New Sea-Doo, Lots of questions

[PatrickB]

Hi all,

I just bought a '03 GTX Supercharged and I've got a bunch of questions. First off, I bought this because I got a great deal on it. I wanted to be able to have it pull a 230lb skier up on 1 ski. And I wanted a comfortable cruiser. I've read on here some say to avoid the supercharged version, but at this point I would just like to make sure it stays reliable.

Here goes:
It's not my intention to be driving crazy and flip the thing, but I would like to know in the event of a tip, is their a specific procedure to follow. I know kill the engine (which should happen when the cord pulls off) and flip it back up asap. But is their a specific direction it should be flipped back up? I remember from ones I rented (Yamaha) that their was. Also, should it not be started until the plugs are pulled, WD-40, etc?

What maintenance items should I make sure I do? It had 56 hrs when I got it and it now has 60. He said all updates had been done and it had a fresh oil change. It's got a Riva state 1 kit. I want to keep this as reliable as possible.

The wear ring needs to be replaced and he included the OEM part. Should I attempt this myself or leave it to the pro's? I'm fairly handy, but I not a mechanic.

The steering is tight and he included a new cable. Should I attempt to change this myself?

I would like to have the option of pulling it with our Pontoon (either on the side or from behind). Does anyone here have any good advice? If towed from behind, I assume I'd want a solid line so it would not coast into the motor if I stop. For the side I could do a rope line, but what combination of bumpers should I use to make sure there is no damage to either one? This would just be idle or very slow driving, however with a lot of boats on the lakes, the water can get very choppy.

It doesn't have a fire extinguisher strapped in up front. Are they required?

What jacket/vest would you recommend?

Any general tips for a new owner?

I'm sure I'll run into more stuff down the line. Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

 

[cbjrumble]

I can only answer like one question but yea.

I think all PWC have a sticker on the back that should be upside down. Its upside down because when the ski is upside down it tells you how to flip it back over. So the answer to your question is yes, there is a certain way to flip it back over, look on the back of your ski. If its not there look in the owners manual i bet its there.

Also, im pretty sure a Fire Extinguisher is required. I would check with your state's department of natural resources. Boat-Ed.com also has all your state's watercraft laws.

 

[tomcat&family]

The wear ring is a pretty simple thing to change. It sounds like a shop manual would be beneficial to you with the other things you want to work on- they make the job so much easier! When you go to install the new wear ring, I recommend sticking it in the freezer first. This will really help when you install it.

All three of our Sea-Doos came with fire extinguishers... maybe it's not something your state requires? I would get one anyway, just be be safe.

I use a Sea-Doo Freewave neoprene life vest, and I highly recommend it. They're not as bulky as traditional nylon vests, and it's super comfortable. The jip-up front is nice, too. They'll run you about $105 from a Sea-Doo dealer... or you can shop around on-line for some model closeouts. I got an '07 Freewave vest from a Sea-Doo shop in Virginia for $40- brand new with tags in the factory sealed bag! Doesn't get much better than that. :coolgleam:

Tips for a new owner? Just have fun and be safe.

 

[Guy on the water]

We also just bought a used '03 GTX Supercharged 2 weeks ago. I'm curious to know what your good deal was. We paid $6k flat including '03 Shorelander trailer. Ski had 80 hours and Worx sponsons. I'd say we got a fair market deal - nothing great here.

Nobody has answered your pontoon bumper question. I am curious about that too. We tied up along my wife's parent's pontoon and I cringe every time they rub. We've put life jackets between them so far. I ordered some pwc bumpers from wholesalemarine.com yesterday.

Ours had a fire extinguisher, but no spare spark plugs. I wonder if that means ours has been tipped(?) Do they come with extra spark plugs in the holder?

 

[HondaCrazy(Imeanseacrazy)]

Hi allHere goes:
It's not my intention to be driving crazy and flip the thing, but I would like to know in the event of a tip, is their a specific procedure to follow. I know kill the engine (which should happen when the cord pulls off) and flip it back up asap. But is their a specific direction it should be flipped back up? I remember from ones I rented (Yamaha) that their was. Also, should it not be started until the plugs are pulled, WD-40, etc?

I know on my big heavy three seater there is no sticker and you just flip it over, but you have to let the oil settle before you start it. One pain about about this is I have to bring it on the ground and pull the plugs because water gets in the engine.

 

[xrider]

go to the side of the ski and pretend like your climbing the ladder. its in safety class which should be taken anyway!

 

[xrider]

you need fire ext. and check it every year to see if its properly charged. mine is mounted on the inside, you have to take out the front storage compartment to see it.