2003 sportster 4 tec known issues?

[rockitansky]

Hi all, I'm new to seadoos and have been looking at a 2003 sportster 155hp boat....looks nice enuff, has approx 200 hrs.

Are there any known issues w/ these boats?

And shouldn't it have a hour meter on boat?

 

[Coastiejoe]

The 155 engine has been around for a while now. What that means is, it is a proven engine. I am not sure when the first year the 155 came about, I will do some digging as I am curious. Many times first year stuff is not the best. Not saying that is the case here, just got myself thinking is all.

Over-all it is a very reliable engine. Not sure of the performance to expect in a boat, but in the skis people can easily obtain 50+ MPH.

Parts are available with no issue if you would have a need for any as far as the engine goes. Some of the boat parts are getting a bit harder to find as they are no longer made.

I strongly suggest both a test ride as well as doing a compression test and post your results here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[rockitansky]

The 155 engine has been around for a while now. What that means is, it is a proven engine. I am not sure when the first year the 155 came about, I will do some digging as I am curious. Many times first year stuff is not the best. Not saying that is the case here, just got myself thinking is all.

Over-all it is a very reliable engine. Not sure of the performance to expect in a boat, but in the skis people can easily obtain 50+ MPH.

Parts are available with no issue if you would have a need for any as far as the engine goes. Some of the boat parts are getting a bit harder to find as they are no longer made.

I strongly suggest both a test ride as well as doing a compression test and post your results here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Ok, I have no compression tester but will take it for a test ride.....

 

[devonte007]

I'll add to the good advise above:

I believe 2003 was the first year for the sportster 4-tec, and that year they also offered it in a 2 stroke version as well. I have a 2004 and have had no issues with it, besides minor stuff.

These boats had analog gauges so there is no way to know the hours on the boat unless the engine computer is plugged into the dealer BUDS system or you purchase a Candoo scanner.

If the boat is in good condition and was taken car of with proper maintenance you should have no problems. Anything that pops up would be typical wear items that tend to deteriorate with a 10 year old machine. The main thing you will probably have to replace are all the gas charged struts that hold up the engine hatch and the driver side storage hatch; but they are cheap and easy to fix.

Other than that, make sure all the electronics (fan, bilge, lights) work and the gauges all work as well. As stated above do take it for a test ride and make sure engine performs and you have no cavitation. It should take off from standing still with no cavitation up to somewhere in the upper 40's as a top speed.

Other than that, these are very fun, simple, and easy to maintain boats with very few problems. Good luck with everything and post back if you have any other specific questions.