Should I buy...

[hot_wire]

I found a pair of 1990 Seadoo SP's on a double trailer for just $850. The owner claims to have gotten them as inheritance, and knows nothing about their history. They don't start (probably dead batteries) but who knows what kind of other problems are hidden.

I'm fairly mechanical, and have some experience rebuilding car engines//carbs. Worst case senario, how much $$$ do you think it would take to get them running (with me doing the work)?

Also, what should I look for when checking them out? Is there an easy way to tell if the engines are seized.

Point me to an FAQ if you've got one. Would you buy these skis?

Thanks so much!
Ed

 

[timmyboy76]

If cases and cylinders' sleeves are good, just need honing/reboring...worst case then would need new crank,pistons,rods..etc, ebay for $400ea, then set carb rebuild kits $50ea..so, $1000ish???

 

[hot_wire]

Thanks. That's not too bad.

Would you go for it?!

 

[Nate Surveyor]

I don't think those skis have the bigger motors. So, they are fun, especially if you have kids, etc. But, in their best state, they are older, slower, and not as fun. So, if you have a need, and the time to fix... maybe. If not, then they are older skis. They will need batteries, and maybe a starter, (if one was put away with water in it).

I'd go to Walmart, buy a 12 volt booster thang, (has 12 volt sealed lead acid battery in it, and has 2 booster cables on it) and a compression tester, and with the owner present, squirt a bit of lubricant like silicone spray, or something like that down the spark plug holes, and compression check them. Now you know what you have. If they don't need top ends, I say probably good deal. IF they doo, you simply need to know what you are getting in to. Be extra careful about polarity. And, try to turn them by hand, on the flywheel on the back of the motor first.

So, I say it depends on your needs, and how much work they will need. Also, they will likely need new fuel lines, especially if they still have the old gray ones.

Look b'fore you leap, and make informed decisions. Do these skis meet your needs?

Nate