Anybody ever see/ride in a early 90's Challenger ski boat?

When I was a child and we boated alot down on deep creek md, There was a early 90's Challenger boat I always liked because of the graphics etc etc,, Now 20 yrs later I thought Id do a search to see who actaully made it and found out its BAYLINER, Im not a fan of bayliner but was curious if anybody ever had any experience when them ski boats? They have everything the supra has powertrain wise and there super cheap and rounded off, Yet im not a fan Just looking for input after all those years of wondering!

Never seen one, but I know there are a LOT of Bayliners around that area, and this area to be sure. I think they are built in Cumberland, MD. Didn't know they ever built an inboard.

When I was looking at inboards in 1988-89 it seemed like everybody was getting in the inboard market. The Ski Challenger was made by Bayliner / Brunswick. I have never heard anything bad about them. They were an entry level ski boat. Sea Ray also made a simalar inboard called the Ski Ray.

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Originally Posted by michael hunter

When I was looking at inboards in 1988-89 it seemed like everybody was getting in the inboard market. The Ski Challenger was made by Bayliner / Brunswick. I have never heard anything bad about them. They were an entry level ski boat. Sea Ray also made a simalar inboard called the Ski Ray.

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Sewen the Ski Ray - there was one for sale when I was looking for my boat.

I have been in a Ski Ray before. I wasn't paying too much attention to quality, but it ran great, started right up, no hesitation or anything. Not a fan of the closed bow, but seemed decent.
As you probably know, Bayliner and Sea Ray are actually the same company, much like Moomba and Supra.

Funny you should mention this boat I was just looking at them on wakeworld yesterday. Seems like a nice entry level v-drive for about $16k. They made the Ski Challanger and also a Wake Challanger. It has a nice deep vee that continues to the transom.

I worked at a Bayliner dealership in the 80's and early 90's. We sold Ski Challengers, all were returned and hulls were replaced due to isomosis in the gell. The decks are weak, drivetrail is not the same, yes the engine is a Ford, but that is where it stops. The conversion was from US marine, parts may be extermly difficult to find, ie, water pump, bracketry,exaust manifolds, ect. Al

Wow I had no idea talk about good to know info!

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Originally Posted by michael hunter

When I was looking at inboards in 1988-89 it seemed like everybody was getting in the inboard market. The Ski Challenger was made by Bayliner / Brunswick. I have never heard anything bad about them. They were an entry level ski boat. Sea Ray also made a simalar inboard called the Ski Ray.

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baja had a direct drive for a short period of time. had a horrible spray hump.

I had never heard of a Challenger by Bayliner until your post. How ironic that I find an add on craigslist for one for sale. Unfotunatley there is no picture. Here is the link

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/1600945609.html

http://www.ablboats.com/details.asp?ListingID=73366

This one is sold but its the same one I use to see all the time down deep creek! I think they look pretty sweet for an older 90's boat

Old post I know, but trying to do some search on this particular boat, I actually use this boat on deep creek all the time. How cool to come across this old post. I just actually got done rebuilding this whole boat, stringers, floor, carpet, wakeboard tower, etc, and thought I'd share some photos. Again not a supra which would be nice to have, but maybe someday, but for now I redid this old girl. I'll try to upload some photos!