Hello, Shopping for a boat, is this one a deal?

[jagilbert]

Hi,
I'm keeping an eye out for a jet boat for the family with enough oomph to pull a skier for under $4000. I'm comfortable doing any engine work myself.

I'm looking at a 95 Speedster offered by a local dealer who is consigning it for a bank as a repo:

1995 Sea Doo Speedster powered by twin Rotax Sea Doo Jet engines. She comes with the trailer. She has not been run in two seasons and will need servicing and getting ready before hitting the water. Some vinyl repair is needed. We are offering this boat, motors and trailer package as is where is. This is perfect for the fixer upper.​

It looks like this boat comes with twin 657X engines. The dealer says that they got an estimate for $1,500 from a local shop for a "tune-up" to get it seaworthy. I wonder what that means. I looked over it pretty closely and I dont see anything wrong except that the vinyl is starting to get crunchy in some places.

If the compression checks good, do you think an offer of $1500 would be reasonable?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

[LouDoo]

$1500.00 sounds about right. I just passed on a 96 Speedster, twin 720's one new motor w/4hrs. one with low compression, needed new interior. Coulda had it for $1600.00 but I wasn't looking for a project, and didn't want to spend the summer fixing it up. If it's still available in the fall I might pick it up.

I noticed it's still on Craigs List.

http://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/2986649432.html

Lou

 

[jagilbert]

Thanks LouDoo,

Well, they accepted my non-binding offer of $1,500 out the door (1200 + tax,fees,etc).
New Info: one engine runs, one has bad starter relay (they say). Do I need to do a compression check for this to be a good deal?
Come to think of it, I could just put a screwdriver across the relay to 1. confirm that it really is just the relay and 2. check the compression on that engine... What is the typical cause/parts cost of a low cylinder?

Thoughts?
Thanks again.

 

[El Toro 33809]

Cause for low compression could be as simple as just needing rings (about $30 for parts) to worn/damaged pistons ($260 parts for a top end kit.

 

[RFoster130]

That's worth 1200 bucks even if you part it out and sell it. I dunno if it will be the right family boat though. It really isn't very practical for more than 3 people. Hope you have a small family.