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2001 Sea Doo Sportboat Challenger 1800 Photos
2001 Sea Doo Sportboat Challenger 1800 Test Details
| Category | Jet Boat |
| Length | 17ft 11in / 5.18 m |
| Beam | 7ft. 6in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L |
| Weight | 1,865 lb |
| Dealers | Contact Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For For Sale |
2001 Sea Doo Sportboat Challenger 1800 Description
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Sea-Doos sport boat line redefines the way jetboats
are positioned. The Challenger, Sportster and Speedster are true sport
boats in their own right, sized for family pleasure boating and
responsible operation. The Challenger 1800 isnt a brand new model, but
the complete package is. Through the partnership of Bombardier and
Mercury Marine, performance-oriented sport boat owners now enjoy
Mercurys M2 Jet Drive engines, available in 210-hp or 240-hp EFI
models.
Our test boat was fitted with the latter, a 2.5-L V-6 electronic fuel injected two-stroke engine that turns a four- blade variable-pitch stainless steel impeller up to 6,250 rpm. With variable-rate oil injection fed from an 11.4-L reservoir and Mercurys own dual, through-hull mufflers, performance is sure.
The Challenger can carry a decent load up to 1,245 lb. or seven people. While the hull incorporates 20 degrees of deadrise to handle larger waves, the multi-chined bottom is designed to be nimble, to dance a bit and spin if so desired.
Knowing that the larger 20-foot Challenger 2000 runs over 50 mph, I sensed the 1800 would gain another five mph or so. My guess was close. The boat topped out at 56.5 mph with two people aboard.
Weight distribution is critical to performance, especially in lighter boats. With a 200-lb. person sitting in the co-pilots seat, the 1800 ran a full four mph slower than when he sat in the back. Get that centre of gravity right and speed comes naturally. Throttling down, the hull sprints out of the blocks in 2.5 seconds and lays down flat at 20 mph. It hits 30 mph in 2.63 seconds, 40 mph in 5.63 and 50 in 8.40. Few outboard-powered 18-footers can claim numbers like that. Even flat-out at 6,000 rpm, the boat is relatively quiet, indicating 93 dbA on the sound meter. If you didnt know better, you wouldn't think it was jet-powered.
Lumpy water the day of our test let me challenge its handling in different conditions. The boat is a blast to drive. It reacts quickly, and turning can be performed at any speed. (Naturally you
must take care when turning into big waves.)
Style matches performance. Wraparound bow too cushions envelope you, grab rails are plentiful and armrests are appropriately placed. That said, a clearly visible warning sticker reminds you not to let passengers sit forward above idle speeds.
The drivers dash is space-age attractive and ergonomically functional. Theres a built-in cooler, lockable glove compartment with stereo and 12-volt plug. Cockpit seating includes two firmly padded buckets, while moving aft we found three seats separated by bolster-style partitions. Theres a generously proportioned sun-pad over the engine hatch with a deep padded lip to keep you from slipping off. Watersports enthusiasts will appreciate the retractable ski pylon.
Around the dock, a control steering system automatically provides thrust at low speed. Advanced safety features include a drivers-side mirror and a control mechanism that wont let you shift unless engine rpm is at dead idle. As well, you cant push the throttle forward when the shift lever is in neutral.
The Challenger 1800 is a thrill to drive, a thrill to ride and a boat to consider if you are in the market for any new 18-foot sport boat.
2001 Sea Doo Sportboat Challenger 1800 Test Specifications
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Test boat engine:
Mercury 240-hp EFI M2 Jet EFI Drive,
2.5-litre (150-cid), 240-hp,
V-6, two-stroke, with fuel injection
and variable-rate oil injection.
Acceleration
mph sec.
0-30 2.63
0-40 5.63
0-50 8.40
Top speed (radar)
rpm mph
6,000 56.5
Cruising speed (radar)
rpm mph rpm mph
3,500 30 5,100 40
4,300 40 5,000 50
Sound levels at cruise (4,000 rpm)
helm aft cockpit
85 dbA 89 dbA
Sound levels at top speed
helm aft cockpit
95 dbA 98 dbA
Speed testing by Garmin GPS
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