Advice before buying 1999 GS

[OutlawBiz]

Alright, I have been contemplating purchasing my first pwc. I have a line on a 1998 GTX Ltd (3 seater) w/ 245hrs (but info in another thread has me concerned about 115 compression).

Another used ski I am looking at is a 1999 GS (2 seater) with "low" hours...owner guessed 60-80hrs. And it has been owned by "middle-aged" people with a lake home that just had it to motor around the lake.

Questions are:
1) Will the 99 GS pull small (5yr old) kids on a tube or is that motor too small?
2) What would "acceptable" compression be on this motor if I have him check it for me?
3) Any other questions / concerns I shoudl ask about it?

I like the idea of the larger GTX 3 seater with larger motor for pulling tube etc. But have had concerns raised about it's motor. Just wondering if I would regret buying a smaller (but newer) GS 2 seater!?

The GS is supposedly in immaclate condition...but is it too "small".

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bills86e]

Ride before U Buy. LET THE OWNER BEWARE!!!!!!

 

[stevethegas]

ive got a 98 gtx limited and a friend of mine has the a 98 gs i find the 98 gtx very fast loads of grunt for towing and are relatively stable the gs is just as quick off the mark and the top end speed is about the same (a little slower if truth be told but not by much) the gs can run all day on the tank of fuel but the gtx runs dry in about 3 hours ! although the gs has two seats its really a single seater but is much more agile then the gtx.

the 97 gtx which i also have is a good comprise it runs all day on a full tank and has seating for two/three and also is the same speed as the gs top speed again is a little more but not by much

hope this helps

bills86e is tottally right make sure you ride before you buy and why not try them both out

 

[OutlawBiz]

Thanks Stevethegas!

Great info! The '98 GTX is/was my 1st choice due to 3seater, larger motor, digital infocenter etc. However, after learning of its 245+ hours, rebuild (but owner doens't know what kind or how much) and 115 compression...other members on her have got me a bit spooked about the possibilty of that motor taking a dump on me shortly after getting it! I don't want or need that headache or expense. Local SeaDoo dealers/mechanics said 115 compression is within range (low but within) of acceptable. Members on here say NO WAY...RUN!

Family friend has a VERY GENTLY used '99 GS for $500 less than the '98 GTX. Like I mentioned...low hours -owner said he maybe has 10hrs on it in the past 5 years! His kids are grown and has no use for it anymore.

'98 GTX was most likely an auction purchase by current owner making me suspicious as to why it was at auction to begin with. '99 is original owner.

99 GS owner is going to have compression test done on it today and let me know. Anyone know what acceptable compression is on this motor/age!?

 

[stevethegas]

a ideal compression would be around 150psi mark. dont forget many use auctions to sell as it can be a way of getting a item sold at the best price possible so i wouldnt let that put you off, fyi my gtx has a new engine rebuild done and has simular compression but runs great. hits 55 mph no problem the gs might be the better option out of the two. me personally i would keep looking for a low hour well maintained gtx limited but i like the larger skis. the gs is a fantastic bit of kit loads of fun but i have no idea what it tows like, i would imagine it would be differcult to tow due to being a light machine

 

[OutlawBiz]

Thred CLOSED! Bought this ski...compression test showed 145 on each cylinder...unit only has about 50 original hours on it. Looks like just rolled out of the showroom. Thanks for the advice!