Need opinions on sea doo boats

[SkiDooStu]

Hello everyone,

I am posting because my fiancee and I are thinking about purchasing our first sea Doo boat. I have owned 3 sea doos (all of them quite dated, 1994 being the newest) and have had pretty good luck with them as I believe I maintain them properly.

We are thinking of buying something 2004 or newer and want a small nimble model like the speedster.

My questions are these:

1) Are the 4 tecs a reliable motor? I have had ski doos my whole life as well as sea doos. I have always found rotax motors to be a blast to ride, and that they perform really well. However, by nature they seem quite unreliable especially in water. I would like to know if the 4 tecs are better in this regard.

2) When I go to look at a boat with a 4 tec in it, what are some things to look for on the boat? I usually do a compression test on 2 stroke motors and try to look for air leaks, but I wouldn't know how to do this with a 4 stroke. Also are there other non-engine related things that I should look for that typically go wrong on these boats?

3) Is it worth getting the 215 supercharged edition? Or is it prone to unnecessary failure.

Thanks very much for any opinions you can provide!

-Stu

 

[seadoosnipe]

Contradiction...?

Hello everyone,

I am posting because my fiancee and I are thinking about purchasing our first sea Doo boat. I have owned 3 sea doos (all of them quite dated, 1994 being the newest) and have had pretty good luck with them as I believe I maintain them properly.

We are thinking of buying something 2004 or newer and want a small nimble model like the speedster.

My questions are these:

1) Are the 4 tecs a reliable motor? I have had ski doos my whole life as well as sea doos. I have always found rotax motors to be a blast to ride, and that they perform really well. However, by nature they seem quite unreliable especially in water. I would like to know if the 4 tecs are better in this regard.

2) When I go to look at a boat with a 4 tec in it, what are some things to look for on the boat? I usually do a compression test on 2 stroke motors and try to look for air leaks, but I wouldn't know how to do this with a 4 stroke. Also are there other non-engine related things that I should look for that typically go wrong on these boats?

3) Is it worth getting the 215 supercharged edition? Or is it prone to unnecessary failure.

Thanks very much for any opinions you can provide!

-Stu

In your thread, you open by saying "I have owned 3 sea doos (all of them quite dated, 1994 being the newest) and have had pretty good luck with them as I believe I maintain them properly." Then you state, "I have had ski doos my whole life as well as sea doos. I have always found rotax motors to be a blast to ride, and that they perform really well". Then, in your 1) you've stated "However, by nature they seem quite unreliable especially in water. I would like to know if the 4 tecs are better in this regard.".....

So, to answer your question, yes, the 4-TEC is a reliable engine, just as is the 2-strokes. Like you stated, it's all in the care you put into it. Now, I know there are lemons in everything with a motor in it, so that doesn't say that all are good. I would stick with the 155 hp. Don't go supercharged for your first 4-TEC. The increase in horsepower only gets you to top speed faster (depending on what it's in).:cheers:

 

[SkiDooStu]

Do you mean that the 155 and 215 have the same top speed but the supercharger just gets there faster?

Thanks for any advice that you could provide. Are there any "tell tale" things to check for when I am looking at sea doo boats? The only one I have heard of was a problem with ceramic washers in the supercharger.

-Stu

 

[Dr Honda]

Do you mean that the 155 and 215 have the same top speed but the supercharger just gets there faster?

I think Snipe meant it as the other way around. They accelerate about the same... but the supercharged boats have a better top speed. (as they should, they have a higher red-line) If you go to a twin engine... those have a noticeable improvement on acceleration.

Thanks for any advice that you could provide. Are there any "tell tale" things to check for when I am looking at sea doo boats? The only one I have heard of was a problem with ceramic washers in the supercharger.

-Stu

If you are buying a used boat... I can't stress enough, that a water run is very important. A boat can look nice, and run smooth on the trailer... but once it hits the water... it may barley run. The water will show you if the engine is actually running properly (needs the load on it) it will show you the condition of the pump (if there is cavatation) and the condition of the seals, and cooling system. (look for hose leaks under the hood)


The reason Snipe said to avoid the supercharged boats for your first one is because there can be washer failures. The super charger needs rebuilt every 100 hours... and is expensive. Not to mention... most people don't maintain it properly. Unless you get a good deal... and the last owner can prove the supercharger have been serviced... say away from the SC boats.

BUT... you can't beat a little seadoo boat for a good time. I did a full restoration on the 96 in my avitar... and I never thought I would enjoy a boat like I enjoy my PWC. :hurray: