Help for a Newb

[Radstom]

All,

Just joined the forum today because I have a line on a 2004 Sportster 4Tec 155 for $5k. So is that price in line with the market? (I'm trying to do as much research as I can.)
Also, what kind of questions should I be asking. I plan to have a SeaDoo dealer do a presale inspection. What should I ask the dealer to check.
I'm new to the boating world and hope to use this machine as a glorified PWC that a family of 4 can use together. Will this pup have enough power to pull a couple of kids on a tube and two adults in the cockpit. And by pull I mean give a wild ride, not a whimpy slide across the wake ride.
Thanks to all in advance for any insight/answers to asked and unasked questions. As a Newb I'll take my lumps.:bigear:

tom

 

[thor7000]

That is a really good price especially for beginning of the boating season!! Main thing to look for is:
1)How many hours on the boat (dealer can only tell you once they connect the computer to it)
2)Has regular maintenance been performed (ask for copies of service invoices)
3)Has there ever been any damage to the hull
4)How is the overall condition of the boat (is it clean, how's the engine bay, scratches/marks in the hull)
5)Finally drop it in the water and take it for a good test

I just sold the same boat which I used for my wife and I and our 2 small children...it worked perfectly!! Tubing wouldn't be any problem!!

Good luck and enjoy

 

[TimIHB]

Have them connect it to their diagnostic device. Look at the hours and anything it indicates. If greater than 50 hours verify by reciept that it had its service. I purchased my 05 215 scic and it came due for service quickly after i bought it. Its about 240.00 + anyhting else you need done. I would definetly test drive the boat to make sure the wear ring is good. It should accelerate really strong and not loose too much power in the turns. That boat has plenty of power to have fun with your kids. I put a cold air intake on mine for 200.00 that gave it even sharper throttle response fro skiing and just plain fun. I paid twice that for my boat but it had 43 hours and was basically like new. I think 5K is probably a fair price if the boat has been cared for and is in great condition.

 

[Radstom]

Thor and Tim,

Thanks for the responses. I'll be taking your advice. I've been looking for a maintenance schedule for this boat but haven't located anything online. I assume, besides regular maintenance, other services are determined by time on the engine. Is there service that I should be prepared to do anyway just to start things off with a clean slate. If this were a sports car I'd probably change the fluids and do the timing belt if I didn't have a complete maintenance history. And by the way I'm not very mechanically inclined so most servicing will be handled by a shop. Ouch.

 

[thor7000]

We'll you better start thinking about doing some of your own wrenching because dealers will cost a small fortune!! These boats can be finicky so you will need to do some basic trouble shooting. Do you know approx. hours on the boat?? At the 50 hr mark you should have the pump inspected and greased ect. should also change the oil at the beginning of each season and again prior to winter storage, new plugs twice during the summer. Make sure you have a good selection of spare fuses with you while on the water!!

 

[Radstom]

Good advice. I do have friends that are more mechanically inclined so I'm sure they'll be willing to help. Do you know if a 2004 Sportster has a display for the number of hours? The owner says he is unsure so I'm guessing he has no way of telling. As soon as I get CFO approval I'm going to get the ball rolling on a presale inspection and a sea trial. Any words of advice on getting the CFO to sign off on this purchase.:bigear: I pretty far in debt as far as my forgiveness account. I may take my daughters with me for the sea trial and then present a united front. :cheers:

 

[thor7000]

The 2004 sportster does not have a display for the engine hours, you will need to have the dealer connect it to the computer to get the reading. Sorry, I have no clue what a CFO is so can't give you any advice on that!!

Good luck

 

[Radstom]

CFO is chief financial officer and at my house I call her 'Dear' or 'Yes, dear' or 'I don't know what I was thinking.'

 

[thor7000]

CFO is chief financial officer and at my house I call her 'Dear' or 'Yes, dear' or 'I don't know what I was thinking.'

LOL....O.K. understand now!!