Thanks for your quick reply Mikidymac, and ordered everything that I could from OSDParts. Also, that is crazy that your first SeaDoo was a '97 XP. I purchased ours new in '97, and all these years later I still love the look. I remember walking into the dealership and in 1997 nothing in the showroom looked anything like the XP. It's probably time to send ours along to a new owner, but I just want everything to be as solid as I can make it. Funny you mentioned the Group K kit, as I remember hearing about that kit back in the day!
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UPDATE!! (Post #13) - 1997 XP time capsule - please step inside
- Thread starter KC97XP
- Start date
UPDATE #2 - Progress made today - working fuel gauge!
Hey there guys - thanks to all your advice on the fuel gauge today was the day to cut open the fuel baffle on the '97 XP. While my soldering skills are rusty, was able to jump across the F1 fuse, and also installed the new float from OSDParts while everything was apart. The fuel gauge now operates whether the fuel baffle is outside the tank as well as when placed in-tank. We will also be replacing the inline oil filter, polishing the side/underside of the hull and installing a new seat cover (the original one has a few small cracks about the size of a quarter).
Quick Questions - I have been looking at the seat covers from Blacktip Watersports. Does anyone here have experience with these covers, or have a recommendation on any other brand I should consider? Next, is the pink RV anti-freeze suitable to use with our watercraft for winterization, or if there something more current?
As always, thanks for reading and appreciate all the knowledge you guys have shared
Take care - Dave
Hey there guys - thanks to all your advice on the fuel gauge today was the day to cut open the fuel baffle on the '97 XP. While my soldering skills are rusty, was able to jump across the F1 fuse, and also installed the new float from OSDParts while everything was apart. The fuel gauge now operates whether the fuel baffle is outside the tank as well as when placed in-tank. We will also be replacing the inline oil filter, polishing the side/underside of the hull and installing a new seat cover (the original one has a few small cracks about the size of a quarter).
Quick Questions - I have been looking at the seat covers from Blacktip Watersports. Does anyone here have experience with these covers, or have a recommendation on any other brand I should consider? Next, is the pink RV anti-freeze suitable to use with our watercraft for winterization, or if there something more current?
As always, thanks for reading and appreciate all the knowledge you guys have shared
Take care - Dave
I like to use flat 2 way stretch vinyl because I’m cheap lol, and then stencil on the logo. If I were to ever buy a stitched cover it would be a jet trim cover, if the machine was a keeper anyways. Here are some pics of the 95XP seat I recovered
Hi there BurtShaver & Mikidymac - many thanks for the seat cover recommendations. I really like how the '95XP seat turned out - great job!
Next, I did check out the JetTrim covers and can see why they are pricer higher - but their covers look very rich and well done. I am going to be selling the XP but am still considering JetTrim as I can see how it would really compliment the look. Also, they say their materials are a higher grade so perhaps the durability would be closer to the OEM seat that served me so well.
Next, I did check out the JetTrim covers and can see why they are pricer higher - but their covers look very rich and well done. I am going to be selling the XP but am still considering JetTrim as I can see how it would really compliment the look. Also, they say their materials are a higher grade so perhaps the durability would be closer to the OEM seat that served me so well.
Hey there guys - for those of you who have replaced your seat cover, is it best practice to remove the existing cover even if it is in solid condition? I received the new cover today and the instructions indicate that the cover can be installed over the existing saddle. But others indicate it is best to remove the old cover and install over the original foam. As I have zero experience with fabric was just wondering what you guys did on your projects. Here is a pic of the new cover that is going on tomorrow. Thanks as always for any input!
Attachments
I have always taken the old cover off, the cover wasn’t glued on the 95XP so it was easily removed, the GTI seat was toast and needed foam repairs so it had to come off even though it was glued. If your existing seat cover is glued then I would put the new cover on over top of it, it’s a tedious task of heating and stripping the glued vinyl off and difficult to do without damaging the foam.
Hi there burtshaver2021 - thank you for the quick reply and input - very much appreciated! As the vinyl on the original saddle is is very good condition, I believe that if it is glued onto the foam I'll just put the new cover over the top of the original material. I would think this would also help prevent water intrusion for the next owner - but that is just an assumption. Thanks again and have a great weekend -
If the old OEM cover is in good shape then leave it on. If it is cracked or torn remove it.
If you remove it you need to seal the foam in plastic before installing the new cover.
You are going to need a good air stapler and stainless or monel staples to get through that super hard plastic seat on the 97+ XP's.
Good luck.
If you remove it you need to seal the foam in plastic before installing the new cover.
You are going to need a good air stapler and stainless or monel staples to get through that super hard plastic seat on the 97+ XP's.
Good luck.
Hi there Mikidymac - thanks much for the tips and did leave on the original cover as it was in very good shape other than 1-2 small cracks. The main thing was that vinyl was so discolored that regardless of how I tried to restore the color I just couldn't bring it back around. Stainless steel staples were used, and you were right about that hard plastic on the XP - holy cow. Used a Ryobi 18V stapler and set the dial for "full send"
. My good friend helped me with the install (actually, did most of the install) and I heated the vinyl and did the stretching. For a first attempt I think it came out quite well - and sure looks much nicer than the 27-yr old cover! A big thank you for all who provided guidance on this seat upgrade, and really appreciate the assistance. Have a great weekend -Attachments
A few puckers at the rear ( bunch the vinyl grasshopper) but overall looks good
Thanks guys, and overall I am really pleased with how it turned out. We made some "relief cuts" on the vinyl at the back of the saddle and also used a heat gun to try to and make the vinyl a bit easier to work with (it was 28 degrees this am). Hopefully, on a warm summer day the vinyl will relax a bit more
Venturian1
Member
What is a "Group K Sleeper Kit" and where to get one?
Stevie96xp
Active Member
It’s a kit that makes your ski have more power through porting and others mods group k I believe is still around so you should be able to look them up
here you go.. Sea Doo 785 – Recreational Engine Mods – Group K
Hours of great reading and yes, they are still in business.
