2010 Seadoo Challenger 210 SE or 2015 Chaparral 223 vortex

[Dakota7819]

Leaving the I/O and going to a jetboat. Jersey shore boating. I found an immaculate Seadoo and a very nice Chaparral. I’m wondering how the Seadoo would ride and handle chop. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Pros / Cons and any other thoughts on jet boats. Was leaning toward a Yamaha 212 sx but have yet to find a nice one.

 

[Dave burke]

I have a 2009 Sea-Doo and an old Chaparral I/O. The Chap served me well for a long time. And when I bought my 212X in 2017 I almost went with the 223VRX. I actually liked the fit and finish of the Chaparral better.

I‘ve had quite a few mechanical issues with the Sea-Doo, none with the Yamaha. In your case the engines are the same but the Chap is 5 years newer. I’d go with it just based on that. Plus the Chap is a more solid boat with better fit and finish than Sea-Doo IMO.

 

[jocolo21]

the seadoo sits too low in the bow, last year a challenger tried to leave with us to Bimini, he couldn't make it out of the inlet, had to return, i would stay away., the yamaha are more reliable, i have friends with the chaps, they spend a lot of time at the dealer. Just my observation, never owned a Chap. but had 3 yamahas

 

[Miitch]

i might be one of the only people on here that has had almost zero issues with my sea doo (aside from things ive done myself like accidentally flood the engine bay). The engines are bullet proof. theres a reason 90% of the jet ski rentals are sea doos - because if you stay on top of maintenance, you'll have no problem seeing 400-500hrs. even 600-800hrs if you really cared for it. i also personally find the sea doos (chaps + scrabs also) handle much much better at speed and at no wake due to the design of their reverse/neutral system.

that being said, sea doo stopped making boats in 2012 (scarab took over for jet boat line) and chap is no longer making jet boats. You'll have no problems finding engine parts for either of these boats, as the engines are still being produced for the sea doo jet skis. But fit and finish items might be hard to come by. There were more sea doo boats made than chaps (jet boats) as far as im aware. The chap is newer, but would be much harder to find fit and finish parts for compared to sea doo.

both of which would be more difficult to find fit and finish parts for when compared to yamaha obviously, because theyre still making jet boats.

 

[Dakota7819]

Thank you all.