Why'd they change???

[launboy]

I have a '94 XP and a '96 XP. The '94 VTS seems far superior as far as I'm concerned. The motor and electronics are located up in front by the handle bars with a cable(much like the steering cable) leading back to the fitting on the back where it simply has a shaft on the end that moved the nozzle. Why did they go away from this? No boot to tear, and no electronics or motor anywhere near the water.

Adam

 

[Dennis]

Unless you flip the ski!! Those skis' tend to flip alot.

 

[launboy]

Thought about that, but the stuff is still incased in plastic and has drainage. Is that(getting wet when flipped) the reason they changed design?

Adam

 

[launboy]

Here's a picture so you can see what I'm talking about. The pink thing is the gauge/support for the vts and is mounted on the opposite side from the gas cap.



Adam

 

[Dr Honda]

Because....

1) people didn't like letting go of the bar to adjust it
2) People wanted a gauge that was easy to see.
3) It got rid of a cable that was known to bind or rust internally.
4) You could still get water into it if you flip.


Let's face it... there is no perfect system... but if you check the boot once in a while, it's not a big deal. Also... I pop the cover of my 96's VTS every other ride, to make sure there isn't any water in it. It's not a big deal... and it will live forever if you are proactive in your maintenance. The VTS motor can run wet for a very long time. SO... if you check it every few rides, you will find the problem before it happens.


Personally, I think it shoud have been 100% manual. It would be reliable, and WAY cheaper to produce. BUT... this is exactly why JetSki's are no longer "Water Go-Karts". People wanted all the Gucci pimp crap. Now they are legit "Water Motorcycles" with an a$$ load of electronic junk.

 

[launboy]

Letting go of bar? It's controlled by the same style buttons as the newer ones. All the other points are valid though. True about the maintenance on the newer VTS's. The boot on my new GSXL is all torn up so I'm pretty sure it'd full of water. I'll see when I get home. Hopefully the electronics aren't fried yet.

SeaDoo must think it's a good design because they're still running the same VTS's on the new skis with trim. Not surprisingly, they have just as many water logging problems as the older skis do.

I'm with you there on getting rid of the electronics. My friends Yami GP1300r has a manual trim. squeeze a trigger on the left hand grip and twist and you're done. Much cheaper, simpler, and more reliable. I can't wait to see what all these new ski's are looking/running like in 15 years. I doubt they'll be as good off as our mid-90's Doo's are, with all their electronics.

Adam

 

[Dr Honda]

Sorry.... there were a few that the gas cap looking thing had the switch in it.

The dumb thing about the newer VTS is why do the seal it on the inside? If there was a drain hole in the housing it would be fine. That way... if water was coming in the boot, the water would drain into the bilge, and get sucked out via the balers. I guess SeaDoo's thought was that if the housing was sealed, the water wouldn't come in.

 

[bigJake]

Doc, would it make sense then to just drill a hole in the VTS housing?

 

[Dr Honda]

Doc, would it make sense then to just drill a hole in the VTS housing?

I've been debating on doing that. If... there is a drain, the electronics stay dry... but now, the water could flow in easier.

What we need to do is put a barbed fitting on the bottom, with a clear hunk of hose. If water is coming in... you will have a quick visual of it. OR... we need to put a little drain plug in it, so you can just open the plug to see if there is a problem.

I guess it's not a big deal. If it causes an issue, I could put a screw in the hole to plug it.

 

[LouDoo]

I know that this is a little off topic, but I think the question has been asked and answered.

Anyway I've been thinking about drilling a hole in the rear elec. box as well, I can't seem to keep the water out, at least the water would drain out. About a 1/4" hole and put a rubber plug in it.

Lou

 

[launboy]

Having the switch on the cap would be annoying. I agree with you and have had the same thought. Drilling a hole would ensure it doesn't fill with water, but then water inside the hull could get in. Though I wonder how much water would actually get into that hole. I think if the water inside the ski was filled up to the VTS housing you've got bigger issues. I can't imagine the amount of water that could ever get in from sloshing around would amount to anything significant, and if you slathered some die-electric grease on the motor you'd be even more protected. A short hose like you said, but left uncovered, would allow water to drain out easily, but would probably provide enough of an indirection in the path to keep a splash from getting back up it.

Adam

 

[launboy]

Easy test to see if waters getting in after the hole is drilled in a known dry VTS would be to tape some paper towel or something on the bottom near the hole. If it's dry after the ride your good, if not, time to reconsider the design.

Adam