I think boats hate me!

[MNSam]

August 2nd I bought my first ever powerboat, a 1995 Sea-Doo Sportster (420 mile drive to pick up). The hull and seats in excellent shape, engine 149 & 151# compression. Cavitated bad so I rebuilt the pump and new shaft seals. I added an anti-rattle cone from OSD. (impeller & wear ring like new)

August 14 took on first test drive (after repairs). Had a couple of hours of fun. Boat top speed of 40 against wind and 42 with wind (GPS) very happy! Ran great, up on plane fast.

August 15 got up early to take the boat out for a long day up the shore of Lake Superior. Didn't make it to the boat launch, got rear ended by a Semi (totaled boat).

After several days of looking for a replacement boat (not many in my area) drove many miles and looked at several "junk" boats. Finally bought a 1996 Challenger... hull and seats good shape, cylinders 150, 152# compression. Top speed 40mph (GPS) took a while to plane. Carbon seal needs replacing, impeller a few nicks in leading? edge, gasket around exhaust cracked. I guess very few people take care of their boats... as long as it moves I guess they are happy.

Got boat home and put it in lake to see what else it might need. Engine died out in lake and the starter quit working. Started paddling back to shore but a kind soul saw me and towed me back to the dock.

Now August 29 waiting for parts, will I ever get to spend a trouble free day on the water :banghead:

I like the extra rear facing seat on the Challenger. I miss the simplicity of the Sportster. My Sportster went 42 mph Challenger only 40 mph and wont hit full RPM, Challenger uses a lot more gas. Rave valves, water flow regulator... too complicated, guess I need to check out all of this to see why I can't reach full RPM.

I hope eventually I will have a usable boat.

 

[Dr Honda]

You had a fun summer !!


Seriously though... once you figure out why you aren't reaching full RPM's... the challenger will be a little faster. It has an extra 25 hp.

Since you are burning more fuel. and not going as fast... I'd be looking at rotary valve clearance, and rebuilding the carbs. Also... did you clean the RAVE's and make sure they are working?

 

[MNSam]

Since you are burning more fuel. and not going as fast... I'd be looking at rotary valve clearance, and rebuilding the carbs. Also... did you clean the RAVE's and make sure they are working?

Ordered rebuild kits for the RAVEs. I just removed the Water Control Valve and found the orifice partially restricted, bellows is good. Will clean the Raves and put in the kits (and new high torque starter). Hope this fixes it good enough to enjoy the rest of the year and will consider rebuilding the carbs and jet this winter.

I think I would like to get rid of the plastic Impeller housing, doesn't look like it is even FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) just cheap plastic. What are my options here? Skat-Trak Magnum Pumps are spendy, any other choices.

 

[LouDoo]

Personally I would try to find a bronze pump, I have them on all three of my ski's. PM minnetonka4me, I'm sure he will have one, he has quality parts at fair prices, and he's also in Minnesota.

Lou