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Sea Doo Sportster 4 Tec

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Zigster

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New boater here. I am wanting a Sea Doo Sportster 4 Tec. It is the only boat that will fit in my garage that will do what i wanna do. I was advised the these boats have problems with their engines. Since the last year these were made was 2011, I am thinking of buying an old, 2000 or earlier, and having its internal components completely replaced, engine, electric, everything. I would pay maybe $500 for the boat. Any advice on this strategy. Since i am not mechanically inclined, i am wanting everything replaced and hopefully I wont have any issues for awhile OR should i look for a 2011 and hope for the best? Cost of revamping a boat like this?
Any advice would be helpful
Thanks!
 
I think you are on the right track with the 4tec boats, it is a modern reliable 4-stroke motor. Keep in mind that the first year the sportster/speedster was offered was 2003. In 2003 & 2004 Seadoo also sold the boat with a 2-stroke motor. I would probably stay away from any of the 2-stroke boats.

The boats also came as a 155hp n/a engine, and a 215hp supercharged engine. Don't think they ever offered the 185hp version in the boats. If you want reliably and ease of maintenance go with the naturally aspirated 155hp version, they are rock solid if properly cared for. The supercharged versions had some issues such as supercharger washers, timing chains, hollow exhaust valves, etc.

The supercharged motors are much more fun, but to make it reliable I would break it down and replace any components that could let go and destroy your investment. Don't quote me on this, but I think if you get a 2010 (maybe even some 2009 models) model or newer, all of the potential engine issues were rectified by seadoo.

I have a 2004 sportster 155hp, and love it. Has been a very reliable boat. Sometimes I wish I had the larger engine, but most of the time 155hp is just enough to get you where you need to go and have some fun too.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions...
 
I am now looking at a 2007 Sea Doo Speedster 155hp. I requested the HIN # which he hasn't responded so dunno. Anyway, when you said "a 2010 (maybe even some 2009 models) model or newer, all of the potential engine issues were rectified by seadoo" are you talking about the supercharged? Also, i have been reading about getting history on boats and i am confused where is the best website for this or do i need to use a combination of websites to get a complete picture?
 
The 155hp engines never really had any issues. Although they use many of the same parts in the supercharged motors, such as hollow exhaust valves, I have never heard of them breaking or coming apart in the naturally aspirated motors. This is probably due to the fact that there is less internal stress, pressures, and heat when compared to the supercharged engines.

Seadoo had problems with the supercharged engines almost exclusively. Roughly 2007, Seadoo upgraded lots of parts including superchargers, exhaust valves, timing chains, etc. I have heard the engines in boats are a year behind. Only way to tell is by the engine numbers and/or by opening the valve cover and reading the numbers stamped on the tops of the valves.

I am not an expert on the supercharged engines though, so hopefully someone with better information will chime in. My timeline might be a little off. There is lots of information about the supercharged engines on this site if you spend some time doing a little research. Not sure about any websites that can give you a complete picture about the seadoo lineup. This website can be helpful though. If you have specific questions about years or models start a new thread and I'm sure someone will be able to answer your questions.

You can't go wrong with any of the 155hp engines. As long as previous owners did all the proper maintenance.

If you are considering a supercharged version, post specific info about the boat (model, year, engine vin, etc.) and someone can give you specific advise about that boat/engine combination.
 
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2004 to mid 2006 the 4-tec used Sodium Filled exhaust vales. TAhese are known to fail in all engine, but as a MUCH higher rate in SC and salt water engines. I want to say I have read about 5 of the standard 155 engines having a failure.

It causes SERIOUS engine damage if a valve fails and falls into the engine.

Also, boat engines are always a year behind, so a boot up to mid 2007 can/will have the engine with the sodium valves.

The 4-Tex engines are very well proven. Proper maintenance and they can easily get into the thousand hour range.

The SC Engines have substantially more power. And when it comes to a boat, power is a good thing...
 
Coastiejoe, thanks for correcting my previous posts about dates. Figured I was a little off, I’ll update my post with the new information.

It was interesting to hear that you came across a small number of the 155hp engines with exhaust valve failures. I have been searching for years to find any documentation about the n/a engine failure rate and have come up empty. Obviously not that common, but also not impossible. I’m sure salt water is a factor.

Curious… in the cases you mentioned, any idea if they were boats or pwc’s? Might not be a bad idea to start a new post about this topic...
 
Thanks for the info. I am wanting to buy a floating home and use the Sea Doo for transportation to the dock to take my dog for a walk, etc. How rocky is the Sea Doo when you step into it from the doc? I don't want to give my dog a heart attach. The Sea Doo would probably be used for fun on the water maybe 4-6 times per summer. Would the Sea Doo be a good candidate for this?
 
Coastiejoe, thanks for correcting my previous posts about dates. Figured I was a little off, I’ll update my post with the new information.

It was interesting to hear that you came across a small number of the 155hp engines with exhaust valve failures. I have been searching for years to find any documentation about the n/a engine failure rate and have come up empty. Obviously not that common, but also not impossible. I’m sure salt water is a factor.

Curious… in the cases you mentioned, any idea if they were boats or pwc’s? Might not be a bad idea to start a new post about this topic...

I believe one boat and three skis that I have read about. I'm certain three were salt water, forth I simply don't recall.
 
the sportster/speedsters are fairly stable. Only 15.5' long, but pretty wide. Does not feel unstable when people are getting in or out at the dock. Being a small boat though, it will get tossed around in heavy seas if that is an issue.

I think it would be perfect for transportation to and from your floating home. If you are new to these kind of boats though, take your time and feel them out. Easier said than done, nobody selling a boat likes to offer free joy rides....

If there are any owners in your area talk to them and ask for their opinions and experience with their boats. Over the years, a few people on our lake have asked me about my sportster and I was always very happy to chat with them and help point them in the right direction.

Where in Ohio? Might be a couple forum members in your area too...
 
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