1996 SeaDoo Sportster

[Dill2653]

I just joined this forum because I am looking into getting a jet boat. I have been researching forever and finally found a good starter boat, that my friends dad is selling, a 1996 Sportster. He told me he would sell me it for $1000. He said the seats are alittle torn and when he first put it in the water this year it seemed to be sputtering alittle.... Im thinking the carbs need a good clean and some fresh gas. Im going to take a look at it tomorrow and possibly going to put down a deposit. What kind of questions should I ask and what should I look for that could make the buy a horrible decision.
Thanks for the help!
-Dylan

 

[cheappc]

I think its a great deal! Even if you spent $995 on a new rebuilt engine with warranty, its still a great deal at $1995...

 

[Dr Honda]

Yup... good price. It will cost you about $450 to get new upholstery, and a few days worth of labor, and it will look like a new boat.

If you do get it, and need the upholstery done... go here and tell him Dr Honda sent you from this board. His prices are good.

http://www.seadooupholstery.com/

FYI... A sportster in very good condition will sell for about $4k. You will have a good looking, good running boat for less than $2500. (assuming you rebuild the engine, and the pump)

 

[JoeZ]

There are a lot of things that you need to check on that boat to make sure it is worth the money, even at that low of the price.

The fact that he is a family friend gives him more reputability, but he might not know of other issues.

Is he willing to give you a sea trial in the boat? That can go a long way into telling you the issues.

Despite the boat only being $1,000, anticipate putting at least double that into the boat to get it ready to play. With a $3,000 budget in mind, you should be decently set to go with the boat, assuming there are no game-changing issues.


AND GOOD LUCK!! Let us know how it goes.

 

[phough5757]

Test!

Compression Test!
Kustomkarl has some threads on the Forum about testing the Compression
in the Cylinders.
Good Luck!

 

[parrothd]

As long as the mpem works(the key and turn overs over with the key attached) you're getting a good deal on a sportster, plan on a new SBT engine, $1000 and new seats for $450ish.....

You'll have a almost new boat for cheap..