Challenger History?

[fryzll]

Hey all, I just wanted to know if any of you know any history on Challenger boats. About a year ago I bought a 78 18-6 w/ a 460 and a Jacuzzi YJ. Its white w/ thr brown metal flake outer and 1 scallop running up the center of the hull. Ive started w/ the trailer and moved my way up. new engine, wiring, carpet, uppoltery, gauges, and on and on http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. Anyway ive seen Katchina's that look really close so any info would be great. Thanks for the info and let me know if any of you hit the lower river, I have a place at Hidden Shores.
Chris

[challengerjet]

Hey fryll, I've got a '79 18'6" with a BBC and Dominator pump. I've done alot of the same things that you've mentioned and I too wanted to ask old rigger but i figured that he's probably getting bombarded with ??'s. How did you go about getting your trailer done? is there a place you can dry store your boat while you're doing the trailer?
jamie

[fryzll]

Hey Challengerjet, I just went to the local tire shop and grabed some take off's(free) and placed them behind my boat and trailer. Now this is the tricky part http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. Call about 8 of your buddys and tell them to come on over to shoot the s**t and dont woory about the beer cause you already bought it( buy alot because they might be p***ed). When thy show up just hand out the cold ones and tell em to start liftin http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif. I had my golf cart hooked to the boat and i had my dad pull the trailer out as we lifted and pushed the boat off the trailer and on to the tires, it was really easy if you have enough people. Some of my other buddys used jacks, 2x4's, casters, ropes, and a NASA engineer but this is really easy if you have the room and beer power http://free.***boat.net/ubb/tongue.gif. Let me know how it works if you do it. The best part is watchin their faces when the figure out whats goin on http://free.***boat.net/ubb/mad.gif, but they get over after the first beer.
Good luck, Chris

[Jim]

Fryzll, Kachina is the same boat,later in the 90's tahiti used the challenger mold to make boats. challengers were fast and strong,they cheapend the up in the late 70's when they used only 1/2 stringers and a false bottom. Jim Brock

[challengerjet]

fryzll, good idea, but i don't think i have 8 friends that i could sucker into that game, they're all wise to my cons.
jim, i've got one of those late '70's challengers with 1/2 stringers, what's your take on them? Junk or not? i'm only asking because i don't want to put anymore money if it's a worthless cause. thanks for your input.
jamie

[riverlover]

Some of you have already read some of my other posts and know I recently bought a 1977 Challenger, 460 ford, jacuzzi jet. It doesn't need much, just updated and a fresh look. I sense a Challenger club.
RL

[Jim]

there are a lot of challengers still out there, the only problem with the 1/2 stringers are the floor rots out, and you loose the strenth in the bottom, if the floor is solid you've got a good boat. we raced one in the early 70's hi point champion for 3 or 4 years. Jim

[challengerjet]

Jim, thanks for the advice, I haven't really given the floor a thorough inspection but it seems to be solid. The boat has come a long way since I first bought it, (it's running now).
fryzll,riverlover where are you guys from? OC area?

[riverlover]

I'm in La Mirada. Kinda close to OC

[fryzll]

Im in SanDiego's east county in Alpine. Thats why I have a place at Hidden Shores, 2 1/2 hours and im at the river http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. Next year im movin the trailer to Fishers or Martinez, its too old for Hidden Shores now http://free.***boat.net/ubb/mad.gif.
Chris

[challengerjet]

I'm in huntington bch, we have a trailer at the rio on parker strip, but we're actually in the process of selling it and looking into water wheel down in blythe. do you guys have any photos? would love to compare the challengers.
cj

[LEMON SQUIRT]

WELL I'VE GOT A BUDDY THAT HAS A 78 CHALLENGER SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME BOAT WHITE WITH BROWN OUTER TRIM AND SINGLE SCALLOP UP THE BOW W/454 AND WE HAVE SAT IT RIGHT NEXT TO FOMOCO'S KATCHINA AND THEY ARE BASICALLY THE SAME BOATS-VERY SMALL DIFFERENCES- BUT HARD TO TELL APART.I THOUGHT IN AN ISSUE OF JET TECH IN HOT BOAT A FEW MONTHES BACK GREG WAS TALKING ABOUT WHERE THE CHALLENGER CAME FROM (I THINK-CHECK IT OUT)BY THE WAY THE NAMES LEMON SQUIRT USED TO BE GOLDEN 420 BUT SOLD THE eLEMONator(flawed hull piece of shit) and now have a 78 bahner theres pictures of it under FOMOCO in RJB.COM we work at the same shop well C'YA.

[GARYB]

I HAVE A 1978 19FT. MINI DAY CRUISER MADE BY CHALLENGER IT HAS 454,BERKLEY JET,NEW SEATS & CARPET,NEW GAUGES,THE MOTOR AND JET WHERE REBUILED LAST YEAR THE JELL COAT IS STILL NICE TO LOOK AT.
IT IS A SOLD BOAT NO ROOT ANYWHERE TO BE FOUND.
I LIVE IN CORONA, GO TO LAKE PARIS ALOT AND MAKE A FEW TRIPS TO LAKE MOHAVE.

[fryzll]

Well guys, I think im gonna put my boat in the water for the first time tomorrow. My buddy's dad has been razzin me about havin stagefright http://free.***boat.net/ubb/tongue.gif. The seats are all glassed and ressined but i dont have the uppolstery done yet, oh well, life jackets will work just fine for the float test http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. I will try to snap some pictures of it and post them on this thread ( hopefully no underwater camera equipment will be needed) so we can compare. At least El Cap is only 15 min away from me http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif. Anyhow wish me luck and i'll let ya know how it goes tomorrow evening.
Chris
P.S. And I dont have to worry about lake lice at El Cap, theyre quarentined off in their own little section like the diseased ridden people they are http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. Just kidding
P.SS No im not http://free.***boat.net/ubb/tongue.gif
C-ya

[challengerjet]

fryzll, How'd it go over the weekend? did you get the boat in the water? details man, details.
cj

[fryzll]

Well guys everthing went great yesterday. The only thing i had to do was set the idle up http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif. I have to fix a few small leaks on the cables but thats no prob. The boat planes real easy and the pump was done before I baught the boat( I pulled the bowl off and its real tight) so im happy so far. After some low RPM cruisin I opened it up and w/ 400 pounds of two fat ass guys, more tools and parts than I should have taken ( I allways take more than I should) the cooler, full tanks and gear it ran right up to 4800 RPM and was at atleast 60 MPH http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif. I need to know if you guys are using scags on your pump or not, im used to a 21 foot Eliminator day cruiser and my boat needs alot more throtle to make it turn, is that the norm for these hulls? I still havnt dialed everthing in yet like the trim, timing and jetting but it ran perfect. It sits really ass low in the water so Im going to have a wake guard made for the rear
(good thing ive got 2 auto bilges http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif). I snapped some pictures so i will try to post them later. Anyway let me know about the scag and what kind RPM vs. speed you guys are running, im trying to figure out what impeller ive got cause there were no markings on it. The motor is a 460 w/ DOVE C heads with very mild porting, Erson JB100 cam int .545 @ 296 dur, exaust .545 @ 306 dur, Hypereutectic dish tops( I know but I allready had em:eek http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif, Comp Cams roller tip rockers(again I had em), the rods have been shot polished and shot peened w/ ARP bolt, Edelbrock Victor460 manifold w/ a Holley 4150 750cfm that I milled the choke horn off of, rejeted and 4.5 power valve. I just wanted a reliable runner, my guess on H/P is around 425 what do you guys think? Im really happy, now all i need is uppolstery so it more comfy http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif.
Chris

[fryzll]

I just wanted to set it on fire:d

[challengerjet]

sounds like things went well. better than my first outting in mine. 4th of July weekend was my maiden voyage and what a disaster. i finally got things worked out on my last trip until i had fuel tank problems but we've got those worked out and this weekend it should be ready for action. as far as the skegs i've only got two on either side of my intake if those are even called skegs? you're right on the money when it comes to turning, mine takes a lot of throttle to turn as well.
i'm running a BBC with two 750 dp holleys on a polished weiand TR. my tach read 5k but i have no idea about speed i'm thinking if i'm breaking 60mph i'm happy as a pig in a ditch. not too sure about the rest of the motor i bought it from young guy who was clueless about all of it, so that leaves me just as clueless. i've got a couple of good pictures of it on the trailer (digi) and another in the water (film) but don't have the slightest idea how to post. drop me an email and i can give you my upholstery guy, he's cheap and does killer work out of his garage.
jamie

[old rigger]

chalengerjet,
I noticed you are in HB. I'm in Long Beach. If you are interested, you can drag your boat over here (to my house) and I'll show you where to mount a keel fin on that thing. I even have one here that you can look at . It will make a biiiiiig difference in making that boat turn. We put them on all 20.5 classics at Advantage boats. They won't turn worth a $hit without them. I know that's not even close to the same boat as yours, but my point is that alot of jets can benefit from one of them. I have a 20 Spectra that came new with one.
It's really a no brainer, but a little to far forward will make the boat bow steer and to close to the intake can starve the pump in a turn. Let me know.

[challengerjet]

old rigger, show me the way...
let me know when is convenient for you, i'm sure i could waste several hours of your time with questions.
jamie.

[fryzll]

Wait a minute here, I need the help here, MY POST, just kidding http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. To all the Challenger owners, if you have through transom exaust like me(Hardin Marine) do you have alot of water spray comming back on your motor when its running?. All my pollished aluminum looks like death now http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. I think my exaust flaps are worn out but jeez it sucks bad http://free.***boat.net/ubb/frown.gif. Any way let me know on the other questions too. Thanks all
Chris

[challengerjet]

fryzll,
hey man i don't mean to steal your thunder. But seriously, i know exactly what you mean about the steering thing. I have OTT Bassetts and they splatter all kinds of water on all of my polished goodies. I think it's just part of the game. The previous owner put V Drive Bassetts on the boat and they sit very close to the transom, in fact, his last use of the boat, the battery box busted and the battery bounced out and sheared off the water lines to the headers and one of them got so hot it melted its way into the transom. so now i'm left with a pretty serious burn in the glass and if i want to put the correct headers on i have to fix the glass. but i don't know if i can match the colors afterward. it's a neverending saga.
Have you looked into upholstery? let me know if you want to use my guy, he's a buddy of mine and i wouldn't recommend him if he wasn't worthy.
jamie

[fryzll]

Hey chalengerjet, thanks for the offer on the uppolstery guy but im doing it myself w/ the help of a buddy of mine who has all the tools of the trade ( industrial sewing machine, foam cutter, etc.) because i have done everything so far so why stop now http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif. He did a buddy of mines boat and it turned out tits, besides I can f**k it up as good as the next guy I guess http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. Anyway, thanks for he reply and I will figure out the picture thing pretty soon http://free.***boat.net/ubb/confused.gif
Chris

[challengerjet]

old rigger,
Where can i find a Keel Fin? and what am i looking at spending?
thanks
jamie

[bajaruner]

Hey chris what's going on? long time no talk! I heard a little about your boat from ken it's good to see your still into going to the river, and that you have basically restored the whole boat yourself. I too have a 18'jet (avenger) lots of fun! anyway to keep this typing shit short if you want to hook up at the river some time just e-mail back too me and i'll give you my #'s hope the family is doing good, talk to you soon.
STEVE.
[This message has been edited by bajaruner (edited August 28, 2001).]

[fryzll]

Hey Steve, get my number from Ken and get in touch w/ me. What did you find out about Tims motor, was it the intake or head gasket? Tell Ken sorry i was kind of short w/ him on the phone but we were diggin up the septic tank at the time http://free.***boat.net/ubb/mad.gif . Any way just give me a buzz and we can shoot the shit.
Chris

[riverlover]

I don't know anything about keel fins, but it sounds like it couldn't hurt. Post the info about that thingy with an installed picture. Regarding the skegs at the pump intake: I only have one left. The other one broke off with the pervious owner.
Here's a pic of my Challenger (white w/purple scallop), Ford 460, OTT rewarder headers, Jacuzzi Eagle pump. It runs @55-65 depending how much stuff is in the boat.
RL
http://www.rivertoys.com/images/boat_gallery/1977CHAL1.jpg
[This message has been edited by riverlover (edited August 29, 2001).]

[bajaruner]

The scoop on tim's motor was a small crack in the cam galley area that lead to a water jacket (<~~very rare spot to crack!)it was a real pisser and must have opened up after the block was tanked. Anyway I just got back from Lakeside, picked up anouther block, and took it in for machining. I'm trying to finish this off ASAP so all of us can go to the river before season ends. I'll get ahold of ken, talk to you soon.
STEVE
[This message has been edited by bajaruner (edited August 29, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by bajaruner (edited August 29, 2001).]

[mikey]

Originally posted by fryzll:
Hey all, I just wanted to know if any of you know any history on Challenger boats. About a year ago I bought a 78 18-6 w/ a 460 and a Jacuzzi YJ. Its white w/ thr brown metal flake outer and 1 scallop running up the center of the hull. Ive started w/ the trailer and moved my way up. new engine, wiring, carpet, uppoltery, gauges, and on and on http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif. Anyway ive seen Katchina's that look really close so any info would be great. Thanks for the info and let me know if any of you hit the lower river, I have a place at Hidden Shores.
Chris
Challenger built boats in the 70's and was located on Rose avenue (near the Montclair Plaza)in Montclair Ca. The first boats were a 16', 18' and 19' minicruiser. The 19 was dropped and a new 20' mini with a Mach 1 bottom took its place and a 21' cruiser with the Taylor style bottom was added. The 18 jet was a copy of the Southwind 18. The biggest differance was the narrow gunwale, making for a wider cockpit. The early boats used Berkeley or Jaccuzzi jets with standard transom cover (inspection hole inside the boat). Later they built some with Berkeley 'E' pumps and a few with the Jacuzzi Golden Eagles, both with the inspection covers outside the boat. The Golden Eagle did not offer the performance of the Bekeley or other Jacuzzi jets and was know in the industry as the Golden Turkey.It was not because it was a bad pump, but because its insert design and axial flow impeller did not lend itself to high horsepower motors. The gas crunch of the late 70's/early 80's hurt the sale of most all jet boats and like a lot of manufactures Challanger did not survive.

[old rigger]

challengerjet,
I think I have an extra one (keel fin)in my stuff. It's new and never been used, and I'm pretty sure I won't be be needing it. Consider it yours. I will check tomorrow to make sure I have it. Also have what little SS hardware and putty that is needed to install the thing.
We just need to hook up and I know that this weekend is busy for everyone, and you're off to the riv. I think we better shoot for after the holiday.
You got my e-mail. Let me know when you get back in town...........
[This message has been edited by old rigger (edited August 29, 2001).]

[challengerjet]

old rigger, you da man. i'd be more than happy to pay just let me know. i'll be back from the riv on tuesday, and i'll hook up with you.
jamie

[fryzll]

hey guys, went out to the lake (El Cap) Sunday and Monday and had a great time. It was good seein bajaruner out on Sunday, been a while huh bud?. Yes me and him ran a he spanked me but hey what the hell http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif . I guess its a good thing he was full of gas and had the bimini up or it would have been really bad for me http://free.***boat.net/ubb/tongue.gif . I took the boat out today armed w/ a cooler, tools, and a GPS but for some reason I couldnt get a very fast reading on the thing( in the canyon or something like that). I stood on it for quite a while (I know thats bad but hell) and the best I got was 62 MPH, but it was still climbing when i got off it (got scared for the motors sake). I havent done any tuning such as trim or jetting so i think realisticly it should be capable of 70MPH. You might laugh but bajaruner can attest that the jacuzzi doesnt do too bad. 62 MPH at 4800 RPM aint to shabby I guess http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif . I guess you can tell im really happy about the whole thing http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif .
Chris

[bajaruner]

Hey chris glad to hear your results! I've got to tell everyone out there that the ford/jacuzzi set-up in your boat really hauls the mail. Absolutly a impressive job of bringing new life back into an old jet, this boat is clean! good job on the engine. As for your speed results on GPS I still am confident your running at or around 65mph and after you finish jetting and setting up trim you will hit 70mph+ easy, and that really changes my opinion of the jacuzzi pump.
GREAT JOB!!!!!
[This message has been edited by bajaruner (edited September 03, 2001).]

[riverlover]

Good to hear!