And the story goes...

[MikeP71979]

...like this! (sorry for the novel) I appreciate your time and opinions!

Earlier this evening, I was speaking with my brother-in-laws friend. He purchased a 1996 SeaDoo Challenger, and used it for however long. So-far this is what I know. At some point, a large enough rock was sucked into the jet drive to cause a catastrophic failure. Impeller, Engine??, Etc. Up to that point it was sound in all respects. He had originally planned to just trade in the motor for a rebuild, using the old for a core. But having kids kind of messed that plan up, so he is just purging his toys/projects and moving on with fixing up the house. His loss is my gain, as I could take this for "free".

Here's the catch. He had a "mechanic" friend of his take the engine out. The engine bay is a mess! All parts where placed into boxes as removed – ""should" have everything required to re-assemble." It has been sitting outside for quite a few years, but nothing a good power washing wont fix. I think. It will need: a new engine, a jet drive rebuild(many new parts for this already purchased), a new trailer, or welding work on the "old" one. Some other small repair work: broken hinges, torn/mildewed seats, etc.

Is this worth my time and effort? I can see it being a great "toy" to have! I'm very mechanically inclined. Can I do most/all of this work myself?

Thoughts, opinions, ideas, suggestions?

Thanks people!
Mike P

 

[phough5757]

Jump on It!!!

And have a Good time doing it. You'll be glad You did.

 

[MikeP71979]

And have a Good time doing it. You'll be glad You did.

Thanks for the advise man!

22 post views and 1 reply, there must be a lot of "lurkers" around here! C'mon people, point me in the right direction!

Mike

 

[jshaley]

2 cents

Well, do you have an idea how much the replacement engine and other parts will cost you? Is that cost more than the market value of the boat? If so, are you sure you will wish to keep it and use it for a while or take the loss on the sale? Do you think of rebuilding an engine as a chore or as a hobby? I mean if you like to tinker, and can get a cheap power plant it seems great. If you really just want to get on the water you may wish to shop around and purchase something running. But if you rebuild it, piece by piece, it is really your boat - you know everything about it and it could be a great toy.

Also, say you do the rebuild. You will learn a few things and may be able to later on make some spare change helping mechanically challenged people (like myself).

I am building a sail boat. Not because it is the quickest, cheapest way to get on the water. But rather as two hobbies mated together - woodworking and sailing. The pride in the end product should off set the additional expense somewhat.

No sound advice there, just sharing my two cents.

John

 

[cjb]

Boat is free. Go for it. However, know that you will spend about 2k to get it back on the water. Motor alone is bout $800 (single engine) if you swap it for a rebuild one. Then carb kit can be about $100 plus $50 for a gauge to test it. You need to check if steering, shift and throttle cables are in good shape as they are no longer been produce and are hard to get. The MPEM (computer) is one of the critical items. I suggest you get a battery connected and see if at least it gives you the two beeps when you put the key on it. In addition, you might want to open it up and see if what condition is in. Pump no big deal. Impeller can be rebuilt and ware ring replaced. The seats can be taken to upholster or just do it your self as long as the foam are good. There is person on ebay that sells the pre-cut cover for round $300. You will probably need new rubber and new hubs with bearings for the trailer. Do not go out with out servicing the wheel bearings or you will find out the hard way what happens just as I did.

 

[ssmedt]

I think that it depends on if you have the time and money to restore the boat. You said that your brother-in-law has a mechanic friend who has torn the boat down; is he a seadoo mechanic who you could pay to also put it back together? with your first post i am assuming you have a small (14.5 ft) challenger like myself and that it is a single 787cc engine (i have the twin 720cc) the single engine would be cheaper to rebuild but really since you are getting the hull for free as long as you have some cash to restore it these small boats are a blast out on the water

 

[MikeP71979]

After 110 views and only 5 replies, I'm kinda disappointed. I figured I would get more of a response. Ah well.

Thanks alot to those of you who offered ideas and suggestions! It's looking like I'm going to have a boat sooner than later. Hopefully it won't be too long before she sees the water!

Mike

 

[gravitydrno]

I wanted a boat and to keep things cool on the home front and to assist with ending up with the "right" boat when the time came to buy new I bought a 1996 Speedster. After a thorough search I came to the conclusion there was always a "better" boat for "just a little more" but chose a cheaper one needing work with the mind set that even those "better" boats could end up with needing costly repairs. Went in cheaper and putting money into it I have comfort in knowing which parts have been repaired or replaced and thus reducing surprise when something does go.

I say do it! These boats are a blast, you'll enjoy it when you finally get it on the water.

Took the before pics yesterday, got the boat cleaned and the new Hydro Turf installed today, back to the water tomorrow!

Good luck and have fun.

 

[tarheelracer]

I would pass unless you just want to tinker. All told, I would guess you'll spend at least 5 grand on everything plus a ton of work, to end up with a 12 year old boat.

 

[gravitydrno]

That is correct BUT in my area a "decent" 1996-1998 is running close to $5K and OP would end up with a newly rebuilt, mechanically sound boat where buying might leave him in the position so many end up in- having major repairs needed right after buying.

 

[MikeP71979]

I would pass unless you just want to tinker. All told, I would guess you'll spend at least 5 grand on everything plus a ton of work, to end up with a 12 year old boat.

I would not call major systems repairs, "tinkering". Seems a lot of people like to throw this word around.

Where did you come up with 5 grand? Considering the premium rebuilt motor is 1100 or 1200 I can't remember. Still have a long way to go to get to 5 grand. By all means, itemize your calculations for me.

At this point, I would go with CJBs estimate of about 2 grand...

Thanks again everyone for offering your advise!

Mike

 

[Squidoo]

Please take your trailer to a professional welder, and preferably a trailer manufacturer who has a welding repair shop as a side business. It doesn't take too large of a piece of metal falling off at 70 mph to kill somebody on the highway. As simple as trailers are, there is stuff that you need to know for safety, that maybe a good welder who has little trailer experience might not even think to ask about.

 

[MikeP71979]

Please take your trailer to a professional welder, and preferably a trailer manufacturer who has a welding repair shop as a side business. It doesn't take too large of a piece of metal falling off at 70 mph to kill somebody on the highway. As simple as trailers are, there is stuff that you need to know for safety, that maybe a good welder who has little trailer experience might not even think to ask about.

Squidoo, I agree 100%! That goes without question.

I have decided the original trailer would be too costly to have fixed. In all honesty, even if it was fixed, I would still consider it to be a safety hazard. I'm looking for a new/used trailer at this point(that won't kill my wallet).

Mike

 

[tarheelracer]

$1200 motor
$300 miscellaneous install items (oil, new fasteners, replacing parts that aren't going to be there since the boat currently is in pieces)
$500 for pump and related parts
$1000 trailer
$100 battery
$600 interior
$500 new cover and top
$200 coast guard stuff, life jackets, docking ropes, anchor.....
$200 Tax,title, tags, 1st months insurance
$??? Micellaneous junk that won't be working, gauges, bilge pump, radio, speakers, lighting, trim items, tube, ski's, rope, gps/depthfinder
There ya go $4600+. Rough estimate, take it or leave it.

Tinker = one who enjoys experimenting with and repairing machine parts
Not sure what the attitude is for, just trying to help you out with my opinion. My experience, anytime you buy something that is in pieces, its gonna cost a lot more than you expect to put it back together, and if you really want it you're gonna use the low estimate to determine what you think it will cost, because that is what you WANT it to cost.

 

[MikeP71979]

$1200 motor
$300 miscellaneous install items (oil, new fasteners, replacing parts that aren't going to be there since the boat currently is in pieces)
$500 for pump and related parts
$1000 trailer
$100 battery
$600 interior
$500 new cover and top
$200 coast guard stuff, life jackets, docking ropes, anchor.....
$200 Tax,title, tags, 1st months insurance
$??? Micellaneous junk that won't be working, gauges, bilge pump, radio, speakers, lighting, trim items, tube, ski's, rope, gps/depthfinder
There ya go $4600+. Rough estimate, take it or leave it.

Tinker = one who enjoys experimenting with and repairing machine parts
Not sure what the attitude is for, just trying to help you out with my opinion.

No attitude tarheel. You gave me your opinion and I gave you mine. I do appreciate it though. Seems like a plausible estimate. I'm hoping very much that it's well under that figure!

Mike