How To: Thrust Vectors On A SeaDoo Challenger 230 Wake

[DistortedAxis]

According to @JetBoatPilot the Thrust Vector System is not compatible with the Seadoo Challenger 230 twin engine models.

I'm here to confirm that this inst entirely true. (More below).


My Boat is a 2009 Challenger Wake 510 HP ( 2X 255 HP Engines)
Thrust Vector states their fin adapter is not compatible with any of the 230 models.

Parts Link: OEM Parts > SeaDoo > Boats > 2009 > 2009 Sea-Doo 230 Wake, 2 X 255 HO


I then decided to compare the 2012 230 Wake 520HP model. Bear in mind the 2012 year lot of changes and was Sea-Doos final year for this boat before they announced they were discontinuing their entire boat line.

Comparing to a 2012 Challenger Wake 520 HP ( 2X 260 HP Engines)
Parts Link: OEM Parts > SeaDoo > Boats > 2012 > 2012 Sea-Doo 230 Wake 520


The reason the Thrust Vector is NOT compatible is due to the cut-out on the 2007-2011 nozzles. The trust vector has no way to stay secured to the nozzle if there is a cutout present. So if you have a 2007-2011 Challenger 230, you cannot install a thrust vector without swapping out to the newer, updated nozzle.

I also want to point out that the 210 models, Chaparral, and Scarab BRP powered jetboats ( even the LARGER SCARAB BOATS) also DO NOT have this cutout on their nozzles. This leads me to believe its unnecessary and was phased out for a reason.


On to the HOW TO Portion of this post

After a bit more digging, I found that part number 271001787 is also the SAME part number used on the BRP powered Scarab Jet boats.
Then confirming that the Thrust Vector is 100% compatible with the Scarab jetboats, I decided to order the updated models and the Thrust Vectors to try to fit them on my 2009 Challenger 230 Wake.

Twin Thrust Vector Kit.


I ordered 2X 271001787 Sea-Doo Steering Nozzles from a 2012 Challenger 230 and installed them on my 2009 Challenger 230.


Here are a couple photos of the old part numbers vs the new part number.
The nozzle with the cutout it the original 2007-2011 part number.
Without the cutout is to 2012 nozzle.



New Nozzle Installed - Quick and easy swap. Took 20 minutes.


And finally, because the new nozzles have no cut out, the Thrust Vectors are now a bolt-on application winch also took less than 20 minutes to install.




(The Supra Surf Well 3.0 trim tabs are for another post Work-In-Progress!)



Photo showing the Thrust Vectors with the updated rubber bumper to keep them from interfering with the reverse buckets.

 

[acemannw]

Have you noticed a difference how does it handle is steering improved what are the upside

 

[GabeN]

I figured the cut out had to do with the water flow when the reverse buckets came down. It would allow for some lateral water flow through the nozzle and assist. Im curious as well how they performed and if you are seeing any change to the power of reverse without the cut out.