Educate me...HOW much maintenance and how reliable are these things...REALLY?

[KSims1868]

I've never owned a PWC. I've owned several boats and I loved them all. Wouldn't say any of my boats were really a "problem". Just kept the oil changed and regular maintenance and they rarely gave me problems. I'm handy with a wrench and can handle most any regular engine maintenance given good instructions.

But I'm scared from all the PWC horror stories. I want to ask...how reliable are these things really? Can they sit in the garage for weeks/months and then just drop them in the water and take off...or will they need constant attention? I'm in Texas so there is a very LONG "water season". These things would prob be ridden at least once a month other than in the short winter.

What can I expect to deal with if I buy some older used skis...like from the late 90s.
I'm looking at a pair of 1998 GTX Limited PWCs.

 

[Dr Honda]

You should have just made this one post with your other one.

Anyway... it all depends. Yes, you can get a lemon, and it can be a nightmare. But, assuming that they are in good running order, yes, you can park them for a month at a time, and only do regular yearly maintenance. The only thing I would do is to keep marine fuel stablalizer in the fuel to keep things from gumming up. Also, since you will be in salt water... make sure you clean them well after each use.

 

[KSims1868]

Okay that's good to know. Sort of what I expected.
Is it normal to have replacement engines in these things or is that a sign of abuse?

Also...since I'm a complete newbie to PWCs...what are the differences in the SeaDoo models: GTX, GSX, XP, etc...
These (I think) are the 951cc engine and I also think they are 3-seaters. Is 1 model more desireable than another? What models are most popular and easiest to re-sell? I usually don't keep "toys" very long and I like to buy only the models that I know aren't that difficult to re-sell later if I want my $$ back out of them.

 

[Dr Honda]

A replacement engine is normal. The skis you are looking at are 13 years old... and "Abuse" is normal for jet skis. (but neglect isn't) Remember... these things see full throttle most of the time.

As far are the "Differences"... that is WAY too generic of a question. you can write a small novel on that subject. BUT... the short version is:

** 2 passenger**
SP (i) = base model
SPx = mid performance
XP = Race hull
GS(x) = larger powerful

***3 Passenger*****

GT (s, i) = base/mid
GTx = powerful

****Single passenger****

HX = buoy racer. (don't buy one)
3D = stand-up hybrid


After that... you have the 4-tech skis... and even with the 2-strokes... every year they wer playign with what engine went where... and the gauges, and options were always changing.

 

[KSims1868]

I'm being told that MOST mechanics / shops refuse to work on PWCs that are over 10 years old...especially Polaris / SeaDoo.

Anyone validate that?

 

[Dr Honda]

Ummmmm....


Yes and no.

A dealer may not want to work on an old ski at this time of the year, since they are overly busy with normal maintanance, and everyone's... " hey, this ran great, but now it won't start after sitting all winter"... ski.

Also, a dealer may not want to do exploratory work on a +15 year old ski for a couple reasons.

1) They can't always get parts anymore, and if they work on a ski for 2 or 3 hours, and can't get it running for the customer... they will have to deal with a pissed off customer when they give them the bill for 3 hours labor.

2) The work performed can quickly exceed the value of the ski. (the dealer doesn't want to get screwed out of their money) And let's face it... MOST people who own older skis generally don't have the $$$ for a new ski, or a $1000 repair bill. I see this one every year. On the used market, people will post a butt ugly mid 90's ski, and want +$2k for it because they just had a new engine installed. Well... that doesn't change the value of the ski. It's still only worth $1000 to $1500.


OK.. last thing... Polaris. They made some great skis over the years, but they stopped making them in 2004. SO... there are no Polaris PWC dealers anymore... and the OEM parts are drying up.


With that said... if you have an independent PWC shop... they should be more than willing to work on an old ski.

 

[seadoodave1]

You are a great resource for info on ALL things related to these "addicting' li'l baby's"! My 94 GTX is one helluva a learning 'tool" ....and its nice to hear that when "tuned" properly, its at the high end of those skis in 94. Was so impatient in the beginning, and a bit 'overwhelmed' by the physics/eng of the PWC's. Ex-motorcross racer, years ago, and thought a 2-stroke is a 2stroke...mucho different being in the water vs being on the dirt...thanks for you input

 

[suppresst]

I have some observations here if not too late to do you good -

The "best" PWC to buy is the one that best matches how you will use it. Hull size and engine performance are very important. I own two PWC's and the one that gets the most use is the 3 seater which is legal to pull skier/tuber (you need an observer) and has pretty decent storage space for beach towels, goggles, etc. If you don't give a hoot about pulling anybody on a rope, than perhaps you want a high performance model 2-seater, and so on and so on.

Both of my PWC's are over 10 years old and local Sea-Doo dealer doesn't blink an eye about working on them. On other hand I have talked to repair shops with an "attitude" that won't work on an older PWC without down payment, because people will walk (apparently) on the repair bill if it exceeds value of PWC.

 

[KSims1868]

Yeah I really kind of gave up on the PWC idea. They were "okay" but not as nice in person. Value was MUCH less when I did my research than my Harley, so I just blew off the idea.

I'm going to stick with a boat. I know boats...and I live near the gulf coast so there is a lot of boating to do around here.

Thank you all for the replies though!!