2006 Sportster 4-TEC

[TheDawgBiscuit]

I am looking at the following.

2006 Sportster 4-tec,Approx 30hrs Single Engine, 215 turbo charged, 15'3", trailer included. Canvas Covers included

I have been looking at skis and boats. I have never owned either. Being a SeaDoo forum about jet boats. What's the downside. A lot if nay Sayers on her boats due to handling at low speeds.

I have a family of 4. My youngest is special needs but fully ambulatory. I like the idea of us being in one watercraft.

I am looking at buying two skis or this as an alternative. This looks like it could accommodate my family but that would be it.

Primary use would be a Large reservoir in Jackson, MS called Ross Barnett.

Cruising and tubing mainly.

Just would like serious opinion

I called myself searching but did not see general what to consider etc...

Thanks in advance.

 

[seadoosnipe]

It's not turbo charged, it's super charged. Your going to see pro's and con's from both sides here, since there are members that are partial to 2 strokes (like me), and those who think the 4 strokes are the bomb!... With it being a 2006 and low hours, it could be a steal if the price is right.

In 2005, when they came out with the supercharged models, they used ceramic clutch washers. I suspect these are still in this boat. As long as the boat has never seen synthetic oil, it wouldn't be a major worry for now. But, in the near future, you'd need to do a supercharger rebuild and replace them with the new stainless washers. The ceramic washers came apart, stopping up your oil pump filter, getting tiny pieces into the internal porting, causing engine damage.

The maintenance on the 4 strokes is suppose to be less, but in my opinion, when you do, it's twice as expensive as the 2 strokes.

I have a 1997 Challenger with the 2 stroke 787cc. I love it. It's about the same in length as the one your looking at now. It tops out at probably 30-35 mph. It states it'll seat 5, but I think 4 is the limit. And that's going to be 2 children and 2 adults. My engine is only a 110 hp, so your 4 stroke motor your looking at, is going to be more powerful. My boat has awesome power and response, with only a couple in it. But, when loaded down, I can't pull a tube. Me and my wife, with one kid in the boat and one on the tube is about all she'll handle.

Good luck!... the boat your looking at is nice, but it'll need to be priced right and find out as much as you can about the supercharger without letting the previous owner know of your inside info about the ceramic washers, until he states they have been changed out.

 

[TheDawgBiscuit]

They are asking $9750 for it.

30 hours seems real low to me. Is it not?

 

[ChrisP]

They are asking $9750 for it.

30 hours seems real low to me. Is it not?

I just picked up a 2012 Speedster and I absolutely love it ! I see very little performance difference when she is fully loaded with 4 adults, still crazy fast. If you plan to pull a tube with 2+ people in the boat, the extra HP of the supercharged model will be helpful.

30 hrs on a 2006 is very low ... I have had mine for 3 weekends and already have 10 hrs on the engine. I'm sure I'll hit 50+ this summer ...

Good luck with your purchase !

Chris.

 

[TheDawgBiscuit]

What did your 2012 run price wise?

 

[TimIHB]

I purchased my 2005 last year with 38 hours on it. It has 138 hours now. First, I would take it for a test ride for sure. Second, verify the hours at the dealer. Make sure that it will run 8000 rpms wide open or you may have an issue with the supercharger. It is due for service at 50 hours and the dealer charges 230.00. It is plugs and oil service primarily. You can do it yourself if you are mechanical. The kit is 80 dollars from Seadoo.
I paid 10000 for my boat. It was in near perfect condition (a few small scratches). I love it! It will pull a 250 lb man on a salom out of the water with 3 people in it if you were so inclined.
It is currently in the shop because we take it out of Sebastian Inlet in Florida jumping waves often. I broke a motor mount which broke a seal. I am hoping ot have it back before the weekend.
Good luck to you. My family has really enjoyed the boat better than any vacation we have been on.

 

[dothadoo]

I have owned both a ski and I am now on my second boat. I have a 2007 Speedster 150 with the 215hp engine. I owned the 155 hp Sportster before and the 155 engine was really under powered if you are planning on loading the boat down all the time and doing any kind of water sports activities. The 215 engine has plenty of power though and that will not be an issue. I would go for the boat option personally, as it is much more stable and would be more comfortable. Also with the boat, you only have one engine to worry about as far as maintenance goes. They are correct with the ceramic washers. Prior to 2008, they are all ceramic. For the most part, if you keep the boat in the water, ie not jump waves, then you should generally have no issue. If the boat has not been run in a while, you will have to replace the plugs, or it will run very rough. You may want to go ahead and do an oil change too if you end up buying it. Good luck and let us know how it goes. It sounds like a fair price.

 

[Macster]

I second buying a boat over a ski - especially 2 skis... I own a Speedster and recently sold my jetski. I only miss the ski when it comes to thrill seeking and wave jumping. Otherwise the boat wins on every other factor hands down.

-Maintenance costs and fuel costs are about the same for a Seadoo boat vs ski but since you're buying two skis potentially double everything!
-How would you get two skis to the water? Double trailer or two cars? More inconvenience...
-Skis are better in larger chop but have less storage, and are less stable.
-Waterskiing behind a ski is much harder for the skier and the spotter than in a boat, tubing is about the same.
-Boat is more sociable i.e. you can pull up somewhere, turn on the radio, sit in comfy seats and relax. Jetski you anchor and get off...
-Boat is arguably safer, in a ski you tend to hoon around more, take more risks, fast turns, jump waves, go flat out etc

 

[ChrisP]

What did your 2012 run price wise?

I picked her up at the boat show here in Toronto for 22,500 with a trailer, custom cover, and 5yr warranty. They had the 155HP version for 18,500 but I felt the extra 4K was well spent on the supercharger.

 

[jkoziol]

I just sold my 06' sportster 125 hrs for $8900. Had it 4 seasons - loved it. I moved up to a challenger - tough decision. It's not a family boat and can get rough for those that can't handle being knocked around or hold on tight. I would recommend this boat for anyone looking to go fast and zip around.