Help today!1999 Speedster SK Questions Prior to Buying - Might make Offer Today

[Chips]

Hi guys, I have a mini Speedster, the 14ft and have been wanting the 16.5 one. There is a guy here in AZ that needs to sell his boat ASAP as he is leaving for FL as soon as he sells it.

He came from San Diego so I am 90% certain its been in salt water. Thats one question. The other main question I have is what should the compression be with the 787's?

Also, its an "SK" so there is no front seat. I was under the impression the SK's only had 717's or the Merc engines.

Lastly, with the storage up front instead of the seat, is it worth it? Generally I will only have 3 people and sometimes 4 but there are times we could use a boat with 5 seats.

And, any other things I should look for would be really helpful. heading to the lake now to meet seller.

OH YA, duh...how much is a good price for these? I see them posted between $7000-$8000 here in AZ and San Diego.

Thanks!!!

 

[Dr Honda]

To be very honest... that's not an upgrade for you.

The SK is only a 4 seater... just like the boat you have now. It's not much wider, and it has the same 720 engines your Speedster has. So... it's the same amount of people... the same amount of HP... but it's about 400 Lbs heavier.

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah for an upgrade, thats not a big jump. It is slightly roomier than the 14 ft boats. IT has 4 individual chairs, so you can really put 4 people in it. But with the twin 720's i think you will be even a bit slower than what you are use to. I would look for a 98 or 99 with the 787's. BUT, if you MUST have it, I honestly wouldn't pay more than $5000 at the absolute most if its in good shape. Mainly because you know its been in salt water. ALso, compression should be 140-150.

 

[Chips]

Thanks guys! Ya when I got to the marina and we spotted the boat, I could not believe how amazing this thing looked.

When I opened up the engine compartment I instantly knew it had the 717's. This had me pretty disappointed. That said we were there and wanted to take it out.

We did and I could tell it didn't have the thrust my little speedster has but damn, was the ride nice. It handled the chop here at (ironically named) lake pleasant, really well.

My wife hates the ride in the speedster we have. Anyway, I bought it. I have a hair trigger when I want things and now I have two speedsters. I figure I will just use them both for a few weekends and keep the one that I like.

I paid $6000. I'm not sure if boats go for more here in AZ but there are three Speedsters with 787's listed for $7000-8500. So I figured 6000 was decent considering the condition. I'm not kidding when I say this thing is nearly show room condition after 13yrs. When we opened the engine compartment up I looked at my wife and her jaw dropped. Lol she is used to my greasy dirty engine area in my other boat. It was pretty funny actually to see her expression.

I will post some pics and see what you guys think.

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2

 

[Dr Honda]

Price is dependent on condition... and if it's super clean... then $6k at the beginning of summer is a fair price. And... as you figured out... the extra length will help in chop.

IF........ you really want a 5th seat... I think you can remove the front cover, and if you can find a front seat out of a regular 16' Speedster... it will convert. (check eBay for someone parting one out)

Post up some pics.

 

[Chips]

Here is the only pic I have from when I bought it. He just put a new bimini on and he also replaced the steering and throttle cables. I asked if there was a reason why, like if they broke or something...he just said they were getting a bit loose. Anyway, when I actually pick it up I will take more pics. I didn't plan on buying a boat Saturday and didn't have $6000 laying around in a safe so have to wait till Monday to go to bank.

 

[RFoster130]

Actually looks really good. Looks like its on a different trailer too.

 

[Chips]

Ya the guy I bought it from is the second owner and he bought it from a lawyer he knows in SD. He actually had the original sales paperwork for it and the original owner paid $35,000 new for this thing in 1999! I couldn't believe it. But in 99' everyone was a millionaire right. =)

He said the guy had it in a garage the whole time and never used it but he had the trailer powder coated to match. Oh and the guy I bought it from said it took it out in salt water once but didn't want to do it again since he didn't want to ruin it. He seems like an honest guy...however, you just never know.

On another note, your avatar shows a nice looking sub mounted on your left side there. Is that a 10"? I have two 8" subs I was thinking of installing and wondering where some good locations might be. Thanks!

 

[Chips]

I got the SK home and cleaned out everything the prior owner had in it and re-organized it with all my stuff. I have to say, I LOVE the front storage area. So I am now the third owner and I will probably keep this boat for the next few years as it meets all of my needs. I have a buddy with a Supreme that we all use for wakeboarding and stuff, so my boat is really just for me and the wife and cruising around.

And I re-checked the original sales paperwork and the guy who bought it back in 1999 paid $18,000 not $34,000. Lol BUT the total price was listed as $34,000 when you include the $16,000 in finance charges. Ouch!

Is there anything I should keep an eye on with this boat as far as notorious problems or quirky things to be aware of in general?

Thanks!

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[SpeedsterSK222]

I can only give you my opinion here in Maine. We just purchased the same boat and year and love it. The storage in the front works great for us. We are very happy with the boat. Ours has twin 85's. Craigslist had our boat listed for $6500 and purchased for $5000. We wouldn't have purchased it for the price you have posted. Check NADA guides first!!

 

[SpeedsterSK222]

Too funny looking at your picture with your jeep. Here is ours with our jeep.

 

[SpeedsterSK222]

Too funny looking at your picture with your jeep. Here is ours with our jeep.

 

[Chips]

lol, actually the Jeep pictured in the photo I posted was the sellers Jeep. I have a Toyota Tundra. I love those new 4 door Jeeps though.

 

[Chips]

I can only give you my opinion here in Maine. We just purchased the same boat and year and love it. The storage in the front works great for us. We are very happy with the boat. Ours has twin 85's. Craigslist had our boat listed for $6500 and purchased for $5000. We wouldn't have purchased it for the price you have posted. Check NADA guides first!!

I checked NADA and it says average retail is $5930 here in Scottsdale, AZ.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/boa/3059774605.html $5000 14" Speedster

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/boa/3054972655.html This isnt even a Speedster and actually was a POS. I went and looked at it. Asking $5900

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/boa/3027354853.html Speedster w/787's $7800

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/boa/3010681991.html Speedster w/Merc $8500

So, that was what I had to choose from so I thought $6000 was a good deal lol And, its so clean. Every time I was excited to see a boat that looked clean just to get there and see that it was just really good pics of a crappy boat, I was getting frustrated. So when I saw this one, I was finally happy that it was exactly what the seller said it was...well minus the 787's. he thought it had them.

But ultimately all that matters is THE WIFE loves it! We went out yesterday for a quick cruise after work...oh man, its so nice. I can't even believe I subjected my poor wife, and myself for that matter, to the beating we took on the 14 foot. It certainly doesnt have the snap the 14" has or the ability to turn on a dime, but its still pretty damn quick. And I was in really rough water and a stiff wind with the speedo reading about 44mph. Which is probably like 40mph. Either way, its all good and we totally love it. The storage up front is awesome. Plus it looks cool.

Now...off to the garage I go to throw my 717 engine together to put back in my 14" so I can get it sold! :cheers:

 

[El Toro 33809]

Sounds like you have a winner! No buyers remorse on your part. Have fun!

 

[RFoster130]

I see em beat up all the time for 5000. Looking at yours I think it's worth what you paid. I have 4 mid range 6.5speakers and a pair of 10" subs all hooked to a single alpine amp. It rocks.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Chips - You got a boat you love, therefore it was an awesome buy for you.
Have lots of great times on it.