Contemplating sea doo or keep looking???

[Gio Ricardo]

hello, so I havent purchased a jet boat yet but I am looking for a reasonably used boat for myself and my family. This will be my first boat that I am purchasing. I have had jet skis in the past. I'm in ft Lauderdale and there is a used 2009 sea doo 230 challenger SE for sale for just under 19k. I'm going to look to see the hours it has on it tomorrow. I do want it to take out off shore and not so much fresh water. I have been reading a lot of mixed reviews regarding jet vs propeller and if jet boats can handle the ocean. Any thought of ideas???? Thanks in advanced

http://www.daveymarine.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?veh=98618&pov=4564021

 

[Trevor Shipman]

Seems to be in good condition, although pictures can hide a lot.

Stylewise, exterior, I love the seadoo's but that's where I kinda stops for me. Interior space of most yamahas trumps, especially the back decks. I had a 2006 RXP and it was a good machine, minor issues everyonce and a while but I'm fully committed to Yamaha now. We have a 2006 AR210 and literally couldn't be happier. The best part of the boat that I love is the dedicated bench seat. I think the extra captains chair is a waste of space.

Take all of what I said with a grain of salt, when I was looking for a jet boat I woulda bought the 230 you're looking at if the price was right and I'm sure my opinion would be all pro SeaDoo if I had it today.

Good luck I don't think you can go too wrong. I highly suggest a boat with a dedicated bench seat rather than 2 captain chairs though. Much better use of space.

 

[0627Devildog]

Damn fine looking boat. . . . .but they went under for a reason. Personally, I'd stay away.

 

[Scott E]

Looks to be in good shape, will probably need the super chargers rebuilt so factor that into the negotiating. Those 230 do have a lot of room and I was looking for one before I got my 21o. BRP did stop building boats, but parts are still available for the motors and driveline. I can't speak to running off shore as the primary use.

 

[Khalid]

I

hello, so I havent purchased a jet boat yet but I am looking for a reasonably used boat for myself and my family. This will be my first boat that I am purchasing. I have had jet skis in the past. I'm in ft Lauderdale and there is a used 2009 sea doo 230 challenger SE for sale for just under 19k. I'm going to look to see the hours it has on it tomorrow. I do want it to take out off shore and not so much fresh water. I have been reading a lot of mixed reviews regarding jet vs propeller and if jet boats can handle the ocean. Any thought of ideas???? Thanks in advanced

http://www.daveymarine.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?veh=98618&pov=4564021

I owned a 2008 430 wake edition for 1 year. It kept having all types of unrelated problems. It cost me over $10K in repairs before selling it.

I would't touch it without warranty (I know that dealers sell them for used boats).

Even with a warranty, who wants to have the boat at a shop for repair

Superchargers will likely need rebuilding. If you don't do it prematurely, it'll likely cost you an engine.

Good luck with the search

 

[Bruce]

Buy a Yamaha 230 or 240 and you will have fewer issues, more fun and dealer and parts network that still exists.

 

[Ronnie]

If you could find a 2009 230 or 232ls for the same price I recommend that you consider it instead. No superchargers to rebuild very little maintenance/very reliable, about the same top speed, a head compartment (a few extras if an L or LS) and clean out plugs!

 

[Paulie]

The condition of the engine compartment would be a deal breaker for me. A lot of rust and corrosion everywhere. Major headaches down the road.

 

[Bill D]

If my primary use was offshore around Ft. Lauderdale, I would probably be looking at a more traditional offshore boat. The jet boats are a lot of fun and have many attractive features, but the requirements of coastal use diminish some of those. You won't want to store a jet boat in the water like you can an outboard, your boating days will be more weather dependent, there will be more cleaning and maintenance, etc...

If you are still thinking jet, I'd be looking in the 2015+ 24' category. If price is your main concern, buy what you can afford and enjoy it until you decide what you would rather have from your next boat.

 

[jetboater4life]

I owned a 97 seadoo speedster for 11 years and when I started my search for my next/bigger jetboat in 2011, seadoo was first on my list. It took about 6 months of searching and forum reading to change my opinion and start looking at yamahas. The seadoos seemed to have more engine troubles than the yamahas. This forum was also a big factor. I do all my own maintenance and have done tons of mods. Check out the link in my signature.

 

[OrangeTJ]

Personally, if offshore were going to be a big part of my boating, I don't think a jet would be on my shopping list. The advantages of jet drive don't seem to really be relevant for that type of boating. I'd be thinking outboard power, most likely, and in a boat with significant deadrise and bow flare.

 

[Mainah]

Jet boats are pleasurable off shore in the right conditions. As others have mentioned those conditions are rare though. I have owned three jet boats and have taken all off shore off the rocky coast of Maine on occasion in the right conditions. All of them were primarily lake boats though.

Go for test drive in common 3ft seas with a jet and in a propped off shore boat. Bring the wife and kids too. What you can handle may not be what they want to handle and I am sure you will fell the difference in the ride.

Good luck.