What are the steps for replacing the “safety key” on a 1995 Seadoo XP?

[SeadooDavid]

Edit: That's my friend's ski in my avatar and not the one I have the question about. Just to clarify so I don't confuse anyone. My question is about a 1995 Seadoo XP.

I realize that this may seem like a silly question but I have zero experience when it comes to the non DESS Seadoos and the only experience I have with a DESS Seadoo is one trip to the river last year with a friend that has a 1996 GTI. I would like to buy a Seadoo of my own and I’ve found one online that I’m interested in but the owner says “needs a safety key; will start and run but you have to hold the button down”.

I know from the research that I’ve done that a DESS key will cost $100 and a trip to the nearest dealership; but what about a non DESS key? I looked them up online and they don’t look like much more than a paperclip, alligator clip, banana clip etc. Can I just order one and that’s it? Will I have to take it into the dealership?

As for the second part of my question; I realize I should be asking the guy selling the ski this but it’s 3 in the morning so I’ll have to give him a call tomorrow. Do you guys think he’s referring to holding the safety post or the starter button? Hopefully he’s referring to the safety button because holding the starter button is far from running in my book! Also, is there a way that I can temporarily rig it so that I can take it for a test ride? What do you guys think? Should I be messing with this or should I just look elsewhere for a different ski?

Thanks in advance for any help and hopefully I’ll get this figured out and I’ll be out on the lake in no time!

 

[Jetskigoodies]

The keys for those just clip on by pushing them down on to the post. They are really cheap and don't need to be programmed, you don't have to buy them from a dealer. You can find them anywhere. Here is a link http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...-Key-Lanyard&i=31029&str=Pwc+key&merchID=4005. This is a generic one that fits early model wave runners you just need the middle key on the ring, the ones that look like flat clips are for other brands. I'm sure the ad means he just lost the key. As for rigging it if you just held it down with one hand you could drive with the other I wouldn't place anything over besides your hand because if you fall off the machine would still be running. You can get keys cheaper at other places that was just a quick link. Also if the actual key post is damaged it's an easy and cheap fix as well just unbolt it, remove it from the wiring harness and replace it with a used $15 one from eBay. I have a couple laying around too. The xp is a way differt ride than the gti. It's a little faster more nimble and is really a one seater you can get 2 people on it but not easy or comfortable, they are fun though. How much does he want for it? Just curious. Check to see if it has grey fuel lines, if it does they need to be replaced (they deteriate and clog the carbs and can damage the motor) use that as a negotiating tool, it will cost $40 and a hour of labor. If it has those lines the carbs will need to be cleaned as well. If your at all knowledgable with carbs it's very easy. If not it's not that much to have done, there are a few guys on here that can do it cheaply for you. Take a compression tester as well you want both cylinders to be at 150, you want both cylinders to be close if there is a substancial difference than a piston is shot and you will need a rebuild and usually not just the top end. If the compression is lower than 150 that's ok too but under 125 and that motor will also need a rebuild soon in the near future but make sure both readings are close. Just figured I'd give you a few things to check.

 

[SeadooDavid]

Jetskigoodies,
Thanks for the quick response. According to your advice the keys seem rather simple. I didn’t even think about falling off the ski and having it get away from me if the key was rigged! That’s excellent advice though. He’s asking $900 or best offer and that includes a galvanized trailer and a cover. What are your thoughts on the price? I would rather have a GTI because of their size and stability but I don’t want to spend the $2,000+ that everyone is asking for them.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Just to clarify about the safety key post, when it's pushed down it completes a circuit that allows the starter and machine to get power, so the starter won't stay engaged while pushed in. The $900 is a good price for it if it's has good compression and runs well. I personally like the xp's better. They are quite stable with one person and I think you will really enjoy it. I have 3 xps and they are easy to maintain and are very fun. Have you seen a picture of it. Those older skis tend to have sun fading but don't let that discourage you those hulls clean up with a few hours of buffing. If you look at my profile pictures all of mine were really sun faded and now look great. The 95 xps around here go for about $1200 with trailer in good shape but the rougher they look the cheaper they are. The main thing is the compression and it starts. Everything else can be fixed usually easily. With any purchase try getting a lower price. If its listed for $900 try getting it for $750. The worst he could say is no.

 

[ski-d00]

if you are used to riding 3 seaters, the 95 xp maybe a bit of a shock as it really is just a 1 person machine, imo. the x4 hull gets squirrely when you have 2 people on it at slow speeds, especially if they are full sized adults like myself. (aka 200 lb normal people)

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Its a good deal sounds like all it needs is a $10 teather...or worst case a $50 teather post.

Ski-doo is right...although 10mins and you'll wonder why you didnt own one sooner.

 

[SeadooDavid]

Hey guys,
I appreciate all the advice. I was excited about the ski after everyone starting talking about how fast and nimble they are. Unfortunately, the seller started acting funny and then refused to do a water test so I had to pass on it. I went ahead and bought a 96 GTI instead. I’ve already changed the fuel lines and cleaned the carburetors. All that’s left to do is replace the missing front bumper and fine tune the carbs and it should be ready. We’ve been discussing picking up a second ski and a double trailer so I may end up getting an XP for myself and the GTI can be for the family. We’ll have to wait and see.

 

[ocod]

Hey guys,
I appreciate all the advice. I was excited about the ski after everyone starting talking about how fast and nimble they are. Unfortunately, the seller started acting funny and then refused to do a water test so I had to pass on it. I went ahead and bought a 96 GTI instead. I’ve already changed the fuel lines and cleaned the carburetors. All that’s left to do is replace the missing front bumper and fine tune the carbs and it should be ready. We’ve been discussing picking up a second ski and a double trailer so I may end up getting an XP for myself and the GTI can be for the family. We’ll have to wait and see.

Then you'd be like me and SeaDooLou.