What is the best year and the worst year seadoo?

[overkill 19]

So I know that can be a loaded ?. But looking to get back into the seadoo world. I had a 99 xp limited. Loved it but older now and have a 3 year old. So I have been looking at 08 and newer RXT's and RXP's. I want one 255hp and the other could be a 215hp if I go Wake edition. I looked at a 07 215 Wake with 50 hours. Nice but Im not sure if there was troubled years or not. So any help on these machines would be great.
P.S I dont mind wrenching....just not in the middle of the lake! Which reminds me my old XP 2 stroke was a pain to tow. Can u tow any four stroke without pinching off lines etc?

 

[ski-d00]

Same issues with towing on 4 strokes, just do it really slow and there is no problem.

There are some issues with SD 4 strokes, not to mention SC rebuilds, valve failure, timing chain failure, oil pressure sensors failures, etc., but still solid engines, imo.

 

[Carguy89]

You have to watch the early 4 stroke years for exhaust valve failure and prior to 09 (for 215/185 models). 255 models always had the good washers. Even the good washers need to be replaced every100 hours or so as a wear item.

I've put 125 hours on my 08 RXTX 255 in the past year for a total of 176 and it still runs perfect, including an ocean trip from NJ to MD.

 

[speedbuggy67]

late 2006 got the solid valves and 2008 got the better washers on the supercharger. IMO for supercharged 2008 and up are best, although i wouldn't hesitate getting a 2007 for a good deal, and do the washer upgrade when you get the ski.

Scott

 

[dwulf]

Same issues with towing on 4 strokes, just do it really slow and there is no problem.

There are some issues with SD 4 strokes, not to mention SC rebuilds, valve failure, timing chain failure, oil pressure sensors failures, etc., but still solid engines, imo.

What issues are there in towing a 4 TEC?

 

[ski-d00]

Same as 2 strokes, if you tow them too fast, anything more than a slow idle, they will backflow through the exhaust and fill the motor with water. then you have to get the water out right away or you will ruin the engine. that's all, no big deal. still surprised at how many seadoo owners have no clue about this.

 

[Piper Mike]

How have the GTI 130's been recently ?

 

[BMANN06]

How have the GTI 130's been recently ?

Pretty much the most bulletproof 4tec out there (In my opinion). Not the fastest but the one that will last with the least maintaince.

 

[Piper Mike]

Pretty much the most bulletproof 4tec out there (In my opinion). Not the fastest but the one that will last with the least maintaince.

Looks like these engines have been out for a few years, are there any common issues with them ?

 

[BMANN06]

Most of the bugs on the 4tecs got worked out on the 06 models (crappy valves updated, weak flywheel bolts updated to name a few). 08+ saw the better supercharger clutch washers. And I believe 10'+ have an even better revision of the supercharger washers 200hrs between replacement. But back to the gti I haven't heard of any issues other than customer created on them. I had one for a short time and was confident enough in it to sell it to a relative. The 130 is plenty fast for rec use and is soooo quiet which is a bonus if your on a small private lake.

 

[overkill 19]

Thx the 07wake was a dud! It was abused bad. Going tomorrow to look at a 08 rxtp 255. He wants $8000. With 50 hours

 

[overkill 19]

Same as 2 strokes, if you tow them too fast, anything more than a slow idle, they will backflow through the exhaust and fill the motor with water. then you have to get the water out right away or you will ruin the engine. that's all, no big deal. still surprised at how many seadoo owners have no clue about this.

Thx, I thought being a closed loop engine cooling system this wouldn't be a problem anymore. So the exhaust side must be lake water cooled? I knew on my 99 XP limited 2 stroke it was a must no tow!

 

[overkill 19]

Well bought a 2008 255 3seater today.
Has 50 hours came with new 3man tube, newer wake board, bunch of ropes. And life jackets. Seams to run good. Really dirty and has a big water marks down sides.
What's the best way to remove water stains on hull and back end components I was thinking CLR. But not sure.

 

[Piper Mike]

Star Brite easy off hull cleaner acid wash

 

[overkill 19]

Star Brite easy off hull cleaner acid wash

thx, Ill give it a try!

 

[gcfd360]

Just dont buy a 2011 model!! so many recalls and just very poor cheap material used, mainly a cheap china made timming chain that will leave you with major engine damage.