Help with buying a Utopia

[jiminminn]

I am new to jet boats (and this forum) but not new to boating. I have owned various boat for 20 years . I have decided that I want to get a jet boat for pleasure cruises and to pull my kids on tubes and skis.
I really like the Utopia 185. I like the seating layout and the overall size. We have a lake place so it will sit on a boat lift under a cover most of the time and be in a garage stored during the winter.
Can any of you help guide me to a certain model year and engine that will be the most reliable. Should I look for a DFI/Optimax or a carb model.
Any help would be appreciated.
Jim

 

[Irish1800]

One thing I've learned only after buying mine is that the gel used on Sea Doo boats seems to blister when around moisture for extended periods. Mine blistered where it sat on the lift. I'm having it repaired this winter, but it's not cheap. I'd lean towards the Optimax motor myself.

 

[R Doo]

I've had my 2004 Utopia 205 since new and outside of the first year, it's been stored on a lift during the Summer and in a garage for the winter just like you want to do.
The 205 is a bit larger with more interior room to move around in. This makes a big difference when carrying passengers and equipment.
I vote for the 250 Optamax DFI motor. As long as it's been well cared for, you can't go wrong. It's a very good motor, easy to winterize and runs very strong.
The twin Rotex motors are also very good but maintance costs will be higher seeing as there are 2 of everything. I love the ease of working on the RXT. If you get a boat with Rotex engines, make sure to check out the PWC section of this website for engine how to and must do.


There is a lot of info on the Internet on both motors with very good tips to make maintanance a breeze. Just take some time and read, read, read.

Hold out for the best boat you can find and then get it looked at by someone who knows the type motor. Lucky you live in Minnesota also. We have some very good shops that work on a lot of Mercury and Rotex.

 

[R Doo]

I have a 2004 U205 with Optimax 250 DFI that is on a lift all summer and stored in the garage for the long MN winters. Had it since new and have had no problems with the glass.
The 205 is a bit bigger and if you are carrying passengers and moving around in the boat, it comes in handy. Either boat is great, just make sure it's been well taken care of. Have a shop check out the motor when you find one. The Mercury motor is great and there are shops all over MN that can service them. The Rotex motor is also very good but remember, there are 2 of them so the cost will also go up when it comes to preventive maintance.

Hold out for the best boat you can get and have it checked out by a good shop.
There is a lot of information out there on many forums to help you with any questions you might come across.

Good luck and happy Dooing.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

If you are close to Minnetonka, MN then Minnetonka4me can check out your boat.

 

[Racereddie]

I have a 2003 205 with the 240hp EFI. We are a family of four, the two kids are 9 and 11. The boat says it seats 8 which it will, but when you start adding coolers and items and kids moving around it becomes a good boat for 4 and you push it with 6.

Eddie

 

[jiminminn]

Thanks Racereddie, I took a "left turn" in my thinking. I found a 2004 Sportster with just 2 hours on it for a really cheap price so I bought it. I think I am going to wait until the kids are older to look for the pleasure jet boat.
Jim