1996 speedster purchase advice.

[paz123]

Hi

Last year I bought a 96 speedster for 3K with the understanding that all was good with the boat or I could return it. I took it out and had a problem with one engine overheating. I took it to the shop and explained that I could see water coming out where engine connected to tuned pipe and was only getting a trickle out the back (pea hole) and that a water line burst that connected at the tuned pipe. I asked them to check it all over since I was purchasing boat.


I got boat back and they welded both pipes, they said freeze plugs popped, and they replaced some lines. They did all this work without even checking compression until they called me and I asked what it was.

The one motor was in the high 130's and low 140's and the other motor was in mid 120's and low 130's.


I was able to return boat since it was not as advertised.


I now have the option to buy the boat for $1500 as is. The boat is in good cosmetic condition and I was wondering if the tuned pipe could have been causing the problem with the overheating. I know the compression is not ideal and was wondering if anyone had an opinion if this would be worth the risk at this price point and what it could end up costing if a motor needs replaced.


Thanks

 

[m.colley]

its possible that it had something to do with it overheating.. If your mechanically inclined you can buy a SBT reman motor for $795-995.00 with a one or two year warranty for the 717 motor you have and install it yourself. That's what I'm planning on doing once its needed..

Martin

 

[paz123]

Any idea what that would cost to have installed. I can handle maintenace, but that sounds like a big first project.

 

[Dr Honda]

Any idea what that would cost to have installed. I can handle maintenace, but that sounds like a big first project.

It depends.


A local dealer will charge you +$1000 Per engine for the labor to install them. An independent shop may charge 1/3rd less.

Where in PA was this? (what shop)

 

[paz123]

North Huntington (Mosites). Do those compression readings require new motor or can I get away with top end or possibly be ok till this winter. At $1500 for the boat , can it be fixed for reasonable amount. (the boat be worth what I will have in it). Do you have a sea doo shop in Latrobe?

 

[Dr Honda]

OK... Mosities will charge you $2400 for the engine, and installation. (each) Mosities is expensive because they can be, and they are normally booked. So... if you bought the boat, and wanted them to do the work... it could take a couple months to get it done.

They aren't bad guys... just expensive.


Both engines are on their last leg. The engine down into the 120 range isn't going to run well at all.


If you can do the labor... it could be a fun boat. But... if you have to pay someone else to do it... it is quickly going to exceed the "Value" of the boat. SO... you have to think about... how long you are going to keep it. If the plan would be to keep it for 4~5 years... then dropping the $$$ for 2 new/reman engines is worth it. That will guaranty that you have a trouble free boat. If you want to play with it for a year or so... then the $$$ you have into it will be lost.


A 96 speedster, in VERY good condition is worth $3500 to $4500, depending on the time of the year.


The other option... if it will run... you could do a couple "Top-ends" and call it a day. It will cost about $500 in parts, and keep it running for the next year or so. (or until the 16 year old crankshaft gives out)

If you buy it, and need a second opinion... I live close to Irwin.

 

[howie099]

My 2 cents on the price I wouldn't pay over $700. I like $500 sound like in my price range. Doing the work yourself the right way will be like $2500 in getting it all serviced and engines swapped. Something always comes up when your working on stuff. Dr. Honda is right you will only come ahead with the older boats if you can do alot of the work yourself. This guy pretty much know his boat needs engines, if he wanted to sell it for his asking price he would just do 2 tops ends and let it roll down the road.

 

[paz123]

Ouch... Whats the labor on just top end? Maybe if I get it cheap enough I could get that year or two out of it. All these boats that say they got 150, how do I know that they did'nt just do a top end and that I'll be in the same problem in a year? I just don't want to make an expensive mistake.

 

[Dr Honda]

If you rebuilt the top-end properly... it will last. BUT... the issue is the old crankshaft. it COULD fail the first time out, after the top-end is done. But here again... it's only going to be worth it, if you do it yourself. (and save the labor) Also... you can inspect the lower half while the top is off.



BUT... here's the "Silver Lining".....


Since both engines run now... there isn't any major mechanical issues. As you lose compression, the result is a melted top-end. (hot combustion gasses get past the rings and overheat everything inside) When you have a top-end melt down... that sends metal into the crank bearings, and destroys them. Since the engines aren't at that stage... there is a chance that it will live for a while, if you don't beat on it, and feed it good oil.