GTX 787 or 951

[etemplet]

I have a 787 GTX (96') that I restored last year. Hasn't been on the water yet for testing but it's inside. Now I'm working on the 1998 GTX 951 that's getting a new engine so.... I can't help wondering if I'd rather (2) 951 GTXs or (2) 787s, The 951 has some grut over the 787 and a higher top speed (55mph) but I think the reliablity goes to the 787, Help me make up my mind.

 

[KyleW2]

Keep them both!

 

[etemplet]

Keep them both!

I'm thinking of swapping our 787 GTXs for 951s. I'm looking for pro's and con's. I think the 787s are more reliable long term. Same hull so no difference there and both are fun skis. When it comes to power you really notice the difference on the 951. A negative for me is it seems 951s draw in a lot of moisture. May be no different than the 787s so that's why I'm asking about long term ownership. Always something to learn.

 

[Mraw]

I would go with two 951, I have 2 951 skis, gsx limited and a sportster. I beat the living hell out of the gsx, around 4 to 8 hours of use every week, no issues. I also have a sportser which gets used every week for cruising around the lake, fishing, etc, I'm on 5 years now on that motor with no issues aswell. Since you have two fresh 951 motors that's what I would go with, I don't think you wil have any major issues for many years and hours. Also for all my skis I fog them after every use

 

[etemplet]

I would go with two 951, I have 2 951 skis, gsx limited and a sportster. I beat the living hell out of the gsx, around 4 to 8 hours of use every week, no issues. I also have a sportser which gets used every week for cruising around the lake, fishing, etc, I'm on 5 years now on that motor with no issues aswell. Since you have two fresh 951 motors that's what I would go with, I don't think you wil have any major issues for many years and hours. Also for all my skis I fog them after every use

Thanks for the input. An important aspect of 951 ownership is this... I plan on doing research on fogging the 951's. At present I don't see how that can of fog can do very much for the 951. I want to put some OIL in that baby. I drilled an airbox and installed hoses that will allow the fog to enter closer to the carb barrel, but I wasn't satisfied with my set up. Input on fogging is appreciated. I'm in Louisiana so the air is always very humid and the 951's get wet internally as they cool down.

Very good info thanks again for sharing.

 

[POPPS]

Okay, working on the 951's is a b I T C H ....The pipe is ackward and super heavy, the motor is heavy,,,you can pull a 785 without a hoist,,,,the motors are easier to rebuild, cheaper to rebuild,,.of course the 951 is a larger boat and more stable,,,and a little faster,,,but not of the hole,,,
I'd get a 96 gtx, 3 seater, nice and long and stable,,,slower yes,,,but easier to work on with an 800 in the hull.

 

[etemplet]

Okay, working on the 951's is a b I T C H ....The pipe is ackward and super heavy, the motor is heavy,,,you can pull a 785 without a hoist,,,,the motors are easier to rebuild, cheaper to rebuild,,.of course the 951 is a larger boat and more stable,,,and a little faster,,,but not of the hole,,,
I'd get a 96 gtx, 3 seater, nice and long and stable,,,slower yes,,,but easier to work on with an 800 in the hull.

You put it so eloquently. I think I felt that way after working on my first 951. If you look at my signature, I have a 1996 and a 1997 GTX. I rebuilt and restored both. GTXs. Mine hasn't been in the water since restoring it. Funny how everyone likes their skis to match... ours do. LOL

Is there a difference in the hull of the 951 powered GTX? They look identical. LOL Sure feels like the 951 has the jump on the 787 but I was surprised when the 1995 GTX (657X) kept up with the 787 till it topped out. My experience with the 951 is that when you give it even a little throttle, you feel it and when the 787 is out of steam the big dog is still pullin.

Good info. Thanks for sharing. I'm gonna do some research now. LOL

 

[Mraw]

I'm pretty sure the hulls are the same until the larger, heavier 4 tec 155 gtx came out, they still put the DI motor in that hull.

 

[mikidymac]

Hulls are the same except for the larger pumps in the 951.
I love my 951 but fog after every ride.

 

[etemplet]

I'm pretty sure the hulls are the same until the larger, heavier 4 tec 155 gtx came out, they still put the DI motor in that hull.

I have a 2003 (big hull) with a 951-DI. I think someone said they go bout 52MPH max.

 

[mikidymac]

Gross, you want the 951 in the older 1998 to 2002 hull.

 

[etemplet]

Gross, you want the 951 in the older 1998 to 2002 hull.

Oh no, the 2003 will be sold. I'm not talking about keep that big hulkin monster. LOL The one I'll keep is the 1998. I'm gonna break in the 98' and let my wife ride it to see how she likes it.

 

[mikidymac]

You were originally complaining that her GTX was faster than yours now you want to give her a 951? You are a glutton for punishment.

 

[etemplet]

I love a challenge...

 

[WhiskeyD]

951 for sure. More power to push that heavy hull

 

[Boyd12]

I hear the 787 is extremely reliable. The 951 causes Tourettes Syndrome!