About to pick up my 08 GTX 215

[wawawrx]

Hey guys, i just purchased a new 08 GTX with the Supercharged 4-tec 215 hp motor this weekend... and it'll be ready for me wednesday morning, i can't be more excited. I've been riding skis (renting) for about 4 years and i finally convinced my parents that "our family needs one". That aside, i was wondering a few things...
1: is there any do's and don'ts that my marina might not know/tell me with a new ski?
2: is there a break in period? if so, how long?
3: basic upgrades... what's recommended and what isn't?
4: i saw the RIVA stage'd kits... would these void my 5 year warranty on my ski?

i'm new to ski's, but i'm certainly not new to speed and mechanics, i drive a 2008 Subaru WRX that is currently stage 2, so aside from terminology i don't see working on this ski to be a mystery

thanks guys!!

 

[cbjrumble]

I think just about anything you do to the engine on those 4 strokes is going to void your warranty. Not positive though.

I think you can do things like ride plate, intake grate, prop adjustments without voiding your warranty but I highly doubt the engine itself.

That thing is already going to be one of the fastest things around.

There is almost for certain a break in period and its probably around 10 hours or so. The dealer should tell you this.

 

[wawawrx]

it was the same thing with my car, and i pretty much did void my warranty. caught a break from the dealer when my synchros in my gearbox blew out... they were nice about it and covered it under a "one time good faith" move. what are the perks of the ride plate/intake grate?

i haven't spoken to the dealer actually, this was kind of a spur of the moment purchase my family made... can anyone define "break in"? the subaru was under 4k RPM for 1000 miles... that felt like forever.

 

[cbjrumble]

Not sure if it applies to your ski but Im pretty sure this is pretty standard with Seadoos.

With Bombardier-Rotax® watercraft engines, a break-in period is required before operating the engine at full throttle. Engine manufacturer recommendation is about 10 operating hours.

During this period, maximum throttle should not exceed 3/4, however, brief acceleration and speed variations contribute to a good break-in. Continued wide open throttle accelerations, prolonged cruising speeds and overloading the engine are detrimental during the break-in period.

I wouldn't go much over half throttle the first couple hours.

 

[hitman782]

I am still on the break in on mine, used the learning keys for the first few hours, which i found out you shouldnt do, since you want to get the full range. I would say it would be ok for the first 2 hours, since it limits your RPM at about 5000, will put you in the 30-35mph range, and you get a good feel of the lowspeed characteristics of the ski. If this is your first ski, this will be a good idea. Watch the video that comes with it. I am not sure how much you know about the rules of the water, but it goes over the basics. When you do switch over to the yellow keys, get used to the turning radius and speed changes again, because it performs completley different than with the learning keys. Acceleration is harder, turns are tighter, and when you do get it up to speed(50-60mph), dont let go of the throttle, slowley let it down, or brace yourself, as it slows down pretty quick with no power pushing it(alsmost enough that if you arent expecting it, you may go for a swim) Break in period is 10 hours, your ski will tell you when you need to do your 10 hour maintenence on it.


If you want to do upgrades, and dont care about voiding your warranty, tell the dealer you want the additional rebate in place of the 5 year warranty, should save you $600 - $800, maybe even more now. To be honest, you have a lot of power thats under your butt, more than enough so that when you see a most other ski's go by you in the oposite direction, you can turn around, hit the throttle, and pass them in little time. You will know what you are dealing with the first time you try out a whole shot, and hold it. I will give you one tip when you try it, get your footing ready and hang on.

Make sure you keep your sales reciept on you in a plastic bag(ziplock) until you get your tags. If your running in salt water, make sure to flush and clean it well, lube it up. Take care of her, and she will take care of you. =) I dont know how busy it is where you will be taking it out, but always keep your head on a swivel, and attach the lanyard right to your vest, not around your wrist. Have fun and be safe.

 

[wawawrx]

DE requires you to have a coast gaurd issued license to operate PWC's... i've had mine for 5 years (we have a pontoon) and i know exactly what you mean by "head on a swivel". most people around here and weekenders or renters that SHOULD not be on the water... and i'm aware of that. The second i hit 10 hours i'll try the first whole shot... might have to strap myself to the ski

 

[stripesace]

I broke mine in hard. I varied all over the place the first 1-2 hours. Lot of quick accelerations slow 10 min curises stepping up in RPMS. After 4 hours I started playing around more in the higher < 3/4 throttle areas. At 5 hours I called a service manager friend of mine who had me look at a few hoses and then said if those aren't leaking - check ehre blah blah -no - your good to go. So for the last 5 hours of the break I rode it pretty hard, but kept my WOT time minimal. When they did the inspection the service guy said that's one of the cleaner break-ins he's seen in a while, and I must have done my homework on how to do it.