Im looking at investing in a new Seadoo and was wondering if this was a good deal and what you think its worth. Its a 2004 seadoo sportster 4 tec. They esitmate about 125 hours. It has a wake tower with aftermarket speakers. The speakers seem pretty crummy and the speaker wire job is kinda crummy also but nothing i couldnt fix. It has a woofer under the rear cover. The motor seems very clean and the entire boat is VERY clean. no sunfade at all. It comes with a cover also. They are asking $8,900. its a dealership selling a broker boat for a guy that owns a car lot and took the boat on trade. I was hoping to walk in with $7,000 cash and walk away but i know thats easier said than done. I just wonder what your thoughts are on the boat, and the value. Thanks for all the help!
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2004 sportster. Is this a good deal?
- Thread starter branscool
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tough call where u live at, winter is best time to buy a boat, but, i think u need to put it the water and run it, also just a quick compression test, some run good on trailer, but problems occure in the water, as u have probably read about or have experienced already, on a purchase as u are looking at, u can probably buy for that amount, seeing its a cold area u live in, and they probably dont expect to sell it this time of year
yea thats why i was wanting to get it soon before it gets warm. They said i could put 10% down and do a test drive in the lake before purchase. Is there any trick to doing the compression test on the 4 tec like there is with the old two stroke rotax. I remember something about having to make sure it was grounded to prevent frying the computer or something. Also any idea off hand what the compression is supposed to be. If not thats fine ill just google it. Thanks for the response!
devonte007
Active Member
$9000 for a 2004 N/A (155hp) seems a bit high to me for a 2004. I bought my 2004 almost 3 seasons ago for $6300, with everything except a boat cover. It was in really nice shape, clean, ran well etc. Got it in SW Michigan. Unfortunately for me, I was a novice with these jet boats and soon after purchase ended up rebuilding the propulsion system. Even so, after everything I spent I still feel I got a fair deal. Boat runs like a champ and have never had any problems since.
I purchased from a private seller, so I imagine there is a retail markup at a dealership. That said, if everything is perfect with the boat I probably would not spend much more than $7,500-$8,000. The real challenge will be to make sure the engine and propulsion system is in good shape, and you really cannot do that without a water test as others have commented.
If you do plan to pay top dollar for this boat, you might consider taking it to a qualified Seadoo shop and have them look it over (unless you have hands on experience with these boats). They may be slow this time of year and can go over the boat for a reasonable price, plus they would have the computer system to check for any trouble codes and the exact hours on the engine. (not sure if the dealership you are buying from is a Seadoo shop or not) Also, you mentioned this is a brokered boat so the original owner may still be in the picture. It is possible you could ask for any past service or maintenance records.
Whatever you do, the 155hp 4-tec engines are pretty rock solid if maintained properly. As long as the oil, coolant and spark plugs were changed regularly; and the jet pump was serviced when needed then it should be a good boat. Make sure all the electrical stuff works (blower, bilge, radio, instruments, fuel gauge, etc.) I hope everything works out and I think you'll be happy with a newer Sportster. I have this boat, so if you have any other questions about them just let me know.
--Deven
I purchased from a private seller, so I imagine there is a retail markup at a dealership. That said, if everything is perfect with the boat I probably would not spend much more than $7,500-$8,000. The real challenge will be to make sure the engine and propulsion system is in good shape, and you really cannot do that without a water test as others have commented.
If you do plan to pay top dollar for this boat, you might consider taking it to a qualified Seadoo shop and have them look it over (unless you have hands on experience with these boats). They may be slow this time of year and can go over the boat for a reasonable price, plus they would have the computer system to check for any trouble codes and the exact hours on the engine. (not sure if the dealership you are buying from is a Seadoo shop or not) Also, you mentioned this is a brokered boat so the original owner may still be in the picture. It is possible you could ask for any past service or maintenance records.
Whatever you do, the 155hp 4-tec engines are pretty rock solid if maintained properly. As long as the oil, coolant and spark plugs were changed regularly; and the jet pump was serviced when needed then it should be a good boat. Make sure all the electrical stuff works (blower, bilge, radio, instruments, fuel gauge, etc.) I hope everything works out and I think you'll be happy with a newer Sportster. I have this boat, so if you have any other questions about them just let me know.
--Deven
deven, first off thanks for the response, it helps alot. The boat is in really good shape, but i will do a water test befor i buy it. Ive already discussed their policy of test drives and said i can water test it. They are a seadoo dealership, and the only one aorund so getting another seadoo mechanic to look at it will be an issue and i wouldnt trust having their own mechanics check it out. but im pretty mechanical so i can do the basics needed. It is a broker boat, but the person who owns it now is actually a car dealer who acquired the boat on a trade for a car and he is having his friends at the seadoo dealer sell it for him. i figured 9000 was steep and like i said i was planning to offer around 7000 but i may just go in and low ball at 6 and see if they counter offer. Its the off season and they have had the boat since last summer im sure so they may take it. But i am (pending a water test and inspection) willing to pay about 8000 but no more than that.
Thanks for the response and if anyone else has any input please let me know.
Thanks for the response and if anyone else has any input please let me know.
You can always offer 6 or maybe 6500 w/o water test OR small deposit until Spring and water test it. They are still holding on to a unsold boat for a little while longer. After you test it say that this or that is wrong with it and offer about 7 for it. It's just a big wheel and deal game out there.
Wish you luck and as always check compression, post pics and repost what you do....
Wish you luck and as always check compression, post pics and repost what you do....
I believe that a 951 should be in the 125-130psi range. Other engines such as the 787 should be closer to 150psi.
Yes, that's correct. The compression numbers being close to equal of each other is actually a better sign of the engines condition than the number itself. In other words, if a certain engine typically has 170 PSI compression and the readings come out to be approx. 160PSI for all cylinders then there is really no call for alarm. The actual number isn't to be taken too seriously unless it is way below the expected.
I don't know about your gauge but I use a Craftsman and it has 2 sets of threads.
The first one is smaller then the second set. It fits my car, mower, generator, and ski.
The first one is smaller then the second set. It fits my car, mower, generator, and ski.
Well i just thought i would update everyone. I decided to purchase the boat, got it for $7500. I currently have a deposit down on it and will pay the rest after it warms up a little bit and its ok to de-winterize it and take it on the lake. Theres no obligation to buy it until after a water test but if everything checks out after a water test ill be bringing it home. super excited about it. Not only did i get a new boat today, i also got accepted into law school! best day ever!
super excited about it. Not only did i get a new boat today, i also got accepted into law school! best day ever!
That's great, but with Law school you won't have time for the boat
BMANN06
Well-Known Member
I think thats a good deal ... Actually I think its a fantastic deal!! But I'm up in Canada ... So prices are signifigantly higher up here. I bought the same boat for $2600.00 that needed serious engine work. I plan on cleaning it up and selling it for around $11,000.00 CDN come spring.
Congrats on the purchase!!
:thumbsup:
Congrats on the purchase!!
:thumbsup:
Think your dreaming a little with trying to get $11K....I sold a 2004 last summer with lower hours for $9.5K!! But do agree, there are opportunities to make some money on these boats if you can get them for a good price.
BMANN06
Well-Known Member
Yup ive got a friend who wants even trade me for his decked out polaris razr side by side. Ill ask 11k and settle around 10500. You guys have to understand the market up here too. Seadoos/seadoo boats are priced higher in canada. Ive got my 06 gti base sold for 6500 if the wifey would part with it.
diggin4aliving
New Member
I bought mine last summer for $6250.00 cash near Boston and brought it back to Canada. It had some engine upgrades, upgraded stereo, bimin top, full cover and custom cover for the cockpit. I also got a bunch of spare parts and tools included so don't over pay. The deal will come up if you keep your eyes open.
devonte007
Active Member
Great boat! I’m glad everything checked out and its almost a sealed deal. I think you’ll be happy, fun boats. Thanks for the pics, it looks good. Be sure to check back in with us after your first ride. Hope all goes well. Here’s looking towards warmer weather
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