Optional Retractable Windshield System is an integrated walk-through door. It also offers extra security and enhanced protection from the elements.
- Ample On-Board Storage – this is a space that can provide dry and secure storage for your gear.
- Cockpit Courtesy Lights – these lights provide indirect lighting for nighttime boating.
- Driver’s Adjustable Height, Swivel Bucket Seat – this feature provides enhanced visibility while driving and socializing.
- Rear Storage Compartments – there is more than enough storage space under the rear sun pad to store all your gear.
- Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo with 4 speakers – for high-quality audio entertainment.
- Swivel Bolster Passenger Seat
- Removable cooler
- Pull-Up Ski Pylon – this is designed to provide convenient rope attachment for towing purposes.
- CLCS – this is a closed-loop cooling system that can improve the engine’s durability and. Moreover, it can keep the engine and its coolant at their optimum operating temperature for efficient performance.
- Tilt steering
- Direct Drive Propulsion System – this system will give you increased maneuverability, greater peace of mind, and less draft.
- Large In-Floor Ski Storage – this space can be used to store skis, water toys, and accessories.
- 12 Volt Jack (2x) you can use this together with power sources for the portable spotlight, cell phone, etc.
- Swim Platform w/ 2-step ladder.
- Trailer included
Analog Gauges
- Tachometer backlit [2x]
- Speedometer backlit
- Warning backlit [2x]
- Fuel/Oil Gauge backlit
Additional Safety and Convenience Features
- Driver/Passenger Flip-up Bolster Seats
- Driver/Passenger Console
- Padded/Bolstered Seating
- Full Glass Windshield
- Glove Compartment
- Full Instrumentation
- Navigational Lights
- Coaming Boxes [4x]
- Stainless Steel Eyes Bow and Stern
- Non-Skid Decking
- Bow Rails
- Bow Filler Cushion Creates Lounge Area (optional)
- Horn (flush mount)
- Pull-Up Ski Pylon
- Cockpit Carpet (optional)
- Bimini Top (optional)
- Anchor Locker
- Auto Bilge Pump/Switch
- Fold ’N Stow Walk-Through Door
- Limited Warranty
- Trailer, Custom-Matched (galvanized optional)
- Operator’s Manual
- Retail Financing Available
Additional Features of Sea-Doo Challenger 230 SE
- Cockpit Table
- Satellite-Ready Stereo w/Remote
- Snap-in Carpet
- Bimini Top
- Backlit Depth Sounder
- Six Pull-Up Stainless Steel Cleats
- Six Stainless Steel Cleats
- Optional Retractable Windshield
- Optional Wakeboard Tower w/Bimini Top
A Brief Background on the Sea-Doo Challenger
In its heyday, Sea-Doo was a market leader in the personal watercraft (PWC) market worldwide. It also built a reputation for building powerful, stylish, and durable boats when it ventured into high-performance boats.
Jet Propulsion Systems
The boats built by Sea-Doo are powered by jet propulsion systems. A typical Sea-Doo boat can have one or two Rotax engines. Jet boats use impellers to generate thrust, unlike standard boats that use propellers to push the boat on the water.
When an impeller is used, the boat sucks water into the pump. It will then force out the water is sucked to push the boat forward. Aside from its special propulsion system, Sea-Doo boats are equipped with many safety and convenience features.
But sad to say, Bombardier is not producing jet boats anymore. And that includes Sea-Doo Challengers. Up until 2012, the company was still building the Challenger, the Sportster, and the Speedster.
These boats are powered by robust engines that can produce from 155 to 430 horsepower. The company was forced to stop the production of these boats because of the financial crisis of 2008. They stated that the sales of these boats started to decline in 2007.
Production Ceased
Eventually, they had to announce the cessation of production on Sept. 14, 2012. The company is now focusing its efforts on making Sea-Doo PWCs, Ski-Doos, and Can-Ams. But there are still Sea-Doo jet boats for sale.
Many of these boats are pre-owned, meaning they are not brand new but are used ones. If you are in the market for a Sea-Doo Challenger, you can search the internet for these boats. A lot of boat dealers are offering Sea-Doo Challengers of different sizes. If you are lucky, you can end up with one Challenger that still has many miles left in it.
Conclusion: Sea-Doo Challenger Review
The Sea-Doo Challenger is a model line-up of pleasure boats manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products, a company that is based in Canada. This company launched the Challenger in 1996. It was powered by a 782 cc, 110 hp—single two-stroke Rotax engines.
The Challenger family of boats comprises three variants, the Challenger 180, the Challenger 210, and the Challenger 230. Since its launch, the Challenger has captured the hearts of thousands of boating enthusiasts. Today, these boats are powered by twin engines that produce 220 hp.
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