Here we go again... The SHUTTLECRAFT...

[can128]

First off, please don't yell at me. I've read the existing closed threads on this thing already and decided to revive it because let's be honest, who doesn't want to talk about this thing??

Here's a local guy selling one and I'm looking for some opinions...


http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAd?AdId=490536264&MessageId=MSG.VIEW_AD.EMAIL_TO_FRIEND_SENT&mpname=E2F&mpuid=1700273%3B330%3B490536264%3B26742683%3B%3B

 

[manolocross]

Lol.... Subscribed!!!

 

[nammer]

i always thought it was a cool idea, I believe they made like 2 or 3 different models, but occasionally those can be found down here for under 1K, also it seems like the rails are impossible to find, so unless they come with the ones meant for your model, looks like you'll be fabricating something

 

[Seadoobuddy]

From what I've read not all PWC can be hooked up to this thing.
You need special brackets to fit different skis, some of which can be hard to find.

***EDIT***
Nammer , you beat me to it while I was typing

 

[nammer]

Nammer , you beat me to it while I was typing

lol, they do say great minds think alike, and apparently at the same time :cheers:

 

[can128]

Is there any particular reason why the manufacturers of these things just stopped making them? I'm assuming it is mainly due to lack of sales??

 

[Dr Honda]

Is there any particular reason why the manufacturers of these things just stopped making them? I'm assuming it is mainly due to lack of sales??

Yep....

1) They were CRAZY expensive for a boat, that didn't even come with an engine. The one in your link was $30k !!!!!!!!!! I can buy a nice NEW boat, and a NEW ski for the same $$$.

2) You were trying to sell a boat to the jetski crowd. Most guys who have skis, don't really want a boat. AND... most boat guys HATE the skis. (we are referred to as water lice by some)

3) That big one was SLOW. It was a cool idea, but even with a 130 hp ski plugged into it... the drag was high enough, that they would only get to the low 30's.

4) Because of the design (especially the small one) it was big, but had a lot of wasted space.

5) In some states... it was hard to register. They didn't know if it was a "Barge" (no registration) a non-powered boat, or if it was an extension. Since the ski wasn't bolted into the SC... the total capacity didn't change. SO... you could get a ticket for having more people for the capacity of the original vehicle. (like putting 4 people on a tube, behind an x4)


OK... with that said... I always thought they were kind of cool too. I could take the ski off, and let the kids and wife swim. But... here's the caveat... Over the past 20 years... I thought they were cool. BUT... never once did I go to look at one with cash in hand. (see what I'm saying?)


Because of low sales... 3 companies tried to make a go of them. (all under the same label) Also... the re-sale sucked. As SDB said... it's not a universal fit. SO... if you have the rails for an x4 hull... You can't just stuff a GTX (or whatever) into it. Back in the day... the rail kit was $$$... so to change the skis was expensive. And finally... if you rode it aggressive... the rails would brake, and scratch the crap out of your ski.


For them to have been successful... they would have needed to be under $8k on the trailer. But even the little on was closer to $18k by the time you bought the special trailer, got a top, the rails... and paid the tax, and reg on them.


A few years ago... there was a new company trying to make a universal fit hull. I don't know if it worked out... but I haven't heard anything about them.



So... to sum up:

1) crazy price
2) wrong target market


That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

My concern would be towing both to the lake. I would sooner just get a jet boat for $4500 and be done with it. At least you know you'll be able to plane out in an actual boat.

 

[can128]

lol... Always informative posts Doc! I've been cursed with the "I see it, I want it" syndrome since a very early age, and although I've seen these in the past and never acted on them, this is the perfect "device" for my type of use...

I need to figure something out here...

 

[nammer]

imo, for that price, you might as well buy a small bowrider, then you'll have 2 vessels

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Buy a boat and tow the shuttle craft behind it. Anchor the SC and let people stay on it while you have fun on the boat.

OK< OK, not the best idea.... but at least people would have a place to sit and keep the beer cold for ya.

 

[Dr Honda]

Here's the one over in Europe. The conversion right now puts it just under $20k without a ski. As I was saying... a lot of $$$ for a boat without an engine.

http://www.sealver.com/wave_boat_525_international.php


I don't know if there is a USA distributor or not.


****EDIT****


Global Craft in Seattle WA is a dist.



http://www.globalcraft.co/

 

[racerxxx]

Here's my take:

1. Immediate family (Wife and kids)--Buy a real boat

2. Friends--Tell them to break out their wallet and buy skis or a boat. It's not your responsibility to get them out there or provide a place to "chill" while your having a good time.

3. Buy a Seadoo Dream Island 7 person with MP3 and get an inflatable water park and you'll still be under budget!

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...1&searchKeyword=sea-doo+party+fl#.Ue_-NNLbOCk

 

[can128]

I think you've hit the jackpot with those options. A buddy and his wife actually just picked one up at Costco for $230 delivered.

 

[bell99man]

My concern would be towing both to the lake. I would sooner just get a jet boat for $4500 and be done with it. At least you know you'll be able to plane out in an actual boat.

The trailer is designed to hold both.

This guy wants $5000 for both.

This clown says it will do 60 with a 215 hp GTX but that's a lie. $3500 for it in Atlanta

There is another one in Atlanta that is the sportdeck like in the OP ad but no pics and he wants $2k