Good buy on 2005 Sportster LE?

[OSU Eric]

Hi, this is my first post here on seadooforum. I am looking into buying my first boat. I came across a 2005 Sportster LE on craigslist listed for $8500. Compared to some of the others in the area 10-11K it appears to be a good price. Since I have never owed a boat can you give me some tips or pointers on purchasing one? Recommendations?

I was originally wanting to spend around 6-7K and have been looking at older models. Pretty sure I want to keep with a single engine for the lower cost of fuel and maintenance. I am looking for something to just cruse around and hang out in with a couple friends and do a little tubing. Thanks for your input.

 

[dbracela]

I don't know anything about hat particular model, so I won't get specific, but there are a few things you should do in general.

Do a compression test. Do a lake test. Look for damage and shoddy repairs. Check service records. If he does his own service, does he have receipts for parts? Check the hull for cracks. Look at the impeller and wear ring. Sometimes that can help you decide if he beat on the thing. How clean is it? Does he take care of his stuff or is he looking to dump his problems on you? Look for oil leaks.

You must get the compression and you must take it for a test drive. That's a lot if money to bet on someone's word.

If he says "it ran fine last time" but won't start it, and let you test it, he's hiding something. If he says it just needs a battery, bring a battery with you. Offer to pay the ramp fee if that entices him to allow a lake test.

You've probably noticed that a lot of the threads on here begin with: "I got a boat, the previous owner said it ran fine but just needed this or that so I couldn't hear it run, but he said it runs great. " I fell for the same thing.

Read up on that model and see if you can isolate common issues, and check to see if that's happening with the one for sale.

Do you have a link to the actual boat for sale?

 

[Coastiejoe]

If you are meeting at the house, take a look at everything. Clean house, car, landscaping, other toys ect ect.

This will help to further determine the character if the seller.


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[dbracela]

Saw the link. Sorry.

 

[howie099]

Pretty sure that has the 951 2-Stoke that was not very reliable for seadoo. That is why that boat is less compared to all the other seadoo's in the year range. I would pass on the 951 and go with 787 or older 2-stokes or the 4-stokes. You don't see that many good posts 951's. That model should be the DI which was a real buggy with the electrics.