1998 GTX: Your Thoughts ?

[AJF22]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 98 GTX limited for $200, I will probably be able to get it for less, but I was seeing what your thoughts on them were before moving forward?
I have read a lot of threads here and there and seen there is a mixed bag of positive and negatives posts, but it seems as long as it was taken care, has decent compression they're good. The ones people ran hard and didn't care much about basic maintenance, seem to have the bulk of the problems. I also read the 99 is better than the 98, but not a lot of reasoning on why besides coils?
I currently have a 01 GTX Di and it runs great, I don't run it hard because it's mainly a fishing ski to get me on the water when I'm limited on time in the summer. Getting a second one would be something to have in case my buddy wants to ride out with me to fish on those short days.

So are these really a POS or is it something worth getting? If worth getting, what are the issues to watch out for?

 

[etemplet]

I don't see how the 99' is better than the 98'. Only thing is there are 98' specific parts that only fit that year. It isn't a big deal. I Know the flywheel is different on that model, not sure what else is. You never know what you are getting when buying these skis. I restore them so I replace the engine 95% of the time. Unless that ski had the engine replaced previously it's almost 30 years old. Something to consider.

 

[Grim]

I have a 98 GTX limited and it is a great ski. Mine sat for nine years and after I fixed the rat damage, a little tweaking, and did the maintenance on it, she fired right up and has given me no issues for the last 1 1/2 to 2 years. I will say the engine only had about 30 hrs on it when it was stored. As far as parts, the things I did replace due to damage and wear, were easy to get and not overly priced. So far....
At $200 even if you got to replace the engine , IMO that's a good deal.
if you pass let me know, I might be interested...according to where you live. I want a DI but I'd take another 98 too.

 

[WhiskeyD]

I don't see how the 99' is better than the 98'. Only thing is there are 98' specific parts that only fit that year. It isn't a big deal. I Know the flywheel is different on that model, not sure what else is. You never know what you are getting when buying these skis. I restore them so I replace the engine 95% of the time. Unless that ski had the engine replaced previously it's almost 30 years old. Something to consider.

Flywheels are the same, its the mag cup that is different for single coil vs dual coil setups. The single coil cup is the same as the 787 engines so readily available.

 

[etemplet]

Never have removed a cup from a flywheel.

 

[Bassman]

I have 1998 GTX RFI I bought in 2004. It doesn't get a lot of use (maybe 10 hours a year) but it still pulls tubes well and good top end with about 400 total hours.
The fuel injection is a nice feature. I drop it in the water, starts every time and runs great. I replaced a rave valve spring this fall (was missing a bit under heavy load and found a broken spring) and expect she is going to run better than ever next season. I use non-ethanol 93 octane fuel. I don't know if that is a thing or not.

 

[AJF22]

Thank you for the comments, the seller sold it from under me, oh well.
I’ll just focus on my 01 GTX Di that I just fixed and it runs great and build it up to do some inshore fishing from if it. I have a 19 foot boat buts it’s a hassle just to go out for a couple hours of inshore fishing.
I also have a 01 GS that I just restored and maybe my buddy can use it to fish from if he wants to go out when I do.

 

[etemplet]

Thank you for the comments, the seller sold it from under me, oh well.
I’ll just focus on my 01 GTX Di that I just fixed and it runs great and build it up to do some inshore fishing from if it. I have a 19 foot boat buts it’s a hassle just to go out for a couple hours of inshore fishing.
I also have a 01 GS that I just restored and maybe my buddy can use it to fish from if he wants to go out when I do.

The 2003 GTX Hull is a good bit larger and more stable than the earlier GTX's. I'm no fisherman but I were to choose a more stable platform it would be the 2003 DI. The guy may have done you a favor selling the ski. LOL Good Luck !!

 

[AJF22]

The 2003 GTX Hull is a good bit larger and more stable than the earlier GTX's. I'm no fisherman but I were to choose a more stable platform it would be the 2003 DI. The guy may have done you a favor selling the ski. LOL Good Luck !!

I do always say, if I don't get something it wasn't meant to be. There could have been some undisclosed issues, so yes it could have been a good thing. I will have to take a look at the 03's Thanks!

 

[mikidymac]

Keep in mind the 2003+ GTX will be a Di which has its own set of issues.

 

[AJF22]

Keep in mind the 2003+ GTX will be a Di which has its own set of issues.

I'm new to pwc's and yes, I got a crash course on fixing my 01 GTX Di, but once I got that special custom air pressure tool, things moved along nicely. The Di teaches you patience and definitely teaches you how fun it is to troubleshoot, but once it's running, what a fun ride!
Another thing that got me interested in the 98 (or a 99) was that it's a carb model, so I'm assuming it's not as time consuming to work on and to troubleshoot like the Di's and maybe the RFI's? If so I would think about selling my 01 and possibly getting a late 90's GTX or two.
I grew up on 2 stroke motorcycles & boats so I like them a lot, I understand the benefits of the 4 strokes and is why I have a 4 stroke on my boat, but for a pwc it's hard for me to pass up on the 2 strokes.

 

[etemplet]

My personal experience is that I've had more issues working on RFI's any other ski . Might be just a few strange problems but I had them and they required lots of troubleshooting. for my taste...Nuthin runs like a DI. They got power "Everywhere" and no hesitation. I have two 1996/1997 GTXs (787) They are perfect for my wife and I. I have a 2000 RX 951 Carb that ROCKs. It doesn't matter which ones you have as long as you enjoy them. Got lots of resources on this forum to help keep em' running. Yes Indeed !!

 

[AJF22]

When you say, “Nuthin runs like a DI. They got power "Everywhere" and no hesitation.” that’s the truth! When I took my Di out after fixing it, wow I was surprised at its response and acceleration, so much fun and what a blast to ride!