2003 Sportster 4-Tech

[wheelman]

Hi:

I am new to the forum and new to Sea Doo boats, but not to boating in general. I have grown up around boats and have been actively using them for the last 35+ years. I am looking at purchasing a 2003 Sportster 4-Tech for my kids first boat and wanted to know what to look for when I go see it. It is about a 3 hour drive for me so I will want to make a decision on the spot if I like it. It looks nice in the pics and is a 2 owner boat, but since I am new to Sea Doo and Jet boats I am not 100% sure what to look out for. What usually goes wrong with these boats and is the 4 stroke motor reliable at 14+ years old or am I buying problems and should look at a newer boat? Any help, recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[JPass]

Link to the ad? Hours on the boat? Salt or fresh water?

 

[wheelman]

Link to the ad? Hours on the boat? Salt or fresh water?

Link to ad is no longer up. It's a freshwater boat that the current owner bought from a family friend about 3 years ago. From the pics the Interior looks like new with no fading or cracks in he vinyls and gel coat outside looks good too without any fading, but then again I will have to confirm that in person. It appears some one took good care of it and stored it inside. They are asking $5,500 with trailer which I think is a little rich.

What are the known problems or maintenance issues with these boats. I specifically sought out a single engine non supercharged for better reliability. I am looking for something that will be reliable for my kids to enjoy not a project for me, otherwise I'll buy them a Whaler.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[wheelman]

Up date:

Took a pass on the boat. After cutting the deal the seller would not let me test drive it, so I walked. Something seemed fishy as they just bought it in June and now selling and no test drive, something was up.