Speedster 155 vs 215 Supercharged

[rstyles]

I'm looking at several used speedsters and trying to compare the various models. I've had an older 2 stroke Speedster but it was only the single 85 and really couldn't get going with 4 people. Just sold our Yamaha LS2000 and want to go back to the smaller SeaDoo for towability and convenience. I've read the forums and one of my biggest concerns is the supercharger maintenance 100hr/2yrs seems to be a bit of an expense when it comes to maintenance. Will I be disappointed with the performance of the 155HP?

Any other considerations while shopping? I'm hoping to get in the 2005 and newer range.

Thanks for your input.
Rob

 

[devonte007]

I have a 155hp sportster and find the performance to be adequate. I use it as an all around boat for cruising, towing water sports, and for fun. That said, there are certainly times I wish I had more power.

I have never driven a supercharged speedster, but from what I understand you will have a better hole shot and maybe ten more mph on the top end. If you plan to use the boat for towing and watersports I would definitely consider the supercharged version. If you just plan to use it for cruising around and having fun then the 155hp should suit your needs.

Obviously more power = more cost and maintenance. Seems like you already understand the issues with superchargers. The rebuild parts will last 2 years or 200hrs before needing service again. The earlier supercharged engines also had a problem with hollow sodium filled exhaust valves that can snap off while engine is running. If you buy an early supercharged boat you will likely need to spend some cash fixing potentially catastrophic problems like this.

On the flip side, the 155hp engines are nearly bullet proof if properly maintained. They are also easier to maintain with out those superchargers/intercoolers.

I have never met a boater who ever told me that had too much horsepower. So the questions is how much is that extra performance worth to you?

Post back if you have any other specific questions, I'll do my best to help you out.

 

[Coastiejoe]

The 4-tec engine in general is very proven. Just going to a 4-tec you will find improvement over the 2-stroke. Mostly due to technology.. That said, the 215 does come with some extra maintenance due to the Super Charger (SC). However,,, I will ALWAYS own a SC'd item. The performance is very notable. I have a 255 in my RXT and LOVE the ski/engine..

 

[Unclebilly]

I was in (actually not in) this same boat a year ago.

The 155 boats have a bit more cruising range and most of the 155 boats had no tower which my wife insisted on.

The 215 will likely be the fastest boat on any lake (unless someone has $omething $pecial) if that's your thing.

 

[rstyles]

Thanks all for the input so far. I guess one of the factors will be what's on the market once I have the money ready. I've seen the video of how to pull the supercharger for rebuild and unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined or related to anyone who is. What's a typical shop cost of the SC rebuild?

 

[Nosnibor]

Hey rstyles. I'm pretty new to all this as well. I recently bought a newer 2011 Challenger with the 215. Not knowing anything about boats I researched this forum and other corners of the internet for information. People on here will say 100hr or 2 year w/e comes first. I feel like that is being very safe. Especially since this forum seems to be for people with issues. For the newer models like mine, Seadoo recommends service every 200 hrs (per owners manual) though some people say there is no difference between the super chargers when they went from 100hrs to 200hrs.

One thing I do know however, some of the older 215's (I think up to 2008) have 2 really big issues. 1 being ceramic washers that are essentially a ticking time bomb and the second being hollow valve blocks (not too familiar with that one). So those are some things to consider while looking at the different years.

I bought my boat from one of the few shops within 75 miles that sells and services just jet boats/skis. The owner stated he has never heard of the super charger issues I mentioned this site raves about.

So with all that it's still really up in the air. I figured if all I did was worry about it I would never have a boat. So far I have been enjoying this season. Trying to learn more about upkeep and keeping my fingers crossed everything works next time.

As far as the rebuild price at a shop, what I have been seeing is usually about 600$. I know PWCMUSCLE does that mail in thing. They have a video that shows how to take it off but I'm not even confident enough to try it yet. I've also talked to locals and they always "know someone" that has done it before and you may save some cash going that way as well. Either way I'm about to hit the 100hr on my boat so I'm starting to question what I should do myself. The longer I stay on this site I feel like it should be rebuilt every time I go out...

 

[Coastiejoe]

$450 through PWC and it is one day service. And they use nothing but OEM updated Seadoo parts.

 

[Nosnibor]

$450 through PWC and it is one day service. And they use nothing but OEM updated Seadoo parts.

You also pay to ship it to them (not included). Anyone know how heavy the SC is and how much that has cost in the past?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Hey rstyles. I'm pretty new to all this as well. I recently bought a newer 2011 Challenger with the 215. Not knowing anything about boats I researched this forum and other corners of the internet for information. People on here will say 100hr or 2 year w/e comes first. I feel like that is being very safe. Especially since this forum seems to be for people with issues. For the newer models like mine, Seadoo recommends service every 200 hrs (per owners manual) though some people say there is no difference between the super chargers when they went from 100hrs to 200hrs.

One thing I do know however, some of the older 215's (I think up to 2008) have 2 really big issues. 1 being ceramic washers that are essentially a ticking time bomb and the second being hollow valve blocks (not too familiar with that one). So those are some things to consider while looking at the different years.

I bought my boat from one of the few shops within 75 miles that sells and services just jet boats/skis. The owner stated he has never heard of the super charger issues I mentioned this site raves about.

So with all that it's still really up in the air. I figured if all I did was worry about it I would never have a boat. So far I have been enjoying this season. Trying to learn more about upkeep and keeping my fingers crossed everything works next time.

As far as the rebuild price at a shop, what I have been seeing is usually about 600$. I know PWCMUSCLE does that mail in thing. They have a video that shows how to take it off but I'm not even confident enough to try it yet. I've also talked to locals and they always "know someone" that has done it before and you may save some cash going that way as well. Either way I'm about to hit the 100hr on my boat so I'm starting to question what I should do myself. The longer I stay on this site I feel like it should be rebuilt every time I go out...

2007 and older have the ceramic washers and MUST be changed regardless of hours as they simply fail and cause engine damage. Even if not damage occurs, the engine needs pulled to be cleaned out of the ceramic parts.

The 100 or 200 hour debate was/is a marketing ploy from Seadoo. They did not change anything and suddenly moved the rebuild states to, two years or 200 hours. So, using their analagy, the 2009 and newer have an updated shaft. So, if you have a newer ski and or rebuild a SC with the updated items, then you can go the 200 hours. However, it is RARE that people will reach 200 hours prior to the 2 years. There are millions of skis out there that are 15 years old and still don't have 200 hours on them.
The exhaust vale issue is 2004 to 2006. Some never fix them. It is a gamble. The issue is, if they fail it is an expensive repair and the valves drop into the engine and from there, it is a bad day...

 

[Coastiejoe]

You also pay to ship it to them (not included). Anyone know how heavy the SC is and how much that has cost in the past?

Yes,, you do ship it to them but the price does include return shipping. Unless you have a local shop do it, you will have to ship it,,, And from all I know, local shops cost more and I can't tell you what brand parts they use...

 

[Nosnibor]

2007 and older have the ceramic washers and MUST be changed regardless of hours as they simply fail and cause engine damage. Even if not damage occurs, the engine needs pulled to be cleaned out of the ceramic parts.

The 100 or 200 hour debate was/is a marketing ploy from Seadoo. They did not change anything and suddenly moved the rebuild states to, two years or 200 hours. So, using their analagy, the 2009 and newer have an updated shaft. So, if you have a newer ski and or rebuild a SC with the updated items, then you can go the 200 hours. However, it is RARE that people will reach 200 hours prior to the 2 years. There are millions of skis out there that are 15 years old and still don't have 200 hours on them.
The exhaust vale issue is 2004 to 2006. Some never fix them. It is a gamble. The issue is, if they fail it is an expensive repair and the valves drop into the engine and from there, it is a bad day...

The whole 2 years thing I still don't understand. How does time whether used or not cause enough w/e to warrant a complete rebuild?

 

[Coastiejoe]

The squirrel cages and bearings get brittle and break as they age. When they break, the parts fall into the engine. That said, many go beyond the two years and don't have issues. Much depends on where and how you ride.


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[Steve_Cay]

I have a 155hp sportster and find the performance to be adequate.

...

On the flip side, the 155hp engines are nearly bullet proof if properly maintained.

I agree, 155hp fast enough for me. In fact the only complaints I constantly get from passengers is to slow down as it bounces rather harshly over the waves at speed!

I have a 2008 ... never needed a service! Just oil change every year, radiator fluid and spark plugs every second year, a few winterization steps, and a new battery after several years. Easy for a DIY'er, and never needed to bring it to a shop!