150 Speedster HP Questions

[bradandbernie]

My wife and I are going to buy a new 150 Speedster, but we are not sure which engine package we should purchase with the boat. When I say new I mean it could be 2008, 2009 or 2010 just as long as it's not used. We don't ski or wake board. We will just use the boat for cruising and as kind of a dinghy for our cabin cruiser. The 155 HP seems perfect for us but I wanted the opinions from those in the know before we make an important decision. Is the extra HP you get from a 215 or 255 worth the money? What about maintenance related items and fuel grade requirements? Is it the same for all 3 HP ratings?
Thanks in advance.

 

[screwball]

I bought the 215 because the 255 wasn't available yet. We're talking 65 hp difference over the 155. Top speed isn't much faster, but getting there is half the fun. You may not sky or wake now, but who knows. Go for it, you don't have to go that fast, or accelerate that quickly, but just knowing you can makes the difference!

 

[seadoosnipe]

Supercharged...

My wife and I are going to buy a new 150 Speedster, but we are not sure which engine package we should purchase with the boat. When I say new I mean it could be 2008, 2009 or 2010 just as long as it's not used. We don't ski or wake board. We will just use the boat for cruising and as kind of a dinghy for our cabin cruiser. The 155 HP seems perfect for us but I wanted the opinions from those in the know before we make an important decision. Is the extra HP you get from a 215 or 255 worth the money? What about maintenance related items and fuel grade requirements? Is it the same for all 3 HP ratings?
Thanks in advance.

I'm not a big fan of the supercharged versions of the 4-TEC engine. Yeah, it generates a bigger bang in horsepower but it's just one more of those things that has to be maintained. There is more stress generated on the engine from it too.

If your just looking for a boat to haul around in, then go with the 155 N/A. I'd also point out that the Speedster is a small and nimble boat. I think 155 ponies is plenty fast enough. I have the 14.5 foot Challenger with the 787cc 2 stroke engine and it's plenty fast enough for me and the kids. We tube behind it and cruise across Mobile Bay in it with ease. So, I'm sure the 155 will suffice for what your looking to do........:cheers:

 

[Craigmri]

I agree 100% with Snipe......Unless you have a "need for speed" and intend to do alot of watersports, go with the 155hp N/A power. You'll use less gas have have less maintenance/problems.

Craig

 

[bradandbernie]

150 Speedster Questions

Thanks for the replies. The extra HP would be nice even with the extra money up front, but the extra eight or nine hundred dollars every 100 hours I recently learned about needed to service the supercharger is too much to swallow. We boat year round and we put a 100 hours on a boat in less than a year easily. The higher required octane fuel is also a concern. The marina I buy gas at has only has 89 octane and the performance potential of the 255 would be sacrificed.
I also look forward to particating in this forum after we purchase our Sea Doo. I practically learned evrything I know about my Chaparral from the Chaparral owners club forum.

 

[screwball]

I guess if your primary concerns are fuel cost, maintenance expenses, and octane ratings, maybe a canoe would be a better choice. Just kidding, if your current boat is a Chaparral I just don't think a 'go slow' boat would satisfy your water needs. Before the Seadoo we had a 23' Dana hull with a blown and injected Olds. The seadoo boat gets GREAT gas mileage, doesn't need 100 octane aviation fuel, and so far costs a lot less to maintain. We purchased the extended warranty that covers all maintenance costs for the first 5 years. Figured we would pay for all that stuff up front.

 

[bradandbernie]

150 Speedster Questions

Thanks for the input Screwball. We are keeping our Chaparral cabin cruiser so I don't want a another high maintenance boat. The 155hp has about the same top end speed as the 215 or 255 from what I have read, but it may take a little more time to get there. No biggie. I think the 155 hp 150 speedster will make a great day boat for us and it can also double as a dinghy if needed plus I travel a lot and my wife can use thew speedster while I am away.
Now that I have made up my mind, I need to find one. My local dealer only carries the 255 hp version, but there are some great deals on new 2008 and 2009 models up north. I purchased my current Chaparral from New Hampshire so this is not new territory for me thanks in part to my travel.
I hope to post a pic of our new boat soon :hurray:

 

[screwball]

You will enjoy the boat, whatever the horse power. The boat is remarkably nimble, just a little turn of the wheel and you are gong side ways. Very easy to launch, dock, and explore with. Drafts a lot less water than my old Dana, or your Chaparral. I got the carpet kit, keeps your feet cool, and snaps out for easy cleaning. 10 minutes with a pressure washer and it is clean as new.

Good Luck hunting one up, and enjoy!

 

[bradandbernie]

150 Speedster Questions

I found one! We are supposed to pick it up Valentine's Day weekend. 2008 Red 155 HP Speedster with 5 year warranty. :hurray:

 

[SAF001]

You will enjoy the boat, whatever the horse power. The boat is remarkably nimble, just a little turn of the wheel and you are gong side ways. Very easy to launch, dock, and explore with. Drafts a lot less water than my old Dana, or your Chaparral. I got the carpet kit, keeps your feet cool, and snaps out for easy cleaning. 10 minutes with a pressure washer and it is clean as new.

Good Luck hunting one up, and enjoy!

Where did you get your carpet kit? I think that would be a nice improvement for my boat.

 

[screwball]

Where did you get your carpet kit? I think that would be a nice improvement for my boat.

Option at the dealer when we bought her.

 

[jeeperjohn]

We just bought a 2008 150 speedster with the 155 hp engine. And all I can say is when you punch it everything better be secured because if it isn't you will leave it at the dock. Also my kids ski and wakeboard. So far no problems pulling either one of them. And a huge plus for us is we are able to use regular gas. Out here in Kaulifornia you have to own stock in Texaco to afford premium.

 

[sporsterjoel]

for your 1sr seadoo you picked the right one. The supercharged one are alot more maintinace as you should slip check the sc ever 25-30hr's and ajust if needed. I have same boat but an 04 and luv it, also have a modded 260hp RXP.