Looking at aftermarket intake grate

[Satch]

I would like to install an aftermarket intake grate this year and was looking at this one. I am looking for any thoughts and ideas from the more experienced members here. Thanks everybody.

P.S. This is a stock 1997 XP.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sea-...40268106349QQptZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts

 

[jwick86]

What are you looking to gain? An intake grate will slow you down about 1-2 mph on smooth water. It puts more drag on the ski. If you mainly ride in rough, choppy water, it will help alot by keeping the back of the ski in the water which allows you to move on forward. Its mainly what your looking for weather its worth it or not.

 

[Satch]

I was looking for a little more out of the ski. In terms of: off the line throttle response, better steering control, and more top end. I thought maybe a few bolt-ons would help with out getting into the engine. I mainly ride Raystown Lake in PA. The lake will get choppy from time to time with the bigger boats running.

 

[jwick86]

Well, you'll never really get off the line and top speed. We all want this. You can change props to get one or the other but depending on what you want more is what to choose. A filter kit and jet kit is always good to do. Will help pretty much all around. I gained about 1.5 mph on a jet kit only and plenty of throttle response. A kit will run about $200 depending on who you get it from.

As far as handling, your only option really is new sponsons that will bite better. The hull is a great hull though.

Doing the carbs is a great idea and improvement and your leaving the motor alone and still plenty reliable. You can do a few small things to the motor to get more out of it and still reliable, but I'd just stick to jet kit and maybe a prop, thats up to you.

 

[Satch]

Thanks for the input.

So to get a little more handling out of the sled go with aftermarket sponsons?

What all is involved in doing a prop upgrade and what are the gains?

As far as the intake grate goes am I correct in saying its only advantage is rough water?

I just did a compression check on the sled which was 155 in both cylinders. While I was at it I tore the carbs off to examine them and clean the little filter inside. Very, very tiny amount of gunk in the filters and the filter under the handle bars. Sled still has the factory grey lines.

 

[jwick86]

Definitally change the fuel lines out.

As far at a prop, some will give better acceleration, some will give better top end. Generally, when you gain one you loose the other. Very rarely, will you get a different prop that will help with both.

Yes, the grate is basically to help in rough water.

On your 787 motor, a jet kit makes a big difference. A friend just did one on his 96 GTX and its much crisper throughout the throttle.