First Time Boat Buyer...Speedster Wake Advice

[thehumbucker]

Hey guys, I'm considering making my first boat purchase, and am seriously considering picking up a 08 Speedster Wake. I'm a fairly savvy buyer (former car salesmen), but I was hoping to get some advice, perhaps even boat specific. I read through some pages here, and know I should take a test run, test every button, and latch, check steering, engine mounts, and the impeller.

Having never purchased a boat before, I was wondering if there were anything you guys could advise me on...things you wished you knew or considered before your first time. I do not own lake front property yet...and for this summer I was planning to rent a slip. (I live in the Chicago area)

I know its general...but that is the level I'm at right now. At least I feel like I'm in the right place to get some honest advice. Anyone suggest against the speedster wake?

Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

First... SeaDoo jet boats do not like to be left in the water, and it's not recommended by Bombardier. There are some mixed feelings on this on this board... but I will say this... the drive shaft seal(s) are designed to leak to keep them cool during operation. Because of this, you may find your boat sunk. If the seal is in good condition, leaking will be minimal, and if your auto bilge pump is working, and your battery is good... it should take care of things.

There is also issues with things growing in the cooling system, but that can be taken care of with proper maintenance.

Pesonally... I either buy brand new with a warranty... or an old "Fixer-Upper" so I'm not the best person to ask. But you are on the right path with going for a test ride, and as always, minor cosmetic issues will reflect on the price.

Unlike a car... these engines run at high RPM's all the time, so anything over 200 hrs will be WAY too many for an 08. Also, since you are looking at a supercharged boat, make sure the drive washers have been replaced. They need replaced every 100 hrs. If you can't do your own work, it's expensive to have done. Expect to pay $600 to $900 per engine. (something to think about in overall expense)

IF... you have any problems with the engines perfomance... pass on the boat. Parts can get expensive quick. (ie, $300 for a fuel pump) Also, the electronics are not your standard OBD2 stuff, so any electronic or fuel injection issues will have to be checked by the dealer. (even if you can do your own work)

Good luck with your search. :cheers:

 

[thehumbucker]

Thanks for the info. Definitely things to consider. I guess I'm better off keeping (storing) it out of water.

Anyone else?

 

[thehumbucker]

I just got on touch with the dealer. He said that there isn't a hour meter on the boat, so he doesn't know how many hours are on it. He said he "heard" under 100. I don't know what to think of that. It's only a 2008.

Also, this has 2 4tec 1503 engines. This is the 310 hp version and I don't belive that it is supercharged.

 

[RFoster130]

Kinda odd a dealer would act stupid about it. He can hook into the computer and tell you how many hours it has. Is this a seadoo dealer?

 

[Dr Honda]

he's hiding something. You can read out the hours in SeaDoo's as old as a 96.

 

[thehumbucker]

Thanks for info. I called back, and they said they can't get a reading because they aren't a sea doo dealer so they don't have the equipment. I asked if I could take it to a dealer and they said ther e isn't one for 150 miles.

He said the original owner estimated 30 hrs, but that's asking me, to trust the word of a guy I never met and a dealer.

Any suggestions? (can I buy something that can take the reading like they sell for cars and the obd2).

Is it worth pursueing (it's a 3 hour drive for this boat)? or do I cut and run?

Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

Nope... can't buy a reader. Bombardier keeps a close eye on the equipment. It's very rare that you will find a privet shop with the equipment, and when you do... they are out of date.

Personally, unless you are getting a very good deal... I would pass. You could drive the 3 hours, and find that it's a POS up close.

Now... I drove 3 hours to buy my boat... but it was cheap, and I knew it was in need of love.