2010-2012 Sea-Doo Challenger 210 Specs and Review [Video]

Sea-Doo manufactured the 21-foot Challenger 210 from 2010 through 2012 with various single and twin Rotax 4-stroke jet engine packages. Designed with wakeboarders in mind, her purpose-built variant was the more powerful WAKE 210.

In this post, we’ll review the base model and her key specifications.

Sea-Doo Challenger 210 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Sea-Doo introduced the Challenger 210 in 2010 to be the midrange model between the proven Challenger 180 and the top-of-the-line Challenger 230.

The all-new 210 was offered in many variations over the years including the S, SP, and SE, which differed in their trim levels and engine packages.

Each of these shared the same deep-V fiberglass hull with a 21-degree transom deadrise.

As the name suggests, the boat measured 20.8 feet in length with a trailerable beam of 8.5 feet and a draft of 1 foot.

Cozy and spacious, the top deck was designed with plenty of seating and luxurious amenities.

Fitted with cushioned wrap-around seating, the forward lounge housed large storage compartments under the seats and behind the backrests.

Passengers appreciated the convenience amenities like integrated stainless-steel cup holders,  grab handles, speakers, and the dinette table mount.

The bow peak was also designed with an anchor locker, housing a reboarding ladder as well.

When going through the walk-through windshield you entered a roomy and inviting cockpit.

Covered by high-quality upholstery, the U-shaped aft lounger was completed with helm and post-side swivel bucket seats.

The sporty helm also enjoyed a plethora of bells and whistles like a rack-and-pinion steering with an adjustable steering wheel, cup holder, switch panel, sun visor, Jensen sound system, and a huge dashboard.

Instrumentation included analog gauges like two tachometers, a speedometer, a fuel gauge, a voltmeter, and a digital information center.

The latter had many useful functions like a clock, hour meter, compass, depth sounder, fuel consumption data, mode selector, and more.

Other cockpit features included a transparent bi-fold bow gate, ski locker, glovebox, under-seat storage units, cup holders, grab handles, floor carpet, table mount, and a 25-quart Igloo cooler.

Instead of an industry-standard full-beam sun pad, the Challenger 210 featured a unique walk-thru transom with two smaller sun pads on either side.

These versatile pads could be flipped down and transformed into backrests, while their base housed the fiberglass “transat loungers,” which could be unfolded over the swim platform.

This transformation resulted in two nice aft lounger seats with padded backrests and a much more versatile extended swim platform area.

Besides these transat seats, the stern was fitted with a retractable swim ladder, grab handles, cup holders, a table mount, a stereo remote, and an innovative lockable floor wet storage unit.

Regarding capacities, the boat could carry 44 gallons of gas, 10 passengers, and a lot of gear up to a weight limit of 1,638 pounds.

Depending on the engine option, her dry weight averaged between 2,925 and 3,179 pounds.

Filled with liquids and some gear, the curb weight of the Challenger 210 averaged between 3,200-3,500 pounds which increased up to 3,800-4,300 pounds on a tandem-axle trailer.

Hence, this 21-foot jetboat could be easily towed by midsize pickup trucks and SUVs.

 

Engines and Performance

4-stroke Sea-Doo jet boats were exclusively powered by triple-cylinder Rotax marine engines, and the Challenger 210 was no exception.

As a rule of thumb, this model was fitted with a 1494cc, SOHC, triple-cylinder, Rotax 1503 4-TEC engine, which was offered in many different variants over the years.

In 2010 and 2011, the standard power mill of the Challenger 210 SE variant was a twin naturally-aspirated engine package rated at 310hp.

Their optional supercharged (2 x 215hp) variants were exclusively available on the WAKE 210 during these years.

In 2012, the boat was offered with three different power options, including:

• Challenger 210: single 260hp SC
• Challenger 210 S: single 260hp SC and twin 155hp NA
• Challenger 210 SE/SP: twin 155hp NA and twin 215hp SC
• (Wake 210: twin 215 SC)

Each of these engines was paired with an axial-flow, single-stage Bombardier Formula jet pump.

Let’s drill into the specifics and talk about the performance of these different setups in detail.

The only single engine package included a supercharged version of the Rotax 1504 4-TEC. Even though it was advertised as a 260hp engine, it delivered exactly 255hp at 8000 RPM.

Fitted with this entry-level power source, the Challenger 210 got on plane in 3.5 seconds, reached 30 mph in 7-8 seconds, and topped out at 44-45 mph.

This engine burned around 18 gph at WOT and 8 gph at best cruising speed of 24-26 mph.

Boating at this economical speed, the mileage decreased to 2.6-2.8 mpg, which offered an estimated fuel range of 110-120 miles.

Housing the midrange twin 155hp naturally aspirated engine setup, the top speed increased to 46-47 mph.

The supercharged twin 215hp engine option originally was reserved for the WAKE 210 but in 2012 it found its way into the Challenger 210 SE/SP series.

Thanks to the extra power of the superchargers, the top speed with this setup was in the neighborhood of 53-55 mph.

You could also expect a much quicker hole-shot acceleration with a planing time of 2.3-2.5 seconds and a 0-30 mph time of around 5 seconds.

Best cruising came at 5000 RPM and 28-30 mph, burning 8-9 gph and giving a fuel range of 150 miles.

Engines were controlled by the Sea-Doo exclusive intelligent Throttle Control (iTC).

This fly-by-wire throttle system ensured a smooth easy operation and professional dual-engine synchronization.

(Unlike their 2-stroke predecessors, these 4-stroke twin Rotax engines were controlled with a single throttle lever.)

Both novice and experienced captains valued the selectable pre-programmed riding modes like Economy, Docking, or SKI modes.

As their name suggests, Economy mode restricted the acceleration and top speed to achieve the most economical cruise conditions.

In contrast, Ski mode came with five different acceleration settings for smooth deep-water starts.

Docking mode not only limited engine speed to 3500 RPM but also distributed it equally over the whole operating range of the throttle lever.

This function allowed an easy safe operation around docks or in tight spaces.

At higher speeds, the well-designed hull of the 210 remained stable and predictable even in sharp turns.

Even though it was more sea-worthy than its smaller forerunners, she was not designed for off-shore conditions.

Problems

The Sea-Doo Challenger 210 was an amazing boat, but it had some weak points for sure.

One of the most common complaints against this model was the lack of pump clean-out ports, which came standard on rival Yamaha jet boats.

Sea-Doo boats also utilized awkward carbon ring seals around their driveshafts, which were prone to wearing out allowing water to leak inside the bilge.

The supercharged Rotax engine variants were also known for relatively low durability and high fuel consumption.

Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the Sea-Doo Challenger 210:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	20.5’
Beam	8.5’
Draft	1’
Dead Rise	21°
Height (no tower)	7.2’
Height (tower down)	7.2’
Height (tower up)	10.2’
Dry Weight*	2925 – 3250 lb.
Load limit (passengers + luggage)*	1455 – 1638 lb.
Gross Weight on trailer*	3790 – 4220 lb.
Number of passengers (driver included)	10
Engine Oil Capacity	3.2 qt. oil change with filter
Fuel Capacity	44 gal.
Hull Material	Composite (fiberglass)

*Depending on the model and year

Engine (2010-2011)

Number of Engines	2
Type	Rotax 1503 4-TEC SOHC
Maximum HP RPM	8000 +/- 50 RPM
Performance	2 x 155hp
Induction type	Naturally Aspirated (NA)
Exhaust system	Water cooled
Cooling System	CLCS (Closed-Loop)
Engine Stroke	4-stroke
Number of Cylinders	3
Displacement	1494cc

Engines (2012)

Model	Single 260	Twin 155	Twin 215
Number of Engines	1	2	2
Induction type	Supercharged (SC)	Naturally Aspirated (NA)	Supercharged (SC)
Performance	1 x 255hp	2 x 155hp	2 x 215hp
Maximum HP RPM	8000 +/- 50 RPM	7300 +/- 50 RPM	8000 +/- 50 RPM
Type	Rotax 1503 4-TEC SOHC
Carburetion	MPI
Displacement	1494cc
Exhaust system	Water cooled
Cooling System	CLCS (Closed-Loop)
Engine Stroke	4-stroke
Number of Cylinders	3
Ignition system type	DI (Digital Inductive)

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Manufactured in the early 2010s, the 210 was a midrange model in Sea-Doo’s Challenger runabout series.

This 21-foot bowrider-style jet boat came standard with innovative features, high-quality materials, and powerful 4-stroke Rotax engine packages.

In 2010 and 2011 power offerings included a twin-155hp setup, which was expanded to two supercharged packages in 2012, including a single 260hp and a twin 215hp.

Depending on the engine option, the top speed of the 210 averaged between 45 and 55 mph.

Thanks to its great performance and easy handling, this model is still popular among used boat buyers.

If you are looking for a Sea-Doo Challenger 210 for sale, be prepared to find asking prices of $15,000 to $25,000.

Also, you should consider some competitors like the more reliable Yamaha 212SS, and the Sea-Ray 210 Select may also be worth a close look.