Sea-Doo Sportster 1800 Specs and Review [Video]

Marketed from 1998 through 2000, the Sea-Doo Sportster 1800 was the less powerful variant of the proven Challenger 1800. These boats shared the same modified-V hull and most features, but the former utilized smaller engine packages and an entirely different deck layout.

In this post, we’ll review the 2-stroke Sea-Doo bowrider and its main specifications.

Sea-Doo Sportster 1800 Review

Hull and Capacities

In 1998, Sea-Doo introduced two 18-foot jetboats built on the same platform as the larger brothers of the tiny Sportster and Speedster.

Often referred to as the “1800” models, the Sportster 1800 and Challenger 1800 were almost identical except for their color schemes, engine packages, and deck floor plans.

They shared the same modified-V fiberglass hull utilizing a 19.5-degree transom deadrise.

Fitted with an integrated swim platform, they measured 17 feet 11 inches in length and 7 feet 6 inches in width.

Besides their power package, the most noticeable difference between the 1800s was their deck layout.

The Challenger featured a traditional bowrider-style floorplan with a symmetrical bow lounger, two swivel bucket seats behind the port and helm consoles, and an aft bench seat for three passengers.

In contrast, the helm of the Sportster was moved towards the aft, so the captain seat was on the starboard side of the aft bench seat.

The port side missed a console but had a fixed, aft-facing companion seat designed for the spotter.

Just like the cockpit, the forward lounge also utilized an asymmetrical design housing a bolstered seat on the starboard side.

It was completed with an L-shaped bench seating located on the starboard side.

The sun pad of the Sportster was moved towards the bow, leaving some extra space for a larger swim platform.

Aside from these different seatings, the Challenger and Sportster 1800 shared most of their features, including the integrated cup holders, grab handles, fiberglass-lined floor, deck drain system, ice box, single mirror, and marine audio system.

Due to its simpler and more spacious deck layout, the Sportster was slightly lighter than its sister.

Her claimed dry weight was 1,760-2,210 pounds, depending on the year.

Loaded with liquids and some basic gear, her curb weight increased to 2,000-2,600 pounds, which rounded up to 2,500-3,200 pounds on a single-axle trailer.

Thanks to its relatively lightweight construction, this 18-footer was very easy to tow and launch.

Engines and Performance

In the 1998 and 1999 model years, Sea-Doo marketed the Sportster 1800 with twin Rotax 717 jet engine packages.

These 2-stroke, 718cc, oil-injected, twin-cylinder engines delivered 166hp at 6750 RPM.

Fitted with this twin-engine package, you could expect the top speed to be in the mid-40s.

By the Millennium, the manufacturer replaced these lightweight twins with a single Mercury 2-stoke jet engine.

Engineered with a Mercury outboard powerhead, this 2500cc, V6 marine engine delivered 209hp at 5650 RPM.

Problems

The biggest drawbacks of this Sea-Doo boat included its thirsty, high maintenance engines and the lack of convenience features like carpets and a wraparound windshield.

Featuring a 19.5-degree transom deadrise, its relatively lightweight body also offered a poor boating experience even on a small chop.

Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 1998-2000 Sea-Doo Sportster 1800:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	17’ 11”
Beam	7’ 6”
Dead Rise	19.5 degrees
Draft	10.5”
Load limit	7 passengers or 1245 lb.
Main Oil Reservoir	3 gal.
Fuel Capacity	40 gal.
Hull Material	Composite (Fiberglass)

Engine and Pump

Years	1998-1999	2000
Number of Engines	2	1
Type	2 x Rotax 717	1 x Mercury M2
Number of Cylinders	2 each engine	V6
Displacement	718cc (each engine)	2500cc
Performance (combined)	166hp @ 6750 RPM	209hp @ 5650 RPM
Pump	Bombardier Formula	Mercury Marine Sport Jet

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

Takeaways

Manufactured in the late ’90s, the Sportster 1800 was a high-performance 18-foot Sea-Doo jetboat.

Contrary to her name, she was a close relative of a Challenger 1800 and didn’t have much in common with the smaller Sportsters.

They shared the same modified-V fiberglass hull, but the Sportster had an asymmetrical top deck configuration and smaller engine packages.

Often referred to as the “twin Sportster 1800,” the ‘98 and ’99 models came standard with two Rotax 717 engines.

For 2000, these tiny power mills were upgraded to a single Mercury M2 V6 rated at 210hp.

Despite its high-maintenance, inefficient 2-stroke engine and a lack of convenience features, this Sea-Doo became popular among families and adrenaline junkies.

She offered a thrilling acceleration and top speed, but her modified-V hull couldn’t cut through the chop very effectively.