Ski Challenger

Hi All,
Just stumbled on this website. I'm looking at buying a 1990 Ski Challenger from original owner, great condition, 600 hrs. I cannot find any info online about this boat. Does anyone know or have experience with this boat manufacturer?
Thanks in advance.

Built by Bayliner. Don't spend a lot of money on it.

Agree with meathead. They might have the flattest hull on earth as well. Horrible rough water ride and almost impossible to get a decent wake. I wouldn't pay more than 3k for the nicest one around. Way better off buying a Mastercraft of Nautique from the 80's. The 80's nautiques with the 2001 hull will be able to create all the wake you will ever need. They have also stopped depreciated almost completely because of the build quality, name and wake.

thanks for the replies guys. I do appreciate it. I think I will pass on this boat and move on to something else.

thanks for the replies guys. I do appreciate it. I think I will pass on this boat and move on to something else.

start hijack
lol, I'm pretty sure the 80's 2001 hulls are starting to... appreciate? Is that the word for 'go up in value?'

End hijack

I don't know exactly where I stand here... A 1989-1990 or so direct drive black, grey and purple Ski Challenger used to be our tertiary boat next to two 1986 Ski Nautiques. In some ways we'd occasionally prefer it because it had a stereo and back then neither of our Ski Nautiques did. I was about 17.

I remember the boat porpoising all-the-time. Any speed above 20 it felt like it wanted to just start hopping. Water would wash over the transom onto the seat about 30% of the time when you stop to pick up a rider. Weighted I would imagine this would be far worse.

Odd note... the only Raley I've ever landed was behind a Challenger... it had an extended pylon.

There's one still cruising around on my lake reliably every year. I'm at a loss for saying "absolutely not" about it because I had somewhat good experiences with that boat. I remember it being very wide (for that time). I don't know... we had fun on it and it ran.

All of that said - there are far, far better options. How much is this boat going for? 3k-4k? Thats where I'd put it.

EDIT - Dan - possibly. Certainly the depreciation on 1995-2006 210/Super Sports and 1982-1989 Ski Nautiques has slowed to a cold syrup drip. With the 210 I understand it due to the lack of wood stringers (READ:hull lasts, what, 40/50 years-God maybe much more?). With the Ski Nautique 2001's I advise people not to spend more than 9k on one, no matter the circumstance. I run the site The2001.com.

(Message edited by juniorhawk on April 09, 2008)

I never wakeboarded behind one but I did slalom behind one on occasion and if I remember correctly, the wake sucked for slalom. I'm surprised you can't get a decent wakeboard wake out of it. Jack of no trades, master of none?

Dante, that sounds exactly like Bayliner's motto.

I passed on this one. He wanted $6200 for it. Decided to go with an 88 Ski Centurion instead. I think I'll be happier with the Cent.
Thanks to all for your advice.