Utopia 205 - twin 155's - questions

[Clint Hodge]

So I'll be taking delivery of a "new to me" Utopia 205 with twin 155 engines soon.

I'm new to the whole jetboating thing , and chose the Utopia because the price is good , it has relatively low hours ( approximately 40 ) , and it's small enough for my small family and I to launch/handle with ease. I also love the overall look of the boat.

It'll basically just be used to cruise around with family and friends , and pull the youngsters around on tubes etc.

I'm sure I'll be posting a fair amount of questions in future , but for now , just two....

What is the "general" impression by you guys/Ladies on this boat ?

Out of curiosity , does the boat get up onto plane on one engine ?

Any feedback will be much appreciated.

Thankyou !

 

[pete63]

So I'll be taking delivery of a "new to me" Utopia 205 with twin 155 engines soon.

I'm new to the whole jetboating thing , and chose the Utopia because the price is good , it has relatively low hours ( approximately 40 ) , and it's small enough for my small family and I to launch/handle with ease. I also love the overall look of the boat.

It'll basically just be used to cruise around with family and friends , and pull the youngsters around on tubes etc.

I'm sure I'll be posting a fair amount of questions in future , but for now , just two....

What is the "general" impression by you guys/Ladies on this boat ?

Out of curiosity , does the boat get up onto plane on one engine ?

Any feedback will be much appreciated.

Thankyou !

first thing; find out exactly the hrs. (don't rely on any verbal assessment) get a print out report from a dealer to show any past and present faults

 

[pwgsx]

Also never run just one engine, run both together or not at all. You will flood the non-running engine with water. Get the oil and filter changed as well if you have not already.

 

[Clint Hodge]

first thing; find out exactly the hrs. (don't rely on any verbal assessment) get a print out report from a dealer to show any past and present faults

I'll definately do that !

 

[Clint Hodge]

Also never run just one engine, run both together or not at all. You will flood the non-running engine with water. Get the oil and filter changed as well if you have not already.

Thanks for taking the time to reply !

I can understand how the non running engine could flood if the cooling was via "raw" water , but the Rotax 4-tec's have closed loop cooling......or am I missing something ?

The motors etc will have a comprehensive service before I take delivery.

 

[pete63]

i'm not sure about twin engines, but seadoo have water intake for exhaust cooling.
thats why the manual says about clamping water intake hose when being towed over a certain speed, starting engines before turning water hose on and water off before you stop the engine etc.
there are alot of threads about flooded engines, exhaust cooling and intercoolers for supercharged models.

 

[devonte007]

Engine cooling is closed loop, and exhaust cooling is raw water fed from the pressure of the jet pump. Small holes at the top of the jet pump divert a small quantity of pressurized raw water to run through and cool the exhaust system.

When the engine is not running there is always an engine exhaust valve open. If the boat is moving and there is enough pressure going through the jet pump (engine not running of course) it can force water up through the exhaust cooling system. As the water travels through the exhaust cooling system it will eventually fill up the muffler water box and begin to back up the exhaust pipe and into your engine through that open engine exhaust valve(s) flooding your cylinders and engine with water. Same thing happens if you hook up and flush the exhaust cooling system with a garden hose without the engine running.

Hope this helps clarify a bit...

 

[JoeB14]

I have that same boat, 2007 version. Bought it two years ago. I really like it, use it for tubing and just putzing around the lake. The jet boat does take some getting used to. I have become adept at removing the pump to clear the impeller of ropes and stones.

And heed the others advice about not running on one engine. And don't turn on the flush water before starting the engine. I made that mistake at the beginning of this season...it wasn't fun.

 

[Clint Hodge]

Engine cooling is closed loop, and exhaust cooling is raw water fed from the pressure of the jet pump. Small holes at the top of the jet pump divert a small quantity of pressurized raw water to run through and cool the exhaust system.

When the engine is not running there is always an engine exhaust valve open. If the boat is moving and there is enough pressure going through the jet pump (engine not running of course) it can force water up through the exhaust cooling system. As the water travels through the exhaust cooling system it will eventually fill up the muffler water box and begin to back up the exhaust pipe and into your engine through that open engine exhaust valve(s) flooding your cylinders and engine with water. Same thing happens if you hook up and flush the exhaust cooling system with a garden hose without the engine running.

Hope this helps clarify a bit...

Wow , the way you've explained it makes perfect sense ! Thankyou !.....Now I just need to figure out how identify and clamp the water inlet in case it's ever neccessary.

Thanks again.

 

[Clint Hodge]

I have that same boat, 2007 version. Bought it two years ago. I really like it, use it for tubing and just putzing around the lake. The jet boat does take some getting used to. I have become adept at removing the pump to clear the impeller of ropes and stones.

And heed the others advice about not running on one engine. And don't turn on the flush water before starting the engine. I made that mistake at the beginning of this season...it wasn't fun.

Thankyou ! When you say "remove the pump" , do you mean the intake grate , and how easy a job is it ? At certain times of the year my local waterway becomes weeded in certain areas , which is somewhat worrying.

 

[pwgsx]

Wow , the way you've explained it makes perfect sense ! Thankyou !.....Now I just need to figure out how identify and clamp the water inlet in case it's ever neccessary.

Thanks again.

Its the black rubber hose running from the back of the boats pump area to the bottom of the exhaust manifold.

 

[speedster32940]

Weeds will be a real pain in your backside. Jetboats and weedy waterways don't mix. At all.

 

[JoeB14]

No, the pump itself, where it bolts to the stern. It really isn't that difficult, but you do need a deep metric socket (don't remember size) and about 12-14" of socket extension. Also some smaller sockets for teh steering and/or throttle linkage. The port side is easier-only have to deal with the steering linkage.

I've done it three times-twice for rope getting sucked in, and once for a rock. The last two times I just backed it into my boat lift, raised it up high, and was able to work on it real easy.

Both times with the rope, it also cut the rubber boot, so that had to be replaced. It's a ten dollar item, but if your dealer doesn't have in stock, just adds to the wait time. The last time this happened I ordered two extra boots.

 

[devonte007]

Here are a couple pages from the manual with diagrams that help explain the exhaust cooling system water flow and which hose that needs to be pinched if towed:
View attachment Seadoo 4tec exhaust cooling.pdf

 

[Clint Hodge]

JoeB14 , awesome ! Really grateful that you took the time to reply AND attach a photo. THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU !

 

[Clint Hodge]

Devonte007 , thankyou ! It's so nice that you're willing to take the time , and make the effort to help "newbies" like me. This is extremely helpful !

 

[pete63]

i have put a valve on the exhaust hose, some dont like that. but i havent any problems and dont have to find the hose pincher!!

 

[Clint Hodge]

i have put a valve on the exhaust hose, some dont like that. but i havent any problems and dont have to find the hose pincher!!
View attachment 27975

Thanks Pete63 ! :thumbsup:

Was thinking of doing that.

I can't see it being a problem , providing water flow isn't restricted.

I guess one could even fit 12 volt solenoids on there , with switches on the dash somewhere......for people too lazy to open the engine compartment...