Requesting info on Seadoo boats

[Donald]

Hi Folks
New to the site. I'm interested in purchasing a seadoo boat but know very little to nothing about them. I like the concerpt of the jet boats and really like the look of them. I'm familiar with snowmobiles and recently purchased 2 - 2002 yamaha sxr's with the red head triple cylinder motors. I've learned that they are an industry leader and well known for their reliabilty and durability. That's what I'm looking for in a boat. I'd like to spend in the 5K - 6K range, any advice and insight on years/models that are highly recommended or ones to stay away from?

 

[seadoosnipe]

If you are somewhat familar with the 2 stroke motor, and don't mind turning a wrench now and then, you might go with one of the 90 model 2 strokes, like the Challenger or Sportster. Depending on what your looking for, there are single engine and twin engine models. The 98 Speedster and 97 Challenger are pretty nice boats, both running the 110 hp, 787cc Rotax.

Many of these models used the less powerful 717cc motor. I'd say to stay away from it, only because it's under powered for the boats. It's a nice motor for the skis. I'd also say to stay away from the Mercury motors (2000 and up), not because they weren't nice motors, only because it can be difficult to find a mechanic. Parts can be difficult to find too.

For the range your looking to spend on a boat, it's def going to be something in the 90's, maybe into the 2000's. I bought the 1997 Challenger several years back and paid $4k for it. The Seadoo's seem to really hold their resale value.

 

[Donald]

Thanks for the info. Any suggestions on where I can find a list of the models and motor sizes that were produced each year. I don't know the difference between a challenger, sprotster, speedster, 787, 717, ??????

 

[BMANN06]

Thanks for the info. Any suggestions on where I can find a list of the models and motor sizes that were produced each year. I don't know the difference between a challenger, sprotster, speedster, 787, 717, ??????

Hi Donald, I'm glad to hear your thinking of getting a seadoo boat. While your question is a bit open ended I would consider snipes point first. Do you mind doing a little wrenching now and then? Or do you prefer the turn key solution with minimal maintaince? If you don't mind the minor wrenching and tweaking now and then I would opt for the less expensive two strokes (they're more fun too). If you prefer the fill up with gas then check the oil and go type boat, the 3 cylinder 4 stroke 4TEC is likely more suited to you. Understanding that with the 4 stroke when it breaks/maintaince is quite a bit more expensive. Anyways ... after you get that question anwered then I would consider what you want out of the boat, how many people do you need to hold in the hull? Any tubing skiing etc? Do some searching on this site/google and you can post back any pre-purchase questions on the models your considering.

Hope this helps.

 

[Donald]

Thank you for the info, I'll keep looking and learning.

 

[RFoster130]

I totally agree with the other guys. If you are even moderately capable of turning a few wrenches and can follow simple directions, you will do good with an older 2 stroke. As far as which specific boat, it all depends on your needs and price range. I would honestly go for the biggest boat you can find in your price range. The 14 foot boats are great for 1 or 2 people, but 3is pretty much the max and then they are underpowered. The 98-99 speedster is always the boat i try to sell people on, but i am kinda biased since i own one. They are 16.5 feet and can truely handle 4 adults comfortably and they have tons of power. I would just keep an eye on your local craigslist and see what you can find.....bring the options here and we can fill you on the boat.