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

1997 XP & SPX “restoration”

I have no idea what I’m doing.

Last summer, we went out on the lake with a buddy. He had a pontoon and two jet skis. Kids & everyone had a great time and started asking if we could get jet skis. I’m semi-mechanically inclined…or just dumb enough to start taking things apart, so I figured used skis would be best. And I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on something I’m not sure we’ll get a lot of use out of. We’re about an hour from the lake.

Found a good deal ($1,000) for two skis and trailer. Guy said the skis had been in the water in 2025, so I figured the wouldn’t be that bad.

Then life laughed at me. From Sept to Jan, these two sat in the driveway. I ordered fuel lines but didn’t have time to touch them.

Last week I took them to WaveTech Motorsports in Dry Ridge KY. Paulie and Anthony went through both skis and gave me a report.

No maintenance had been done, so both needed vts bellows, carb rebuilds, fuel lines, rave rebuilds, spark plugs, fuel float, drain old fuel, wear ring, etc

The SPX also needed a new electrical box, seals.

The XP needs a top end and starter.

Paulie and Anthony went ahead and did the SPX. I’m going back out Wednesday to pick up both skis.

I don’t have a lot of pics, but I'm going to start taking off decals and cleaning up the SPX when it gets back. I’m also making a list of parts to start ordering for the XP. I plan to have them both in the water this summer.

Trailer also needs to be rewired and bunks need replaced.

I don't know what I'll end up doing with these, but I do hate the yellow.

IMG_4917.JPG
ski.jpg
 
1997 SPX

This one should be ready for the water (mechanically). Going to work on getting it cleaned up, remove the stickers, and see where it goes from there.

Carbs have been cleaned, fuel lines replaced, rear electrical box cleaned up, VTS bellow replaced (VTS doesn't work), wear ring was replaced, and the rave bellows were replaced.

IMG_6752.jpegIMG_6754.jpegIMG_6755.jpegIMG_6760.jpegIMG_6764.jpegIMG_6765.jpeg
 
1997 XP

I have carb rebuild kits and rave rebuild kits on the way. I'll be replacing the VTS bellow, fuel lines, and it's going to need a top end. I'm hoping to pull the cylinders and take a look at them this week/weekend. There's a small engine shop not far from me that can machine the cylinders if they need it.

IMG_6756.jpegIMG_6757.jpegIMG_6753.jpegIMG_6758.jpegIMG_6759.jpegIMG_6761.jpeg
 
Back
Top