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2008 Grew Challenger 218SS Photos
2008 Grew Challenger 218SS Test Details
| Category | Performance Boat |
| Length | 20ft 7in / 6.10 m |
| Beam | 7 ft 6 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L |
| Weight | 1,800 lbs |
| Dealers | Contact Grew Boats Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Grew Boats Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For Grew Boats For Sale |
2008 Grew Challenger 218SS Description
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If youre a young new-boat buyer with a taste for champagne-priced offshore performance boats but only have a beer budget, Ontario-based Grew Boats may have an answer. Its Challenger 218SS is a sporty mini-offshore with classic performance- boat lines, room for four to ride, plus a compact cuddy cabin.
Powered by a Suzuki DF200 outboard, the boat benefits from fuel-efficient fourstroke technology for reliable, affordable fun. The 218SS test boat is not meant to head far offshore. As powered, it doesnt provide
blistering speeds either. However, it does offer a lot of fun in a small, affordable package.
With two onboard and an almost-full fuel tank, trials showed top speeds of 55.6 mph at 5500 rpm (with a 27-inch pitch stainless steel prop). A Suzuki technician reported earlier speeds of 64 mph with one person aboard and a light load of fuel.
Suffice it to say, the 218SS powered by the Suzuki DF200 will run in the 60-mph range on a good day. Since the boat is rated for up to 300 hp, bolting on Suzukis hot new DF250SS engine might be fun. With SS and checkered-flag graphics already in place on the boats long foredeck, it would make a great combo. It would likely also push the boat closer to 70 mph.
Powered by the DF200, the 218SS may lack an impressive top end but it is wellbehaved at all speeds. Theres some bow rise when you pour on the power to get onto plane. That takes less than four seconds, though, so make sure your way is clear and then hit it. In 7.4 seconds, youre at 30 mph and trimming up the engine. With about 20 per cent trim, the boat runs at 29.3 mph at 4500 rpm. Add another 15 per cent trim and it does 35.5 mph at 4000 rpm. At 4500 rpm it runs an honest 40.5 mph.
The 218SS, due to its length more than the shape of its V-hull, wont handle really big offshore rollers at high speeds. Test day was choppy, but the one-footers proved no problem. With the drive trimmed in, turns were easy to carve. Owners who want to wring as much speed as possible out of this
boat but also do some watersports will likely need at least a couple of different props. With performance boating, though, tuning for maximum speed is part of the fun.
The test boat has a Suzuki digital gauge set, complete with GPS connection. It provides actual speed-over-ground, as well as accurate fuel consumption and range. It would be a big help for a boater trying to
tune for optimum performance.
2008 Grew Challenger 218SS Test Specifications
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Test boat engine:
Suzuki DF200, 220.5 ci/3.6 L, V6
gasoline outboard producing 200 hp, driving a 27
pitch stainless-steel prop.
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 3.5 ; 0-30 / 7.4 ; 0-40 / 10.6
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5700 / 55.6
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3000 / 24.9 ; 3500 / 29.3 ; 4000 / 35.5
SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (4000 rpm)
Helm 86 dbA ; Aft cockpit 88 dbA
SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED
Helm 93 dbA ; Aft cockpit 96 dbA
SPEED TESTING BY Garmin GPS
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