Just Bought a 97 Speedster

[3littlepigs]

Hi All,

I just purchased a 97 Speedster. It looks to have low hours and been well maintained. The original seats have no rips. Came with both the owners and service manuals. Both engines start right up. I want to put it in the water today to test it out. This is my first jet driven boat.
My question is. What should I watch out for? What things should I test, check, and look at? Out and in the water.

I've noticed that the blower motor squeals a little but pumps a good amount of air. Any know issues, quick fixes or do I need a new motor?

Thanks

 

[Coastiejoe]

If the boat has been sitting for any time at all, new fluids are normally a good thing.

I would put the drain plugs in, leave it ties to the trailer, back it down far enough to let the rub rail get below the surface and fire it up. Take a look into the hull and look for any water. If all of that looks good, then take it for a test ride. Every now and then look into the hull for any water. It can come from many places, so you just want to make sure all is good. Water can come in from a bad hull (where they are seemed together), loose or cracked exhaust, hose issue and carbon seal issues.

 

[3littlepigs]

Thanks for the info. I checked for leaks and all was good. The engines ran a little rough for the first 5 minutes but after that it was doing great. I downloaded a speed app to my iphone and it said 75mph. There was no way that could be right. But a 55mph county road runs parallel the the river and I was able to keep up with the cars for a length of about 3+ miles. So I was doing at least 55mph with the rpms topping out at about 6500. The boats speedo was saying about 50mph. All this with 400lbs of passengers(2) and a full tank of gas.
The oil light went on once but I was at full speed zigzagging with the oil reseivor at about a 3rd filled.
Other then that the boat performed flawlessly.

 

[racerxxx]

Do you have any history of service? Like specifically when the carbs were last opened up? The fastest death to a 2 stroke is dirty carbs. I would hate to see your new toy meltdown from carbs that are potentially dirty and lean out.

 

[3littlepigs]

Unfortunately I don't have the history of any repairs or maintenance.
But talking to the guy he seemed to have taken it to the marina to get all the work done and the boat had registeration and been in the water this year.
The engine bay is very clean and all hoses look to be in good shape.
Both engines start right up and do very well at all rpm ranges.
So what's the recommendation for cab rebuilding? Every couple of years? Or just when you start experience problems?
How many hours can I expect from these 2-stoke engines?
Thank