Opinions on ski's for family - several ?'s

[CZSteve]

Hello All - we're new to PWC's and looking for jets.

Notes:
- My brother and I share a 24' pontoon that is kept on the lake in a slip.
- We're looking to get a PWC over the winter figuring the time is right for off-season pricing.
- Family: We have two kids 12 & 9; his are younger @ 6 & 4.
- Looking to use the ski's for towing tubes or knee boards and general running around.
- Have a $5000 budget (obviously buying used).

I'm leaning towards a 2-stroke.
- Understand a 4 is quieter, lower emissions, better fuel consumption; however heavier, more parts & repair exp if needed, & higher $.
- 2 Stroke will be lighter, easier to work on, and from my perspective I assume lower upfront cost or better bang-for-buck.
- Initially we were thinking a single 3-seater but now thinking maybe two 2-seater; seams we should be able to get two 2-strokes and still stay within our $5k budget.

General thoughts on what's best for us?

BTW: I'm an old gearhead...(Used to play around w/ a '71 Camaro in my younger days - do regret selling ).

Particular thoughts on the following Craig's List pair I found:
- $1500 for 2ea 1998 SeaDoo XP's w/ decent dbl trailer; both need new motors and one has a torn seat.
I'm really thinking this might be a way to go unless ya'll think I'm nuts...
New / refurbished motors w/ warranty would cost $1200 ea. I'm assuming I'd need / want to replace the wear wings & rebuild the carbs - I'd have ~ $1000 for seats, footwell pads, electronics as needed, ???

What other key items would probably be problematic? starter? drive shafts? electronics?

Obviously being a newbie I'm not up to speed as to what I'm getting into but from what I see it seems that if the trailer & tires and hulls on both PWC's are in good shape that I should be able to be up and running w/ nice ski's @ $5k when done and have re-furb motors w/ a warranty at the end of the day AND have the satisfaction of building them up myself - honestly, I do enjoy that. Am I nuts???

Sorry for the long post and bouncing around too much.
BTW - Does the '98 XP have a reverse diverter?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Welcome to the forum, and seadoos are the way to go for a pwc. The price isnt outrageous but for what you want them for i would say this is not a fit for you. If you want to pull skiers or tubes you need to have a 3 seater (gtx) Legaly you need a driver, and a spotter on the back plus have room on the ski for the person you are towing. The xp is a 2 seater which many would say is a one seater. I am comfortable riding with a rider on any hull other than a hx. If you do go that route though its not a bad deal, also check out other threads on replacing fuel lines, oil lines, cleaning out the fuel selector. If you run into any other problems check back here. On this forum you can nearly find a fix to almost all problems

 

[ocod]

Hello All - we're new to PWC's and looking for jets.

Notes:
- My brother and I share a 24' pontoon that is kept on the lake in a slip.
- We're looking to get a PWC over the winter figuring the time is right for off-season pricing.
- Family: We have two kids 12 & 9; his are younger @ 6 & 4.
- Looking to use the ski's for towing tubes or knee boards and general running around.
- Have a $5000 budget (obviously buying used).

I'm leaning towards a 2-stroke.
- Understand a 4 is quieter, lower emissions, better fuel consumption; however heavier, more parts & repair exp if needed, & higher $.
- 2 Stroke will be lighter, easier to work on, and from my perspective I assume lower upfront cost or better bang-for-buck.
- Initially we were thinking a single 3-seater but now thinking maybe two 2-seater; seams we should be able to get two 2-strokes and still stay within our $5k budget.

General thoughts on what's best for us?

BTW: I'm an old gearhead...(Used to play around w/ a '71 Camaro in my younger days - do regret selling ).

Particular thoughts on the following Craig's List pair I found:
- $1500 for 2ea 1998 SeaDoo XP's w/ decent dbl trailer; both need new motors and one has a torn seat.
I'm really thinking this might be a way to go unless ya'll think I'm nuts...
New / refurbished motors w/ warranty would cost $1200 ea. I'm assuming I'd need / want to replace the wear wings & rebuild the carbs - I'd have ~ $1000 for seats, footwell pads, electronics as needed, ???

What other key items would probably be problematic? starter? drive shafts? electronics?

Obviously being a newbie I'm not up to speed as to what I'm getting into but from what I see it seems that if the trailer & tires and hulls on both PWC's are in good shape that I should be able to be up and running w/ nice ski's @ $5k when done and have re-furb motors w/ a warranty at the end of the day AND have the satisfaction of building them up myself - honestly, I do enjoy that. Am I nuts???

Sorry for the long post and bouncing around too much.
BTW - Does the '98 XP have a reverse diverter?

Thanks,
Steve

You need 3 seater to be legal.
You have to have spotter looking at person on tube.

Those and narrow and nimble.
Riding two up is difficult.
The 3 seater will be easy to get on/off.
Stay with GTI or GTX. The GTX has larger engine.
Or XP/SPX/GSX nibble two seater.

Stay clear from the 951 engines. They are the largest 2 stroke Seadoo made and least reliable(more prone to boom) unless you like to wrench on your own then look for anything limited.

Engine replacements run over $1000.
Pump wear ring and bearings is ~$150 if you but some tools to do it yourself

Given that MPEM is good gauges usually are broken.
You should be be way under $5000k

You have to be patient and wait for what your are looking for.
Its usually picking time in winter all over.

4 stroke no SC will run you what two strokes will cost you if your thinking of getting two skis?


Site for reference
http://www.seadoosource.com/seadoomodelreference.html

 

[CZSteve]

Thanks for the quick replies.
I was under the impression that if the ski's had mirrors than you were legal to tow with a 2-seater; obviously I'm at the early stages of research.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Nope mirrors dont matter. Need a spotter when towing. As for reverse with the 90s seadoos if the seadoo has a variable trim system(vts) it wont have reverse. I think only the gtx,gti has reverse. I know that these models do not have it, hx,sp,spi,spx,xp,gs,gsi,gsx

 

[CZSteve]

I don't disagree that a 3-seat is prudent / safe and the way to go but apparently IF the PWC has a 4" x 4" mirror it is legal to tow here in Texas w/ driver only while towing. I understand that just because something meets the minimum code does not mean it is the way to and a standard PWC mirror probably does not meet the 4x4 requirement.
copied from the Texas Parks & Recreation Boating Handbook:
Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:

- An observer, other than the vessel operator, 13 years of age or older on board or ...
- A rearview mirror. The size of the mirror must be no less than four inches in size from bottom to top and across from side to side. It should be mounted firmly to give the operator a full, complete view beyond the rear of the vessel at all times. Note: Most PWC mirrors do not meet these size standards.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Towing a skier and or tuber legally, varies from state to state. PA is 3 seaters.

I would start with a nice 3 seater, and add a 2 seater at a later date.

 

[Hghgrad]

You could always do one 2 seater and one 3 seater. That's the combo I have and I'm very happy with it. I let the wife ride the 3 seater because she prefers the stability. I'm usually the one driving it if we're towing a tube.

I prefer my XP. I like the way it handles better than the 3 seater...and it also jumps a lot better

 

[Hghgrad]

Also, 787 skis are pretty reliable...and plenty quick for my taste

 

[Jetskigoodies]

I don't disagree that a 3-seat is prudent / safe and the way to go but apparently IF the PWC has a 4" x 4" mirror it is legal to tow here in Texas w/ driver only while towing. I understand that just because something meets the minimum code does not mean it is the way to and a standard PWC mirror probably does not meet the 4x4 requirement.
copied from the Texas Parks & Recreation Boating Handbook:
Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have:

- An observer, other than the vessel operator, 13 years of age or older on board or ...
- A rearview mirror. The size of the mirror must be no less than four inches in size from bottom to top and across from side to side. It should be mounted firmly to give the operator a full, complete view beyond the rear of the vessel at all times. Note: Most PWC mirrors do not meet these size standards.

Thats true but you conveintly left out the very next paragraph, copied from the same handbook


A PWC must be rated for at least two people when towing a person on water skis or a similar device.
If an observer is used, the PWC must be rated for three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.


The mirrors on xps are not 4x4 so a 2 seater is out unless you use a make shift mirror. Thats just for pulling tubers or whatever. The xps will be fun. I also dont like to ride bigger 3 seaters, i prefer the xp and gsx style myself. The 3 seaters maybe awesome in the ocean though im sure some days its pretty choppy there

 

[Dr Honda]

The problem with towing with an "XP" type hull... is that you will wind up in the water if the skier pulls you sideways. Don't get me wrong... the XP is a fun ride... but it's not meant to be a tow vehicle. Heck... they almost don't even take a second passenger very well. If you are a typical adult male... (at 200 Lbs) then consider it a one person ride.

The second problem I see here is that the rules state that "Most PWC mirrors do not meet these size standards." So... is that open to interpretation by the local law enforcement? If it is... then you may be asking for problems. (Even if you put a 4x4 mirror on it)

Lastly... the "XP" type hulls aren't' very stable... so taking the smaller kids on a ride will be out. UNLESS... they are excellent swimmers.


Personally... from your original info... you need a 3 seater. It's stable... can have reverse... will take the "Maybe" out of the towing... and and will be much safer for the kids. (and for anyone else who doesn't swim well)


In my ski collection... I have a 96 XP as my hotrod. It truly is a "Water Dirtbike." BUT... on the other side... I have a Polaris Genesis, and it's a 4 passenger. It's great for a fam outing. It super stable, and is super safe. Safe enough that I put my 14 month old on it this summer. (she loved it) But a late 90's GTi or GTx would bee good too.


Just some random input. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[smc0922]

You really should be looking at 3 seaters, the extra storage and seating space is worth it. For $5k you should be able to pick up two skis on a double trailer in good shape, especially this time of year.

I can't recommend a 97-99 GTI more. The 3 seater is also a winner in stability.. Something you want to look into with the kids.

Some may beat me up here, but look for a Seadoo LRV. Only made from 2000-2003 and specific parts are becoming an issue- but it is great for taking the gang out (it's a 4 person ski) and tubing/skiing.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Ugh uke: lrv= trike on the water. They are so ugly uke:

 

[smc0922]

I wouldn't mind one at all, but I'm what you call a "larger American"... 6'5" tall means I am 2 people on a jet ski.... So the couch-like design of the LRV does raise my eyebrow. I am not thrilled about the stern design but I could live with it.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

The GTX from 96-97 is plenty stable and is still fairly zippy with the 800 motor. Unless I planned on moving a family of 4 miles down a river to a sand bar and needed cooking and camping...I would never own a LRV.

I personally would go GTX for the 2-3 seater workhorse, and a XP to rip 1 up.

Also...any machine with grey fuel lines expect to "restore" the fuel system. Carbs rebuilt, lines replaced, etc. is a must.

 

[CZSteve]

Sorry, I was not trying to mislead or conveniently leave anything out. The following paragraph was not pasted as it only emphasized that the vessel must be rated to accommodate ALL persons for transport as needed - As previously mentioned, I agree it would be safe & prudent to use a 3-seater over a 2-seater the more I think about it; I just like to be aware of the exact letter of the law for my area.

I've already ruled out the two XP's based upon what I have learned in this brief time. As a few have posted it sounds like a perfect combo would be a combination between a 2 man and a 3 man unit.

Thanks again,
Steve

EDIT: I just Googled LRV - Is that the Ford Excursion of PWC's? Available as a diesel?

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Sorry man didnt mean to come across as a jerk, didnt mean it like that, hey man i was just trying to help you out by what you wanted. Buy what you think best suites you. Just trying to give you my opinion.

 

[smc0922]

EDIT: I just Googled LRV - Is that the Ford Excursion of PWC's? Available as a diesel?

LOL! Yessir you hit the nail on the head!

 

[CZSteve]

No worries Goodies. I'm beyond taking things too personally and didn't really see it that way anyway; appreciate the input - that's why I joined here.
I tend to drive my wife nuts with all the research and pro / con comparisons when I'm in the market to buy something; she just asked what I was typing and then promptly regretted asking the question... :banghead:

Best,
SA

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Its good you are researching things first, i didnt i went out and bought a 94 xp for my first one, and i used it the first time and it ran great, i stopped and moored it, went to start it and it wouldnt i take off the seat, water up to the carbs, crap i get it out of water thinking i forgot to put plugs in, nope they were fine. The through hull seal was bad, ok not that big of deal, then the starter goes, maybe the water in the hull caused it, nope the bendix was messed up, replace the starter, next time out same thing, tried to pull of flywheel cover just to look inside to see if you could see anything wrong, nope 3 heads are stripped 2 broken off. Inside flywheel just nasty. Fix all that go on the water make it 59 ft then it bogs down, take apart carbs green stuff in the filters clean it all out, assume it was something in the fuel, drain that. Hit the water again runs great, finaly fixed it all, nope next time she bogs down again. The damn grey fuel lines, i had no idea they needed to be changed back then. A little research would have went a long way and i wouldnt have bought the green turd. Well with you doing some research on here you will know what to look for, and each model has their little quirks so just ask when going to look at them.

 

[Dr Honda]

The 4 seat skis are great... but they were only made for a few years, and they are hard to come by. There were 3 made Polaris Genesis, Seadoo LRV, Yamaha SUV. Basically... they were 99 to 2004. (seadoo was only 2000 to 2003) Because of that... and low sales... there aren't a lot of them out there... and they have become coveted. (that makes them expensive)

I'm not a fan of the Seadoo LRV either. It's HUGE !!!! and the rear sundeck seating makes it hard to ride if you are using it for a tow boat. Also... it has the 951 engine... and I'm not a fan of it either. Yes... it's a good engine, and high power for it's size... but it has a short life. Rotax should have really looked into a 3cyl engine for the bigger skis.

The Yamaha SUV had a bigger engine (1200cc) and honestly, was more reliable. The only down side is that they said that a TC-w3 oil was ok to feed it. (it's not) If you feed them better oils... they will live longer.

Personally... the Polaris is the winner in this category. It's the smallest of the 4 seaters, (it's still 13' long) and it's also the lightest. It's very stable with 3 people on board, and still has room to pull up a wake board, skis, or a tube. It also has a 1200cc 3 cyl engine, and it can do an honest 57~58 mph, stock, with a single rider. It doesn't have the HUGE storage spaces like the LRV or SUV has... but it still has good storage for packing lunch, towels, or other things for a day out on the water. Oh... and it will still fit on a normal (large) 2 ski trailer. The SUV and LRV were so big... they came with a small boat trailer... and as far as I know... there isn't any commercial 2 ski trailers they would fit on. Even if the others will psychically fit... they would be too heavy with a second ski. Polaris also had a few nice things from the factory. They come with a Skat-Trak "Swirl" Impeller, and stainless steel pump... a Rule 300 bilge pump... and a nice grab handle so you can put small riders in front of the driver.

The only thing with the Polaris, is some of them will have the FITCH fuel injection system. It's ok... but when there are problems... it's EXPENSIVE !!! (and hard to find the parts) This is the same issue with the Seadoo Di engines. So... if you look for a Polaris... only consider a carb version.


For any of the above... expect to pay $4k for a nice, good running ski, on a trailer.

Personally... this is the ideal combo for a typical fam. One large ski for playing/towing... and one hot rod to go crazy with.:thumbsup: