Opinions on what ski to buy

[bawray]

Right now I have an HX I ride in the ICW and go out in the ocean to jump waves in the surf. I am looking for a second ski for my sons and friends to ride with me in the ICW and possibly in the ocean on occasion. I would like:

1) 2 stroke Seadoo (or possibly another brand)
2) something anyone can jump on and ride (the HX isn't that ski)
3) a somewhat smaller and lighter ski so it can still do some small wave jumping
4) large enough for 2 normal size adults to sit and float without tipping over. Doesn't have to be super comfortable or super stable though. I DON'T want a huge whale of a ski.
5) As simple and non-complicated as possible (min gauges, buttons, bells and whistles).
6) NOT a 947 motor.
5) $3000 or less if possible but I could find more $ for the right ski.

I am thinking a 95 XP, 96 SPX, with the 717 motor, or maybe a 94 XP or 95 SPX with the 657X engine, or maybe a 96 XP or 97 SPX with the 787?

 

[Lee.Harrison]

787 is a solid engine if takin care of and my opinion is worth the hp boost from the 720, a gsx could be an option and a 96 xp is definitely a solid ski and very fun.

 

[mikidymac]

Don't rule out the GSX 787 or GS 720 skis. Large gas tanks and more stable for 2 adults but not as playful as the SPX/XP.

 

[etemplet]

I built a 720 GS and I really liked it. More stable than the XP and vert fun to ride. The 720 is a great engine for reliability and economy.

 

[Lopaka208]

787 is a solid engine if takin care of and my opinion is worth the hp boost from the 720, a gsx could be an option and a 96 xp is definitely a solid ski and very fun.

Only problem with the 787/800 is that the top-end is only good for right at 189 hours before it has to be rebuilt. This is because the cylinder bore will wear allowing the rave valves to get into the piston, which in turn breaks the rings apart busting the piston and impaling ring parts into the cylinder head. It causes major compression loss. That loss will cause the ski to not run on the water. The rave valve mod is the way to go. You can get a rave valve mod to cut them back and extended the life of it. Hope this helps.

 

[DanSquires]

I think a GSX would be fitting to what you're looking for. I refer to it as an adult version of the X4.

 

[fatblockabody]

GSX or X4

 

[emspjay]

GSX if two adults on it I liked my 1996 I had for awhile. I never ride with 2 people so I sold it. I consider my X4 a one person Doo.

 

[etemplet]

GSX if two adults on it I liked my 1996 I had for awhile. I never ride with 2 people so I sold it. I consider my X4 a one person Doo.

I consider 2 seaters ONE seaters and 3 seaters TWO seaters. Besides who wants to ride on the back of anything. LOL I'll only ride double for medical emergencies. Ha ha.

To the original poster - Have fun whatever you pic !!

 

[fatblockabody]

I consider 2 seaters ONE seaters and 3 seaters TWO seaters. Besides who wants to ride on the back of anything. LOL I'll only ride double for medical emergencies. Ha ha.

To the original poster - Have fun whatever you pic !!

Agreed.

PWC's are like tent ratings. The advertised rating is doable but not comfortable.