Newbie Interested in 2000 Seadoo Sportster 1800 Merc V6

[schepis]

Have the opportunity to buy a 2000 Sportster 1800 with the Merc V6 motor. Boat seems to be in good condition and owner says it has low hours. Just wanted to hear the pros and cons from people who know more than me. Oh yeah, and the guy wants 6500...is this reasonable?

 

[rookie101]

Being in Canada I can't help with the price, but can give you a few tips on the Mercury.

First and most important get it check out by a certified Mercury mechanic before you even think about buying it. The Merc can be a great engine when properly serviced and maintained, but when things go wrong it can be tough to trouble shoot, and expensive to take to the dealer. The Mercury engines are outboard power heads attached to a jet pump, so if you ever have to replace it it will be on the pricey side.

When you do look at the boat have a good look in both ends of the jet pump and make sure the impeller and the surface around it are in near perfect shape. If they are beat up at all they will need to be replaced. Have the gear case, and stator fluids checked and look for any signs of moisture or metal in the oil. Get a compression check done and if possible get them to find out the hours on the engine.

When working good the Mercurys are great engines. I have had no problems with the Optimax in my Utopia, and have nothing but good things to say about the power, and fuel usage.

One last thing, don't bother with Sea-Doo dealers for service, because most of them are not qualified or equipped to work on the Mercurys, you need to find someone who is.



Aaron:cheers:

 

[Thunderkat13]

I just picked up a 2000 speedster merc v6 240 efi a month ago, for $6000 with about 170hrs, other then needing a few new sensors and some good cleaning shes been the best boat Ive ever had....
Id say work on the 6500 and you could have a great boat for a steal... I know in the Texas market the 2000+ speedsters are pulling anywhere from 5500- 9000 depending on the effort made by the owner to present the boat!

 

[schepis]

Thanks for the replies guys. Any members from Philadelphia...I would love to have someone who actually knows these boats come take a look at it with me.

Or could someone tell me where to locate these items and be able to tell what is acceptable and unacceptable? Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[schepis]

Hi Guys...I dropped the ball and boat I was looking at got sold. Pretty disappointed about the whole thing. Got a couple questions when looking for a different option:

1) Is it best to look for a seeadoo that has the Merc Motor vs. the twin het ski motors?

2) Any options similar to the 2000 Sportster 1800?


Thanks guys!

 

[rookie101]

Hi Guys...I dropped the ball and boat I was looking at got sold. Pretty disappointed about the whole thing. Got a couple questions when looking for a different option:

1) Is it best to look for a seeadoo that has the Merc Motor vs. the twin het ski motors?

2) Any options similar to the 2000 Sportster 1800?


Thanks guys!

Any of the Challengers, Speedsters, or sportsters in the 18' range should work for. Don't worry so much about what type of engine it has, but more the condition of the engine. Most of the people on here would not touch one of the Mercury powered boats, as they don't know anything about them, but they can be a great engine.

Aaron:cheers: