• This site contains eBay affiliate links for which Sea-Doo Forum may be compensated.

1996 or 1997 XP hull ????

Status
Not open for further replies.

Axkiker

New Member
Have a chance at either a 1996 or 1997 XP hull. As im sure you are aware the 97 is totally different with the suspemsion seat etc.

Is there any difference in the hull. Both are setup for the 787. Any preference?????
 
i'd say it depends, if you want a jumper, go with the 96, if you want a bit better ride, and a more carving type of riding, go with the 97 hull. i've been told that if you plan to do some serious jumping, you should disconnect the hood strut, as apparently it will break through the fiberglass due to the stress.
 
i'd say it depends, if you want a jumper, go with the 96, if you want a bit better ride, and a more carving type of riding, go with the 97 hull. i've been told that if you plan to do some serious jumping, you should disconnect the hood strut, as apparently it will break through the fiberglass due to the stress.

Out of curriosity why is the 97 a better ride... I thought the hulls were the same.

thanks
 
The 97XP is a completely different hull, the drive system is also different, two drive shafts and a transmission box thingy, a real PIA. Personally I think you should stay with the X4 hull and in 97 it's the SPX.

Lou
 
The 97XP is a completely different hull, the drive system is also different, two drive shafts and a transmission box thingy, a real PIA. Personally I think you should stay with the X4 hull and in 97 it's the SPX.

Lou

Good info.. Ill look into the 96 xp
 
honestly i don't find the drive system over complicated at all, its actually fairly simple and trouble free, the rear carrier probably requires greasing less often than the PTO boot on the x4 machines. from the carrier back, they're basically the same drive system as the rest of sea doo's fleet. i will say the storage is extremely limited and it is possibly even less stable than an x4 hull if you want to put two people on it, (seat sits up higher than x4 is probably the main reason).

the reason the 97 rides a bit smoother is that the hull is slightly longer and is narrower than the x4, so it doesn't bounce on the slightest wave like an x4 does. i could always tell when a seadoo was going by the house because it would be bouncing across the water in the slightest chop, and i could hear it banging against the rev limiter all the way across the lake.
 
It's simple. Those that love the x4 hull will recommend that. Those of us that love the Direct-action suspension and it's hull will recommend that. The choice ultimately has to be yours. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!
 
It's simple. Those that love the x4 hull will recommend that. Those of us that love the Direct-action suspension and it's hull will recommend that. The choice ultimately has to be yours. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

this is true
 
dollar wise either of them have a better resale value????

I definitely will be jumping but the thought of a better ride is nice as well. Decisions decisions.

I will say the 97 xp has a cool look
 
around here, the 96s get listed for anywhere from 1300-2500(!) and the 97s get listed from 1800-2800, but i'd bet that the selling price is about the same for a same condition ski from either one, but i bet you could unload the 96 for closer to asking in shorter time than you could with the 97, if that makes sense. the 97 was kinda an odd year and they only had the 787 for one year before the 951 came out, and on top of that it was a big change to the XP, and really nearly all seadoos that came before.
 
I believe Axkiker is looking for a hull to transfer the engine and electrical for a 96XP to. And since the 97XP is a different hull it you be much easier to use an X4 hull, that's all I'm saying, I'm not interested in getting into an argument which hull is better. Even though we all know the X4 is the better hull.:drool5:

Lou
 
I believe Axkiker is looking for a hull to transfer the engine and electrical for a 96XP to. And since the 97XP is a different hull it you be much easier to use an X4 hull, that's all I'm saying, I'm not interested in getting into an argument which hull is better. Even though we all know the X4 is the better hull.:drool5:

Lou

Well actually I ran across a 97 which has a bad engine but is complete. The 96 is just a hull. so I could do a swap with al of the stuff I have into the 96. Or just rebuild the 97 engine and its ready to go.

the 97 is 500.00 and the 96 hull is 100.00
 
They are both great and very different hulls. IMO, if your going with the newer parabolic XP hull I would go with a carb'd 951 model. The extra power is very noticeable.
 
Well actually I ran across a 97 which has a bad engine but is complete. The 96 is just a hull. so I could do a swap with al of the stuff I have into the 96. Or just rebuild the 97 engine and its ready to go.

the 97 is 500.00 and the 96 hull is 100.00

What all is in the 96 hull? If it has good electronics and a complete pump I'd buy it no matter what. You can easily resell them and make a profit.
 
What all is in the 96 hull? If it has good electronics and a complete pump I'd buy it no matter what. You can easily resell them and make a profit.

The 96 is stripped already... I just need a solid hull which I can title legally..

Looks like the 97 is a no go... I didnt realize how far it was from me.
 
They are both great and very different hulls. IMO, if your going with the newer parabolic XP hull I would go with a carb'd 951 model. The extra power is very noticeable.

Okay I think maybe I rushed to a decision .....

Anyways here is what im looking at... 1997 xp with 787 supposedly only needs a top end.. who knows really

I also can get a 96 hull which is stripped.

I have everything from a 97 spx which also had the 787 that I removed. The motor needs to be rebuilt and I have all the parts for it. I however do not know if the electronics are good

The 97 would have everything with it but would need the engine overhauled... No biggy I have the parts and would be able to verify the electronics were good.

500.00 for the 97 but drive 4.5 hrs one way
100 for the 96 and drive 2 hrs one way.

Any thoughts on what may be the better way to go. I know I can swap everything I have from the spx into the 96 xp but I dont know if electronics are good. It would be easier and cheaper to get the stripped hull

The 97 would have a motor which I know I could rebuild as I have another in pieces here at home with a complete rebuild kit. I could also verify the electronics work prior but would have to drive 4.5 hrs and spend additional $$
 
I bought my 97 "ran when parked, needs carbs cleaned" xp for 600 from my cousin who got it from his buddy for 500, so I'd say about half of what they're asking would be more appropriate
 
I hate to muddy the waters here, but I live in KY also. It's getting late in the season and if you wait another month or so you can pick up a bargain on a good running ski. Last Sept. I bought a great 96GSX (yes I know it's not the ski you're looking for) for $800.00. Great engine, great compression, 151 and 153, 76 hours. Body was dull but polished right up (it's the one in my avatar). I found it in southern Ohio.

Here's a before and after picture, it didn't look that bad when I brought it home. Prices should start dropping in a couple of weeks.

Lou
 

Attachments

  • 100_0454.JPG
    100_0454.JPG
    217.2 KB · Views: 20
  • 100_0471.JPG
    100_0471.JPG
    558.1 KB · Views: 20
  • 100_0479.JPG
    100_0479.JPG
    522.3 KB · Views: 19
Last edited by a moderator:
I like my 97 xp. The 787 is good enough for me to run around with...especially since my wife is riding a 580 gts :)

The 97 hull works pretty well on lake Erie...which gets pretty nasty on even calm days. It grabs really hard in turns...I tend to not be able to hold on while attempting new feats of jackassery :lol:

I agree that you might be able to find the hull cheaper, but if it's got the electronics and pump, those alone are almost worth the asking price.

I don't have much experience on the earlier xp hull, but I do see them skipping across the lakes quite often. They seem to jump wake pretty well.
 
Well, if you gutted a 97 SPX and have all good working parts besides the engine needing rebuilt then I would defintely go with a 96XP or another 97-99 SPX hull
 
based on what little info was there, assuming the 97 is ready to rock with everything else except the motor, i'd buy the 97, it will hold more value a 97 is always +3-400 over a 96 that compares. it will be less work, and then you can sell all the extra parts off once you get it running.
they are different hulls with different rides, the xp will jump waves better and do more "tricks" but it has a tiny gas tank, limited storage and for a new rider can be a bit of a bumpy ride on waves over a foot.
the 97 will handle chop better, carve better,but won't do many tricks, has a bigger gas tank, but for lake or ocean riding will serve you very well if there is more than a foot of wave action. However, as has been stated, its a bigger, heavier hull and the 787 really doesn't push it along very fast, its a bit underpowered, but if your a new rider you won't eve notice.
duly noted i've owned both, actually I have both in the garage right now, i'll be selling the 97 shortly it was a project,

I prefer the 96, but that's my riding style.

how many hulls/engines in your garage now? 3 ?
 
based on what little info was there, assuming the 97 is ready to rock with everything else except the motor, i'd buy the 97, it will hold more value a 97 is always +3-400 over a 96 that compares. it will be less work, and then you can sell all the extra parts off once you get it running.
they are different hulls with different rides, the xp will jump waves better and do more "tricks" but it has a tiny gas tank, limited storage and for a new rider can be a bit of a bumpy ride on waves over a foot.
the 97 will handle chop better, carve better,but won't do many tricks, has a bigger gas tank, but for lake or ocean riding will serve you very well if there is more than a foot of wave action. However, as has been stated, its a bigger, heavier hull and the 787 really doesn't push it along very fast, its a bit underpowered, but if your a new rider you won't eve notice.
duly noted i've owned both, actually I have both in the garage right now, i'll be selling the 97 shortly it was a project,

I prefer the 96, but that's my riding style.

how many hulls/engines in your garage now? 3 ?

LOL yes there are 3 now.. I have a guy coming to pick up one this weekend though. I have found it fairly lucrative to part these things out. Now if I would stop fooling with all of that I could take the time to fix one for myself.
 
787 powered 97xp are a little underpowered compared to 96 787's and xpl's with 951's....

Scott
Uh, I do not agree with the first part of this. I run along or away from 96 XPs all the time with my 97 - 787. Especially if there is any chop in the water. I agree with the part about the 951s though.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top