1998 Sportster 1800

[swneely]

Hey folks, been reading a lot on this forum, great site. I just purchased a 1998 Sportster 1800 for 4500. First mistake was not reading forum before buying. So I did not do compression test, but I did take it out on the river for an hour with no major problems. One engine cavitates slightly when launching, I just back off that throttle until it hooks, the other feels under powered, but hooks fast and does pull the other engine through the cavitation. Top speed according to my gps 43. It does flood one engine after sitting for 20 minutes. Winter carb rebuild on both.
It has been out on the lake 5 times since I brought it home. The last time out it started pulling to one side, played with the throttles and could only manage to reduce the problem slightly. Shut it down, jumped in and checked for debris, nothing. Was not cavitating, both motors were within 400 rpm of one another. Pulled plugs and replaced while on the water, no help. It was pulling to the left. That is the motor that has felt under powered. I will pick up a compression tester and check both motors and update.
List of known problems:
1. Fuel gauge not working
2. Low oil light stays on, even when tank is full.
3. Carbs need work
4. Bimini top torn...anyone have one for sale?
5. Rubber mats missing or torn through out boat.
6. Windshield cracked, looks like crap
I live in Hendersonville, Tn. Anyone close parting out a sportster 1800?

 

[howie099]

The boat didn't come with factory mats except on the engine lid. You where able to get carpet for it. More than likely the Hydro-Turf is coming off. There is a repair option for the fuel gauge, usually the float drops, the oil senderd you get pretty much on feaBay or something like that. OEM Bimini will be are hardest along with the windshield. I just had a upholstery person patch mine up.

 

[swneely]

I'm going to take thetopand get an estimate to have it repaired. The hardware is good, material is dry rotted. I have looked at repairing the fuel sending unit, I will wait until winter to do most of the repairs. I'm having to much fun with it to shut it down. Ran through $100 in gas last Sunday, ouch, but two motors will use more fuel.

 

[howie099]

After the carbs are done you will tell a difference. My one carb started to messup and it was the internal fuel filter was 3/4 clogged. I use about 16 gal everytime I take it out use it for about 3-5 hours. I person making a new top should cheaper that getting a whole new one.