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What to watch out for when buying a JetBoat?

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MrMoonPie

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Well I may be getting a new jet boat, moving over from a 1995 Seadoo Speedster to maybe a 2005 Seadoo Speedster 200. Curious as to what to look out for on these. From what I have gathered the supercharger is a big thing that needs reasonably constant attention, I planned on rebuilding them no matter what as he is unsure when they were last rebuilt. Also curious as to what the compression on each cylinder should be. Anything else I should really look for? Thanks!
 
Compression on a 2 stroke should be 150psi, 4 stroke I believe is about 125-130psi.

Ask the buyer to show you shop receipts for the SC overhaul to steel washers instead of the ceramic ones. If he can't then rebuilt it.

Take it for a test ride too.
 
The 4tec engines are very reliable if taken care of. Seadoo did have a few issues with some engine parts, especially the supercharged versions.

Seems like you understand the supercharger issues. They simply need to be maintained on a regular basis to avoid problems.

Seadoo did have some problems with hollow sodium filled exhaust valves before 2008 (not exactly sure about the date, so don't take my word for it). There were issues with either the metal used or how they were welded together. Either way, on supercharged engines the valve heads have a tendency to break off while the engine is running. It is a bigger problem with boats used in salt water, probably due to accelerated corrosion. It is recommended to have the valves replaced before they destroy your engine.

Seadoo also had some problems with timing chains as well. Not sure what years were affected, but I recall some of the later models 2010-ish. You'll have to dig a little deeper for more information about that.

Any idea how many hours on the engines?

Other than those few things, if the boat was well maintained and it does well on a sea trial you should have a good boat. Be sure to take a good look at the jet pumps and make sure there are no cavitation issues. If you have any other specific questions about these 4tec's post back and we'll do what we can to help.
 
The 4tec engines are very reliable if taken care of. Seadoo did have a few issues with some engine parts, especially the supercharged versions.

Seems like you understand the supercharger issues. They simply need to be maintained on a regular basis to avoid problems.

Seadoo did have some problems with hollow sodium filled exhaust valves before 2008 (not exactly sure about the date, so don't take my word for it). There were issues with either the metal used or how they were welded together. Either way, on supercharged engines the valve heads have a tendency to break off while the engine is running. It is a bigger problem with boats used in salt water, probably due to accelerated corrosion. It is recommended to have the valves replaced before they destroy your engine.

Seadoo also had some problems with timing chains as well. Not sure what years were affected, but I recall some of the later models 2010-ish. You'll have to dig a little deeper for more information about that.

Any idea how many hours on the engines?

Other than those few things, if the boat was well maintained and it does well on a sea trial you should have a good boat. Be sure to take a good look at the jet pumps and make sure there are no cavitation issues. If you have any other specific questions about these 4tec's post back and we'll do what we can to help.

I will look into the exhaust valves. He told me there are a little over 80 hours on it. I have yet to check out the boat, but the pictures it looks to be in pretty good shape!
 
09 is better for everything. If it has a SC'r it should have metals washers, not ceramoc, and as you mentioned, no valve issues.
 
This may be a dumb question, but how do you take compression on these motors? I have only ever dealt with two strokes or one cylinder four strokes. Do they have like grounding poles for the spark plug caps?
 
Disconnect coils and remove them, Remove plugs. Insert compression tester and spin engine over.

You can also hold throttle wide open and it will not start and run.
 
Your welcome.
When do you pick it up? Post up some pictures when you can.

I will! Pick it up this upcoming Friday! If everything is in good shape of course! Curious about driving style, I currently own a 1995 Seadoo Speedster. How will the 2009 compare? Obviously I will get a hang for it when I get on the water with it, but is there anything I should not do in the 2009 that I could do in the 1995? Like full speed 360's and what not? Would just hate to ruin the boat because of something like that.

Edit: I apologize very much! I did not realize I was in the PWC section! Mods if you want to remove you can, I will be asking my questions in the jetboat forum instead!
 
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