Looking at a 2003 sportster and 2003 speedster, which should I go for?

[ghurty]

I am looking to buy a boat for my family. I am trying to narrow down the options. I see currently there is a 2003 Speedster for $4,400 and a 2003 Sportster for $6,600. From pictures they both appear to be in the same condition (nothing amazing but nice enough).

Between the two, which is a better buy? From my research being that it has a 4-tec engine, they are easier to maintain/repair. At that age (14 years) how often do issues happen?

Thank you

 

[Chris Prokesh]

This is my first response to a post, but maybe I can help you with the issues part, at least on the Sportster. Something we have in common is I was looking for something similar and I actually just bought an 07 Sportster this week, but same model generation with 4-Tec engine as an 03. I got mine for $4k, but it was a death-estate repo. One thing I found is that there is a Extremely Hyper-critical issue with these Sportster's prior to 2008 models. (If the Speedster has the 4-Tec, same rule applies)... The superchargers up till 2008 used a ceramic clutch pack that can flake apart and pieces go thru the motor causing severe damage. Alot of people refer to these as "washers" because thats what they look like. SeaDoo went to steel in 08', and all 100-hour service rebuilds replace these with the kits with newer steel packs that doubles the recommended usable service hours. The rebuild is actually quite cheap and hfgreg can show you how to get it done quick and cheap thru them for just a tad under $500 with shipping insurance. Im new to this all and still learning, but that's EXTREMELY critical on the pre-2008 4-Tec's. Something to consider is if the Supercharger has been serviced and where this stands in the maintenance-hour schedule of the two boats. Sounds to me like the speedster is the better buy if its a 4-Tec boat. Im not really sure what the difference is in the Speedster and Sportster. At least as far as 06-07 boats go, they look like the same boat to me!

 

[dmiles]

Where in the world are you seeing these prices? Everything I see in the year and model you state are over $10K.

 

[dmiles]

I am looking to buy a boat for my family. I am trying to narrow down the options. I see currently there is a 2003 Speedster for $4,400 and a 2003 Sportster for $6,600. From pictures they both appear to be in the same condition (nothing amazing but nice enough).

Between the two, which is a better buy? From my research being that it has a 4-tec engine, they are easier to maintain/repair. At that age (14 years) how often do issues happen?

Thank you

I see in another post you decided on the Sportster, and got a great deal on it. Do you know if the Speedster is still available? Do you have the information on it? It looks like a great deal as well. Thanks.