Looking to buy a speedster

[erikvanden]

I am looking to buy my first boat and I am looking into a smaller jetboat. The speedster caught my eye because it is small enough to fit in my garage and to be easily towed from lake to lake. The boats also appear to be very reasonably priced used. I also like the idea of having jet engines. I am looking into the mid 90s models to save some money. My biggest concerns are reliability and gas consumption compared to an I/O. Can anyone give me some insight into the pros and cons of these water craft. I currently own a couple 2 stroke jet skies so I am already aware of there low speed maneuverability and the their noise level.

 

[Dr Honda]

Not to sound like an @$$....


But, since you have ketski's.... the 14.5' sportster is just a big jetski. Same noise... same fuel consumption... same maneuverability... and same maintenance. The only real difference is that you are feeding 2 engines.


As far as comparing it to a I/O... you really can't. A prop will have lower RPM speed, and lower fuel consumption. (generally) BUT... assuming you find a sportster in good shape... it's going to push into the 50's. Your average 18' I/O isn't going to do that. UNLESS... you get a "V8" powered boat... and then it's going to be thirsty too.


The 720 engines will drink about 8.5~9 Gal/Hr each. (at full throttle) So... you are looking at 18 gal/hr at full power. But, pull it back to 75% power... you will still be going in the 40 MPH mark... and drop your consumption by 40%~45%. Like any other boat... the faster you want to run... the more fuel you burn.


Hey... but don't feel bad. The monster in my avatar will drink almost 27 gal/hr at full throttle.

 

[erikvanden]

Not to sound like an @$$....


But, since you have ketski's.... the 14.5' sportster is just a big jetski. Same noise... same fuel consumption... same maneuverability... and same maintenance. The only real difference is that you are feeding 2 engines.


As far as comparing it to a I/O... you really can't. A prop will have lower RPM speed, and lower fuel consumption. (generally) BUT... assuming you find a sportster in good shape... it's going to push into the 50's. Your average 18' I/O isn't going to do that. UNLESS... you get a "V8" powered boat... and then it's going to be thirsty too.


The 720 engines will drink about 8.5~9 Gal/Hr each. (at full throttle) So... you are looking at 18 gal/hr at full power. But, pull it back to 75% power... you will still be going in the 40 MPH mark... and drop your consumption by 40%~45%. Like any other boat... the faster you want to run... the more fuel you burn.


Hey... but don't feel bad. The monster in my avatar will drink almost 27 gal/hr at full throttle.

Thanks for the insight. I don't really plan on using the boat all out. I just want something to get myself and a few people onto the lake. My jetskies are stand ups so I can't bring anyone or anything with me at all. I figured I could get a jet boat like a seadoo speedster or yamaha exciter for minimal investment ( 3-5k) to wet my feat. If all goes well maybe upgrade to a larger boat in a few years.

I noticed there are many different engines in the speedster. the 95s and older have 650 engines and the 96-98 have the 718s with the 99 and newer having the 782s. Is there much of a difference in these model years? I am looking for reliability over everything else, I don't want to buy something then have to sink thousands of dollars into it for maintenance.

 

[Dr Honda]

When going up to the "800 engine" (782cc) you are looking at a larger boat. (18') The other boats are 14.5'.

The '95 and earlier boat's were a little different. Generally... '96 introduces the "Modern" seadoo system. AND... the '96 and newer are easier to find parts for. The "720 engine" (718cc) is SUPER reliable.

 

[RFoster130]

My first boat ws a 98 speedster. its actually 16.5' and has the twin 787's in it. I picked it for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned. It fit in my garage. It was great for 3-4 people. It was very fast. It was an awesome boat. Very reliable. In my opinion its the best of the smaller boats made. It seat 4 people comfortable and handles fine with 4 people. The 14 ft boats are cramped with more than 3 and they lack the ommph to even move with 3 bigger adults.

 

[josh_44_44]

I have a 2002 speedster with the 240hp merc. I decided to go this route simply less moving parts with a single engine then a dual engine setup, especially since the dual motors have dual drives naturally but it just a personal preference thing. I like my boat it will go about 55 -60 mph great menuverability great for pulling skiers or tubes. only con is just lack of seating but then again its ment for speed and play so not ment for a lot of people and as far as gas consumption constant pulling its about 8-10 gal per hour but I can normally fill it up and make a days worth at the lake on one tank

 

[erikvanden]

Ended up buying a 96 speedster for 3200 yesterday. Needs a little love but both engines and jets appear to be strong

 

[Dr Honda]

I have a 2002 speedster with the 240hp merc.

Yep... there's that one too. Seadoo has used the "Speedster" label on a bunch of boats.

Ended up buying a 96 speedster for 3200 yesterday. Needs a little love but both engines and jets appear to be strong

Nice. For the price tag, I'm assuming it's a 14.5' speedster with twin 720 engines?? Post up a few pics when you get a chance.


I know you said the engines "appear to be strong"... but how did you verify that? Did you take it for a water test? Did you get compression numbers??


Regardless... congrats on the new toy.

 

[erikvanden]

Yep... there's that one too. Seadoo has used the "Speedster" label on a bunch of boats.







Nice. For the price tag, I'm assuming it's a 14.5' speedster with twin 720 engines?? Post up a few pics when you get a chance.


I know you said the engines "appear to be strong"... but how did you verify that? Did you take it for a water test? Did you get compression numbers??


Regardless... congrats on the new toy.

I got it from a shop/ Yamaha dealer that got the boat on consignment. I forgot to get a compression test but both engines worked good on the water. Some of the gauges weren't working so couldn't tell how fast I got it up to but probably about 50mph and it was still climbing. Took it out after I bought it also and had no problems starting or running. One of the exhausts does have a small leak in it though so I will probably patch it up with some job weld or something similar (I can tell it was previously patched but it looks like it is failing). That and the bilge isn't work and I could probably use an upholstery kit. Lots of little things. I'll probably end up putting a stereo in it also with the money I saved.