Recommendations for moving from 2-stroke?

[Paul-at-theTub]

Good day,

Here we are in the middle of winter and I dream of being back out on the water when it warms up!

I have a 1997 Sportster and am looking to move into the 4-stroke world. I find there are all kind of configurations once that happens - I need something less than 2000lbs for towing purposes... which I believe keeps me in the Sportster realm. That is totally ok as the size of the boat is perfect for me. From what I've read something in the 2008-2012 range would do and be in my price range (plus get me something 10 years newer).

I've had the current boat for almost 3 seasons (56 hours, 1000km) and it's been great overall. I'm constantly concerned about the exhaust manifold coming lose (replaced bolts 2 times with 3rd coming when I get parts). I like the idea of something quieter with less pollution.

Interested in your thoughts on models and what to look for in something newer.

Thank you,
Paul

 

[frpole]

The towing limit does keep you in the Sportster range, and I started with one before moving up in size. They are a blast. Look at the 'sister' of the Sportster - the Scarab 165, which runs the Seadoo Rotax engine Depending on how far you tow, the 2006-2009 Seadoo Challengers 180 come in at dry weight of 2000lbs, so you'd have to look at the additional weight of a trailer to see if you could 'pull it off" .

 

[Paul-at-theTub]

Thanks frpole, once I get the boat to the cottage it's only a 3km trip to the boat launch but I will look at the Scarab 165 too.

The towing limit for my vehicle (Mazda CX5) is much higher (same vehicle) outside of North America (2000kg vs pounds), something with our regulations so I'm not overly concerned for a few hundred pounds.