1998 Speedster (2x110hp) vs. 2006 Speedster 150 (215hp)

[Daystar40]

I posted an earlier thread on a 2006 Speedster 150 (215hp) that I am considering buying (asking $13,900). I now have a line on a 1998 Speedster (2x110hp) -asking $7000. Any opinions on which is a better deal? I understand the pros/cons of 4-stroke vs. 2-stroke, newer vs. older but what I don't know is the difference in performance and any typical problems with the older Speedster. I will primarily use the boat for skiing, tubing...and general running around on a fairly protect bay on Lake Erie (Maumee Bay). Assuming normal use, is there some rule of thumb for how many hours you can out on a 800 rotex before it needs rebuilt or replaced? Any thoughts, opinions...would be greatly appreciated.

ps - this webpage is a great - Thanks!

 

[seadoosnipe]

Rotax 787cc....

The Rotax 787cc engine was and still is, one of the most reliable engines Rotax assembled. The 717cc was/is a good engine too, just short on power.

I personally have a 1997 Challenger, 14ft., that I wouldn't sell for $10k. O.K., lets be real. I might think about it.

I've put a lot of time in the boat to get it back up to par, and now, it's a diamond in the water. It's still in mint condition, the previous owner did a great job on the outside, kept it in the garage, but seemed to lack know-how on the maintenance. I got it for a steal and love it.

I have a thread in the boat section that shows "a look inside the 787" that gives a lot of breakdown info on this motor. If you decide on the older boat, I believe you'll be happy with the performance, tubing etc...but make sure you do a compression test on the engines before you buy. With age, comes work that you may not see from the start. You'll not notice till your really into it for a ride, that something may be a miss.

So, most important is the compression. Anything between 130 and 150 psi and most importantly, no more than 5 to 7 pounds between the cylinders of the engine your testing.

The 4-TEC is a great engine too. But for the price, I'd be a little hesitant on it. Because these motors are such high performance engines, you don't know how it was treated or what may be a hidden factor in it's purchase. Unless it comes with a warranty, I'd be skeptical of the electronics. The Engine Management System in these electronically controlled engines can be a living nightmare. They are dependent on about 14 different sensors, depending on the type 1503 it is, for keeping the engine operating properly. The difference here between the 787 and the 1503 is electronics. The 787 only has a high temp sensor and that's basically it, outside of the DESS system.

Good luck, happy hunting but the choice is ultimately yours to make. Just make sure you really look at it, I mean really look at it. Don't let your excitement get you stuck with a deal you'll regret later.........:cheers:

 

[Daystar40]

Thanks, great advise. I read the thread on the 787 and pulled the trigger on the 1998 Speedster. The compression checked out at 150 across the board and I reviewed the maintence records at the dealership were it was purchased and maintained and everything looked great. I had it out today and love it! Thanks again!