Challenger History?

[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.../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).]