717 to 787 upgrade and motor swap

[Armysinger]

I have a 717 which needs a new top end...and possibly bottom as well.

I would like to put in a 787 in it's place. On other previous posts, I have read both that it is doable and that it is not.

Things to consider.

Motor mounts
impeller drive shaft
pump
electrical
room in the bilge. ( I have enough room)

Please lend your experience here.

THANKS!!

 

[mikidymac]

What ski are we talking about?

The end result is it is easier and cheaper to just get a hull that already had the 787 unless you are talking about an HX or something special that was never available with the 787.

 

[Armysinger]

Mikidymac, Great point. This is for my 2002 Seadoo Explorer. Sea Doo / Bombardier stopped production of this model in 2002. 720 was the largest motor to come with the explorer. The explorer is a 5 person rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Weight wise, heavier than the jet ski models (GTX, GSX, HX, ect) and a bit lighter than the Challenger boats. Getting a new hull is not an option as these are rare at best and mine is in mint condition....minus the bad motor of course. Larger hull with a single engine. Hence my desire to explore ALL options before just rebuilding the 720 I have.

 

[Matt Braley]

There used to be a couple guys making conversion brackets that would allow you to bolt a 787 in where a 717 was. The 787 requires a 1" longer drive shaft. There are a lot of other little differences especially the electrics. It's nice to have the donor ski the 787 is coming from so those small bits don't nickel and dime you to death.

These days there is somewhat of a movement going where folks stick a Kawi 1100 in where a 717 was. There are lots of mods necessary to make it work (custom drive shaft, larger pump tunnel and pump mount, etc.) but there is a billet conversion plate available to make the engine bolt in.

 

[Armysinger]

Matt,

Thanks so much for your input! I would love to put a Kawi 1100. If I'm going through the expense of the upgrade, I'd much rather go with Kawi upgrade if there are mod kits around. Lots to change for sure. Can you share billets and forums, or at least contact info to get specifics on the change from 717 to Kawasaki 1100?

 

[Matt Braley]

I would google up things like "X4 1100" and "1100 swap" and do some reading. The company that makes the conversion plate is Rad Dudes.