Arizona's Warming up!

[kstad]

But not too much. Took my first ride on the new ski (first ever) and it kindly kicked me off for thwarting the throttle like that of my KTM; and the 58 degree lake didn't take long to chill the bone. I bought a 1996 Seadoo HX with a trailer for a 1100. As you can imagine, getting back on this model, for the novice, was a bit tricky.... but was able to figure it out on the third attempt. OK four once I ditched the sandals (weekend warrior style what can I say).

Ski is in pretty excellent shape; original decals (nothing I can live without hot pink and purple brings me back to the 90's far before I worried about having my own housing crisis), a hull that is literally flawless, solid motor mounts, 155 compression in both cylinders, no tears in the seat, no cracks chips or dents. Overall, for only having been in the "land-motor" recreation department my entire life, I feel the ski is in pretty great shape for being nearly 15 years old. Being an AZ native I finally got around to getting in with the cool kids during summer, albeit on a ski. So Hello! Figured I'd say what up to all the peeps and if you don't mind ask for a few pointers. Really anything you want to throw at me would be cool, a "what's up" or "dude stay away from that brand oil in that ski," whatever yo but I have a few questions:

Carbs: Are they any different than working on land-motors
Seat: Do they make a seat cover that has a strap on it
Regular Maint: what would you do at the very minimum to prepare for a trip or look for on this model
Tools: What tools do you prefer to have at a minimum (space is a minimum it appears)
Motor: So far everything seems bone stock. Any easy mods or what upgrades for this particular model have you experienced/seen work real well
Guages: There aren't any but the plastic mold indicates something trick could go here..I may want one. Thoughts?
Wax: thing needs a good shining, regular turtle wax work or?

I have no issues using the search function for anything aforementioned but feel free to drop a line. Oh, any rider tips won't hurt my feelings.. It was this or a stand up! ( I know I wimped out ).

HX out

 

[seadoosnipe]

Welcome...

But not too much. Took my first ride on the new ski (first ever) and it kindly kicked me off for thwarting the throttle like that of my KTM; and the 58 degree lake didn't take long to chill the bone. I bought a 1996 Seadoo HX with a trailer for a 1100. As you can imagine, getting back on this model, for the novice, was a bit tricky.... but was able to figure it out on the third attempt. OK four once I ditched the sandals (weekend warrior style what can I say).

Ski is in pretty excellent shape; original decals (nothing I can live without hot pink and purple brings me back to the 90's far before I worried about having my own housing crisis), a hull that is literally flawless, solid motor mounts, 155 compression in both cylinders, no tears in the seat, no cracks chips or dents. Overall, for only having been in the "land-motor" recreation department my entire life, I feel the ski is in pretty great shape for being nearly 15 years old. Being an AZ native I finally got around to getting in with the cool kids during summer, albeit on a ski. So Hello! Figured I'd say what up to all the peeps and if you don't mind ask for a few pointers. Really anything you want to throw at me would be cool, a "what's up" or "dude stay away from that brand oil in that ski," whatever yo but I have a few questions:

Carbs: Are they any different than working on land-motors
Seat: Do they make a seat cover that has a strap on it
Regular Maint: what would you do at the very minimum to prepare for a trip or look for on this model
Tools: What tools do you prefer to have at a minimum (space is a minimum it appears)
Motor: So far everything seems bone stock. Any easy mods or what upgrades for this particular model have you experienced/seen work real well
Guages: There aren't any but the plastic mold indicates something trick could go here..I may want one. Thoughts?
Wax: thing needs a good shining, regular turtle wax work or?

I have no issues using the search function for anything aforementioned but feel free to drop a line. Oh, any rider tips won't hurt my feelings.. It was this or a stand up! ( I know I wimped out ).

HX out

Welcome to the forum...! Nice to read a post that is so well written. You must be a novelist. I don't think I've ever read a post by a member, in my almost 4 years with the forum, that someone has actually used the word "albeit". So, either your a teacher or a college dude......:rofl:

The carbs are floatless Mikuni's. On motorcycles and other applications you see the Mikuni, they are normally equipped with the float and bowl. To me, these are actually a bit easier to work on.
I don't know of a seat cover with a strap but I bet you can get any upholstery shop to put one on for you.
Preparing for a trip?... Hmmmm, you can't go very far unless you have a secondary gas can. But, if your just going out for a ride, I guess bring what you'd bring if you were out on your KTM.
As for tools? I always bring a screw driver to adjust the low speed needle valves with and a cresent wrench to do my plugs. I usually throw in a pair of pliers or vise grips and a razor. The razor is essential in case I pick up a ski rope. I'll have something to cut it out with.
The motor is the 717cc (commonly referred to as a 720) Rotax. For the year and engine size, I don't see any reason to MOD it right away. I think if you've played on the KTM's for any period of time, you know that modding an engine means you cut the life of the engine, sometimes in half. If you want, you can look at a couple pump mods. But for the price, the extra two or three miles per hour really isn't worth the cost.
Don't know about your gages but, I don't think there were any on this model. The hole you see is in the event you needed to add something. It would be a mod.
The wax? You can use a good compound to bring out the luster, which I do use Turtle compound a wax. But, if your hull is stained with scum from the water, chemical deposits like calcium, you can use "Starbrite" to clean it. This stuff is powerful and doesn't take much. You'll need to wear gloves because it burns your hands. You put it on, let it soak for 5 minutes then wash it off. You can find it in your local Walmart.

I guess that bout covers it. I can't believe you went in the drink at 58*F. Man, you are either a die hard enthusiast or they are brass made!!!!!! :cheers:

Welcome to the Seadooforum!