1996 Speedster Vs. Sportster

[Ladies]

I'm in the market for a cheapish jet boat (About 5k tops). For sale locally there is:
1996 Sportster for 2500
1996 Speedster for 4300

This boat will be used for primarily wake boarding for about 4 teenagers.
My main concern about the sportster is that the single 85hp (I think) would be much to weak to pull anybody out and have a good time. This is of course a toy so if it is going to be super slow I'll go with the speedster. That being said, it would be nice to save a few bucks and have less maintenance with the single engine.

 

[Dr Honda]

A Sportster, in good running order has no problem pulling a wake board with a normal sized adult. It should also top out around 45 mph depending on the load.


A speedster will get out of the hole a little faster, and should top out around 50 mph.


BUT... the wake on either of these boats is very small, and won't give the rider much of a ramp to play on. So, if it's primary goal is wake boat... you may be disappointed with either of them. BUT... you can throw them around like a big jet ski, and not worry about hurting the boat, or flipping it over :cheers:

 

[RFoster130]

You are in OH, not too far from PA. The guy above (Dr Honda) has an awesome boat for sale in your price range.

 

[Ladies]

Okay that was my main question Dr. Honda. We wake boarded behind the pontoon and occasionally the jetski last summer just because it was a little less expensive. That sportster sounds perfect if it wont have a problem pulling up a wakeboarder or tubing with 3 people in the boat

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

I have a 2001 Sportster with a 130 hp engine. I understand that it's substantially more than 85 hp, but I can tell you that I have no problem at all with pulling a wake board or tube. That's having 3 people inside the boat. I would never turn down a nice Speedster, but I also love the fact that I only have 1 engine to maintain. My 1997 GTI ski has an 85 hp engine and it does a fantastic job of pulling a wake board or tube. I think you'll be satisfied either way. Your teenagers will love the boats.

 

[Ladies]

I'm leaning toward the sportster at the moment as a cheap(er) toy but I don't want it to be a waste and wish I would have bought the speedster. More input please! I know they tried wakeboarding behind the Yamaha XL1200 (155hp) and it did take a second to get up with the 3 on the ski and one wakeboarding. Is the 85hp+heavier boat going to make it a bear to get up?

 

[OfficerSeaDoo]

Personally... I think it all comes down to what you're willing to spend, and how much you're willing to maintain. The Sportster is less money up front and it will cost less to own (as long as it's in nice condition to begin with). It will use less fuel and require almost half the maintenance. However... it's not as powerful.

The Speedster will jump out of the water a little easier and probably have a slightly faster top speed. Ofcourse, it's going to use more fuel and have an overall higher cost of ownership. They're both fun boats, but don't make any decisions you might regret. The good part is that these boats are always worth what you're having to pay for them. You'll always get your money back if you take care of them.

 

[Dr Honda]

Last summer, I pulled my nephew around (he's about 150#) with me (240#) and my brother (over 300#) in the boat. We didn't have any real issues. One thign to remember... yes, the boat is probably heavier... but the hull is much wider, and easier to get up on a plane with more weight.

My 85hp boat pulls a wake board better than my 135hp Genesis. (4 passenger ski) The boat can stay on a plane at a lower speed, and the ski drags the hull under 20 mph with something behind it.


BUT... my Genesis is a BLAST pulling a tube. If you are brave ebough... I can break 50 MPH with a tube on that ski :hurray:


Oh... and I think my boat is sold. I've been talking with our new member David4598... and he is supposed to send me a deposit some time today.

 

[Ladies]

Okay thanks guys. You really helped in my decision, I'm going to go with the sportster I believe.