1998 Sea Doo Sportster 1800

[modiddy]

Hey all. I was wanting to get some info before I made my purchase. I am to buy a 1998 sea doo sportster 1800. Here are the specs.

*The boat is in great shape. I have seen multiple pictures.
*Seats have been re-covered
*Hydroturf has been installed
*The engines were both replaced and are still under warranty for a few more months.
*All guages work except the tach an fuel, but the guy added a digital tach. Fuel gauge I was told I can just lift the back hatch and see the fuel level.
*He added an hour meter to the new engines and they only have 11 hours on them
*Trailer is in great shape and has work done to it.

That's all I can think of for now. He was asking $6000 but I have got him down to $5500. I am new to boats and any any info would be helpful.

Also, these are two stroke motors. I have read many many articles about the 2 vs 4 stroke and how people prefer 4 stroke, but that would be out of my budget. Do I need to worry about 2 stroke?

 

[Dr Honda]

$5500 with new motors, and in good cosmetic condition... that's a good price for that boat.

Go take it for a test drive, and buy it if it's running well.

The tach, and the fuel gauge are generic for Seadoo. Hit eBay, and for about $100, you can have both of them. (they are easy to replace)

Post up some pics.

 

[modiddy]

here are some photos.

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah that is a good deal if it is in that condition. Id like to see some pics. 4 stroke vs 2 isnt a problem really. Just maintain the oil injection system and use the proper oil and you will be good for many years.

I would ask why the engines needed to be replaced. Make sure whatever caused them to fail has been fixed. Maybe they were ust worn out with tons of hours...I would ask. Read here on the other tips for buying a boat.

 

[modiddy]

Yeah that is a good deal if it is in that condition. Id like to see some pics. 4 stroke vs 2 isnt a problem really. Just maintain the oil injection system and use the proper oil and you will be good for many years.

I would ask why the engines needed to be replaced. Make sure whatever caused them to fail has been fixed. Maybe they were ust worn out with tons of hours...I would ask. Read here on the other tips for buying a boat.

I took your advice and asked why the engine was replaced...he said he bought the boat from his buddy and he let it sit for 5 yrs..never used it...so he replaced the engines...

 

[RFoster130]

As long as it is all operating good, that seems like a good buy. I would take it out and test it for a while. see if you can stay out for like an hour, not just a short 5 minute trip. Mark the oil tank before you start and check it again when you are done to make sure it is using the oil. If that all checks out, I wouldnt hesitate to buy it.

 

[Dr Honda]

I took your advice and asked why the engine was replaced...he said he bought the boat from his buddy and he let it sit for 5 yrs..never used it...so he replaced the engines...

Honestly... you don't even need a reason for an engine replacement when the boat is more than 10 years old.

BUY it!!

 

[RFoster130]

I agree with that generally, but my 12 year old boat has 112 hours on it. If I suddenly lost a motor, I wanna know why.