Looking at a 2004 RXP Typical Thread

[Smokymance]

I have read many posts on the RXPs and how the older ones are just to stay away from...i havent really seen anything about the 2004s...but im guessing they are all the same? im pretty much most likely answering my own question but id like some input

I am looking at a 04 with 180 hrs, maintenance performed regularly and SC clutch was redone at 100hrs...asking $4500 with trailer...what would you offer?

From what i see...all these need a SC washer replaced...but whats the chance of this one being still the original with 180 hrs?

What id also like to learn from this thread, is what problems certain year RXP boats have, certain problems and whats worth looking at...

RXP is what id like to get, but the newer ones are slightly out of my range...i see the 08+ are the good ones, but twice or more the price....

 

[Michael211_2000]

What's the overall condition like? Is it "clean" or does it have serious wear and tear showing? $4500 w/trailer seems a little high to me for one with well over 100 hrs... but if the maintenance has been kept up with and the SC was properly rebuilt at 100 hrs (and will require rebuilding again in another 20 hours of operation mind you!), then it might be worth ~$4000 or so. I'd make an offer of $4200 max (only if the hull is good and clean though, AND TEST DRIVE IT 1st or make the offer conditional on test driving it!), just based on the fact that it has well over 100 hrs on it and will require another supercharger rebuild in just a season or two. It's also getting near the end of this year's recreational boating season, only another 2 months or so will you be able to use it and demand (aka prices!) drop quite a bit after the summer boating season ends... you get your best deals after freezing weather begins!

When the supercharger was rebuilt at 100 hrs it's almost a certainty that the ceramic washers were upgraded to steel, so that shouldn't be an issue. I do not recall if 2004 4TEC engines had the hollow exhaust valves that were prone to breaking or not (I know 2005 and some early 2006 model 4TEC's had hollow exhaust valves that would crack and the valve head would pop off into the cylinder). Main failure's of the 4TEC engines was due to supercharger ceramic washers breaking and falling apart inside the engine (blocking oil pump screens and generally wreaking havoc inside the engine, very difficult to clean out!) and exhaust valves breaking off. From a general wear point of view, at 180 hrs the engine bearings and all should be in fine condition still and for many hours to come.

Again though, TEST DRIVE it 1st! You really really want to drive it for at least 5 minutes or so before you commit to handing over cash for it! People get taken every day on these things! If you can't test drive it, assume there's something mighty wrong with the engine and adjust your offer appropriately (ie. assume the engine is going to have to be replaced/rebuilt, and you're just offering the value of the hull and trailer as a result).

- Michael

 

[Michael211_2000]

For comparison's sake, here is a 2006 RXP *exceptionally* clean on trailer with only 78 hrs listed on Ebay right now for $6200 (I know, probably not in your area but this is for comparison only... less than half the hours, 2 years newer, dealer showroom "clean", and only $6200 on trailer lake ready).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649&item=190711941942&sspagename=STRK%3AMESINDXX%3AIT

So be sure and look around, Craigslist and Ebay especially, for asking prices and watercraft condition on similar year models before deciding if you want to make an offer on this 04 RXP or not. Prices will only go down as the Fall begins and colder temps start hitting your area...

- Michael

 

[Smokymance]

Thanks Michael...

from the pics it looks alright...and owner states its in excellent condition...

Still worried about the hours as they seem high...its almost ready for the second rebuild...as most likely i will do myself as soon as i get it...with that in might, how much life left does that thing have?

I think it might be wiser to even wait and get a newer model...as i dont want something that i will enjoy for just a couple of years as i know this isnt a base 2 stroke motor like my 97 XP

 

[Michael211_2000]

Well... it looks solid and clean I suppose. Not my preferred color scheme however. It would likely last years and years if properly maintained, the engine shouldn't have any appreciable wear and unless you can ride it almost every day all summer long every summer it won't get nearly as many hours on it every year as you might think. If you like it, make the seller an offer on it conditional on a test drive. You can even make a low-ball offer, like $3600 or so, and see what the seller might counter. You can back-out at any time up till the point money changes hands...

The 4 strokes last just like the 2 strokes, only the maintenance requirements are different due to the superchargers used in the supercharged 4TEC engines.

Is that a supercharged intercooled model or just supercharged? 185 hp or 215 hp?

- Michael

 

[Smokymance]

Micheal, i think its the 215...well i assumed...can you tell by this pic? it says IC, so im guessing its

Pics dont mean anything unless they are detailed pics anyway...iv seen too many jet skis in pics, they claim they are immaculate and they are garbage in person...

Knowing me ill probably just go take a peek at it and learn from it...never looked at a supercharged 4 stroke in detail in person...

Micheal, if you were to look for a recent 4 stroke jet ski, used, what would it be?

 

[Michael211_2000]

I absolutely LOVE my 2006 RXT, I'd either want another matching 2006 RXT or perhaps a 2005 RXT (the "Green Hulk" nicknamed ones, black hull with green hood and seats... looks cool!). These RXT's are like Cadillacs, nice and spacious but still with gobs of power to spare.

The RXP's are a bit more "sporty" I guess because of the shorter hull they can turn a little tighter and jump wakes a little higher and are just a little lighter (less hull after all) but for comfort and enjoyable cruising it's hard to beat an RXT.

Though RXP's are rated as 2-seaters, it's a tight fit if you're both full grown adults it's more like 1 adult and 1 teenager rated. The RXT's are 3-seaters and very comfortable even with 2 full grown adults on them! The RXT's also handle rough water better (bigger longer hull after all).

- Michael

 

[Michael211_2000]

Yeah that RXP should be a 215 hp model. The base 4TEC is 155 hp, add a Supercharger and it goes up to 185 hp, but then add an intercooler also and you get up to 215hp finally! Later models with 250 and 260 hp 4TEC engines get that additional horsepower by using a more aggressive supercharger and higher pressure fuel injectors and a larger intercooler (the intercooler chills the incoming air, making it denser so more air/fuel mixture can fit in each cylinder during the intake stoke so you get a more powerful BANG!).

Go see it, ask for a test drive... if you really like it and it runs well then make a reasonable offer on it. The hours are a negotiating point you can use to justify your offer. If you don't like it or can't agree on a price you're comfortable with then you can always walk away... you aren't committed till money changes hands.

- Michael

 

[Smokymance]

Id really like to drive one soon...last one i drove a 215hp was a while ago and i recall it was brutal acceleration...

How are they compared in turning compared to an older XP...i know the power is more than twice, but as far as turning and such? i see there is a significant weight difference from the 500LB xp...to bad that thing is underpowered...

 

[Duane72]

The NADA value on that machine is somewhere between $3,900 and $4500 retail right now. http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2004/Sea-Doo-BRP/RXP/10217129/Standard-Equipment That's from a dealer, which usually comes with some kind of warranty, even if only 30 days. That's including the single trailer. So for me, I would say the guy is definitely on the high end. Like Michael said the motor should last a lot longer if it was properly maintained and the SC almost guaranteed to have the metal replacement washers if it was rebuilt. But it will be due at 200hrs for another rebuild and it is quite a few hours compared to some that are out there on the market. For private sale, just speaking me personally, I wouldn't feel like I walked away with a deal unless I paid $3500 or less "out the door" for it.

 

[BMANN06]

Couple things too look at and/ask about if your not going to water test it?

1. These ski's came with hollowed exhaust valves (thank Dennis for this info), you can see if they have ever been replaced if not that's something I would be concerned about. If you remove the head cover (easy) look at the top of the exhaust valve shaft. If the number starts with a 72 you have hollow valves and at 180 hrs are on borrowed time. If the number starts with a 75 you are good and the valves are the recent solid shaft type and have obviously been replaced. I recently bought an 05' RXT project and just ordered all new vavles as mine were the 72xxxx vintage.

2. Flywheel bolts in these models are also know to have issues (where they snap), you can also inquire about this. Not an easy job, but worth doing. I know I've got my new bolts in there after reading a few posts on the issue.

3. Sounds like the superchargers you are aware of ..

One other thing ... don't let my post or any other really hinder your purchase, most of the time it's all about maintaince. BRP gets bashed alot for shotty timing chains and weak bolts, crappy valves. Most of the time this toys are ridden hard and put away wet ... This past weekend I watched a guy at the launch put his skis and fire them up and dump the throttle within less than a minute of warmup... I just shook my head ...

Good luck let us know how it looks in person.

 

[door54]

As usual I find the responces from the forum to be accurate and sincere. You have been given a lot of solid info.
When Michael 'fessed it wasn't his favorite color scheme I got to lookin' at the pics you provided....and I meandered over the BRP website
to look up that model and check out the specs. Try as I might, I can't find an 04 4TEC RXP SCIC in that yellow scheme...anywhere...wierd. Closest match was the GTX but not exact. Tried a different site with same results. No can find.

Guys, what do you think? Is that an 04 RXP? Or do I need a Lasik procedure?

 

[Michael211_2000]

I think this is the correct one: http://www.sea-doo.com/Archives/archives_2005/en-US/Watercrafts/2004/Musclecraft/RXP/index.htm

You have to change the color scheme by clicking the little colored rectangle at the stern of the watercraft. It defaults to the green color scheme, but click the almost orange looking rectangle and you'll see the black/yellow/grey color scheme.

- Michael

 

[Michael211_2000]

Looks like this was the 1st year model for the RXP "musclecraft" too. I don't find any RXP's in the 2003 model year.

- Michael

 

[Michael211_2000]

How are they compared in turning compared to an older XP...

Not a clue, my RXT is the 1st PWC I've ever owned. My sister has a mid-90's Kawasaki Jetski which I rode maybe 2 or 3 times, doesn't even begin to compare to the riding experience on my RXT though! Her JetSki maxed out at 51 mph with just a single person on it, and being a 2-stroker required mixing oil in the gas which kinda sucked. She still has it but hasn't used it in many years now I'm told by our mother.

- Michael

 

[Smokymance]

Thanks guys for all the info...truly great information...

Like stated above, id feel comfortable for a solid ski and walking away from the deal paying $3500...its a 2004, and its one of the first years this ski was made...its bound to have problems and lots of work to get it up to par...180hrs might not be much, but that bad boy is ready for Rebuild II...thats kinda up there...sometimes i feel that i rather save for a newer one with more updates and get a more solid ski...just cause its a deal (not necessarily this case) doesn't mean i have to jump on it...

LM

 

[onechuck]

Make sure, whatever you do go and lake test it.. I made a mistake once and took the owners advice that the ski ran perfectly and it cranked right up out of water but after I bought it, it never ran good in the water. Wasn't on the lake 5 minutes and it was back on the trailer to the mechanic. Don't just spin it around the lake, ride it for about 15 minutes just like you would own it. If all is well then consider it.